ohlins8990

Looking for some critique on how my fit looks. Still having some saddle discomfort issues and wondering if it's just a matter of finding the right saddle, or if there is something else triggering the issue. I also tend to get numb hands on longer rides (30+ mile), but think it is just because I'm not moving my hands around enough. Thanks in advance for feedback.


Can't post imagesdue to post count, please take the space out for pictures.

https://imgur.com/VQHEGCs


https://imgur.com/S6sjJn6

IK_biker

Looks like you could use a longer stem, besides that the (effective) top tube is way too short given your torso & arm length.

TL;DR version: this bike is too small for you.

Carbonfiberboy 

The frame looks too small from what I can see in the photos. Move your saddle back until your hands feel light on the bars. Ignore KOPS - knee over pedal spindle. Just reduce the weight on your hands. You will probably need a setback seatpost if you don't already have one. Then increase the length of your stem until your upper arms are at a right angle to your torso. And while looking at that, roll your hips forward so that your lower back is as flat as you can get it, instead of rounded like in the photos. That will move your shoulders forward and show you that you need an even longer stem. You look all scrunched up now.

ohlins8990

Guess I'm a bit more long torso'd than I thought. This frame has a 571mm effective top tube and 73 deg STA. Bikegeo.net is putting stack and reach at 582 and 392 at the frame, and I'm running a 120mm stem. I went ahead and ordered a 140mm stem, and I have plenty of room to move the saddle back.

Based on some powerpoint olympics, to get my upper arm at a 90 deg angle would take something like 100mm more effective top tube. Kinda wondering what frames have the longer reach/effective top tube without increasing the stack a ton.

Appreciate the feedback.

Carbonfiberboy 

I was looking at that head tube and thinking, "Huh, that's sure a long head tube on such a small bike." But no, you're just a big guy. Those cranks look silly short on you, too. Is that a 58cm?

As far as the head tube goes, I don't know. I have a riding buddy who's 6'5". He had a custom TI frame made 15 or so years ago. 200mm cranks are a bit too short for him

ohlins8990

Its advertised as a 55cm due to the compact geometry, but matches pretty close to most company’s 58. They do offer one size bigger, but the stack was pretty tall on it. I asked for 170mm cranks since that what my previous bike had. It also must’ve had a lower BB because I havent had the pedal scraping problems on the new bike.

Curt d

OP...what area are you from?
There’s so much advice out there that may work for one and not the other. Get a proper fit from a reputable fitter. I have a buddy who tried to fit himself for years and was never happy. For years I told him to get a fit. He finally did and now enjoys riding. Getting into biking 3 yrs ago I have been to 3 fitters. The first was recommended and did a retul fit which sucked. The next just watched me on a cyclotrainer and it was great. I had an IT band issue over 55 miles and ended up in Austin,tx for a fit (I’m in IL) which immediately let me ride as far as I wanted.

ohlins8990

Central IL

Curt d

It would be a drive, but I’m 100% sure you would be super happy with Colin @ Cronometro in Madison,WI.
My buddies seat issues (and he bought a lot of them!) were cured with a fit.

woodcraft

I'd suggest getting larger toe clips, or spacing the current ones forward,

to get more of your foot on the pedal.

ohlins8990

Have the 140mm stem installed and seat moved back about 20mm. Still don't have all the weight off my hands, but doesn't hurt any worse either. Biggest issue is the rolling hips forward. I'm plenty flexible enough to do so, but can't because every saddle I've tried has not gotten the weight off places where weight shouldn't be when rolled that far forward (definitely compressing nerves/blood supply). Short of tilting them way forward and really loading up my arms, I'm not sure where to go.

Definitely interested in good places for bike fits around IL. WI might be a reach unless I can find some other excuse to go up there...maybe when it warms up or something.

Carbonfiberboy 

There's a saddle for everyone, you just have to find it. The Selle SMP works for many people, though certainly not for me. See: https://www.bikeforums.net/20117398-post10.html

Sounds like your position is better anyway. You don't really want all the weight off your hands, just enough so that you aren't always pushing back with your arms.

ohlins8990

Selle SMP Drakon is what is under my butt in those original pictures. One of the better ones Ive tried, but definitely not where I want to be for much more than an hour or so.

fietsbob

Adequate for a JRA/Touring/Audax posture to my eye.. you may have a more aggressive full race posture in mind, perhaps?