Old 07-02-19, 06:55 PM
  #21  
Carbonfiberboy 
just another gosling
 
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Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Everett, WA
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Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004

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OK, so self-fitting. Maybe the first thing is to go back to the LBS and buy a multi-tool or maybe a couple separate tools which will allow you to reach and fit into everything you need to adjust.

A nice little primer on drop bar and brifter (combi brake and shifter) placement and adjustment is here: Drop Bar Hand Positions: an Introduction Make yours look like the photos.

Next, saddle height. Simplest thing is to get going on the bike, then put one of your heels on the pedal and pedal that way either backwards or forward for a bit, Your leg should be completely straight at the bottom of the pedal stroke with your heel barely touching the pedal.

Saddle angle: put a level on the saddle and adjust it so that the spot on the saddle your butt occupies is level.

Saddle fore-and-aft: sitting on the bike - maybe leaning against a wall - with the pedals level, drop a plumb bob from the bony protuberance below your knee. It should intersect the center of your pedal axle. Move the saddle until that's so. You can use a nut and string or anything for the plumb bob. This measurement doesn't have to be all that accurate. If you have to move the saddle, go back and redo the saddle height step.

Stem length: after all the above has been done, sit on the bike with a mirror beside you. Grab the brifter hoods in your normal riding position and straighten your back as best you can. Your upper arms should make a 90° angle with your torso. If they don't, try to guess at a stem length that would make that true. You can move the hand toward the mirror forward or back until it looks right, then see how many centimeters you've moved it. Stems are remarkably inexpensive on Amazon.

So there, you've saved yourself some major money. A pro bike fitter won't do much more than you can do yourself by following these steps.
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