Noonievut

I thought the touring community would be a good place to post this...

I have a Surly Cross Check that I use for mixed surface rides, including credit card tours. Generally with any bike I’ve had, something related to comfort is less than ideal. On this bike, my back to my neck and arms are very comfortable, with the bar drop 3cm below the saddle and average reach, but the Selle Italia saddle was never comfortable. I recently put a Brooks Professional saddle on the bike, and when I was dialing in saddle height, fore and aft (and tilt) I ended up changing my stem to shorter and more upright, and now I’m very comfortable on the saddle. However, the cockpit feels cramped. Initially the bike feels so comfortable, but after 45 minutes I get some discomfort in my neck and arms. When I put a longer and lower stem on the bike the saddle is less comfortable and I can feel some pressure down below.

So I want to ride more upright but want to dial in reach and bar height.

Thoughts on reach vs. Bar height and where to make adjustments? What’s your experience with feeling cramped and did you resolve it.

Thanks!