The Cycling Thread

Well I have tried a comprehensive list of things to get it right for me.

When I first got it I flipped the stem from downward pointing to upward. As I felt I was to far over the front and it hurt my shoulders. Then I felt I was too far forward so I got an 80mm stem instead of the 120 it came with. Then my hands hurt on the hoods so I rotated the bars upward a bit. The discomfort then moved to the saddle so I tried a specialized avatar 155mm, then a selle royal gel flow thingy and I now have a fizik aliante ocming from e-bay. I've done 106 miles this week and played with the settings a lot.

I'm now back onto the avatar for now but the bike has gone into the shop for a new BB as its clicking like mad. I will happily pay for a pro fitting on the bike if it doesnt get any better as I just want to ride further and further. I managed 60 milers last year but don't seem to be able to go that far at the moment.

The reason for wanting a new bike is comfort. I have read extensively that carbon and ti bikes are very soft and comfortable (compared to alu) and so I had hoped that spending £1500 on some top flight machinery would solve my problem!!

[fizzwheel]

Sounds like your problem isnt the frame material, its your position on the bike itself thats causing the discomfort.

Yes carbon and Ti will give a smoother ride, my LOOK is superb and damping out road noise and poor road surfaces compared to my Alu framed fixie.

Ok, well i've have a complete re jig and re set everything. I've read a lot about bike fit and using a plumb bob etc to check where your feet are on the cranks and how to get the seat height correct. I have six weeks off so hopefully will be able to get my settings right, do you have any helpful tips?

[fizzwheel]

Not really. I rely on how the bike feels. I had a bike fit done on my LOOK as it has an integrated seat post and setting the seat height involves cutting the seat tube.

I also like a very aggressive setup, i.e high seat and low bars.

This is my rule of thumb.

1. Set the saddle height so that when I am stood next to the bike, the saddle is roughly level with the top of my hip bone.

2. Then I set the bar height so that I have a bit of a bend in my forearm.

The other trick with seat height, is set so that if you sit on the bike, put your heel on a peddle and then straighten that leg, set your seat height so your leg is straight with it like that, and then you'll have a slight bent knee, when you are riding with cleats.

I have my bar angle set, so that I can have a straight line from the curve of the drops where it transitions from the flat to start of the curve into the drops, the flat across the top of brake hoods, ( where I spend most of my time ) is flat so my hand position is comfortable.

I have a turbo trainer so I tend to put my new bikes onto that and then tweak the position and then ride it on that for a bit and then tweak it.

I know if I can get comfortable on the turbo trainer I'll be comfortable when out on the road.

[fizzwheel]

Oh and try not to change a million things at one time. Otherwise you wont be able to evaluate the changes you've made.

Ok thanks for the help, I think I get the bike back monday with a new BB, i'll get fiddling. I might try an agressive set up for a change, maybe i'll like it now. To be honest I don't care what bike I ride as long as i'm riding one. I've lost 15 pounds in ten weeks and would like to drop another 30. I understand the food part, the nutrition etc. I just need to get comfortable so i can get a century in in the next 6 weeks.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Oh and try not to change a million things at one time. Otherwise you wont be able to evaluate the changes you've made.

Best piece of advice so far.

My saddle height hasn't changed in nearly 20years Neither has my handlebar width.

Saddles are always difficult to get right, I'm on a Fizik Aliante right now and its almost perfect.

Do your shorts have a good quality seat pad & do you ride commando

Cheap shorts are no good and the pads these days are really good

Do you use chamois cream, that also makes a difference

One of my mates rides with boxers under his lycra

Suppose its just in case he gets knocked off and gets taken to hospital

Yup decent shorts, commando, no chamois cream yet. But chafing isnt the problem its pressure points from saddle or grips.

I think its a matter of balance on the bike. One things for sure though, makes the hornet feel comfier

[maviczap]

Maviczap signs for Sky after training ride shows massive speed potential,check out my max speed.

move over Cav

Good effort.