does bike fit change over time?
07-30-07, 11:05 AM
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does bike fit change over time?
I've read and heard the expression "more stretched out" in terms of riding position, as you get used to a road bike coming from a hybrid/mountain bike background. My LBS said I will probably want to lower my bars over time, could this riding position evolve into a different bike fit and maybe a different size bike eventually?
07-30-07, 11:18 AM
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Different bike fit - Yes.
Different bike - No, fit can usually be adjusted by different size/angle stem or setback seat post, etc. I guess you could evaluate how much more flexibility you would have to gain to force you to buy a larger frame. You would have to decide if you could achieve that much more flexibility for the larger frame before buying it instead of one that fits best now. I don't think that is something you can plan for.
Different bike - No, fit can usually be adjusted by different size/angle stem or setback seat post, etc. I guess you could evaluate how much more flexibility you would have to gain to force you to buy a larger frame. You would have to decide if you could achieve that much more flexibility for the larger frame before buying it instead of one that fits best now. I don't think that is something you can plan for.
07-30-07, 01:18 PM
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I can say that as I have gotten less aerodynamic and flexible with middle age, I have raised the stem to decrease the bar-saddle drop to about an inch or so. Raising and lowering position is usually easily done on the same bike frame, assuming that the frame fit you well in the first place.
07-30-07, 01:40 PM
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I've removed stem spacers, flipped the stem, moved the seat back a bit, etc. Nothing extreme though. It's been a gradual change for me.
07-30-07, 01:45 PM
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Neither your body nor your fitness are static. Why should bike not change as well?
07-30-07, 03:06 PM
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I say yes. This year my body has changed, I am no longer as flexible as I was last year. Be open for changes. As you ride more, you may get more flexible and be able to take a more aggressive position. Some basic things such as seat height won't change much.
07-30-07, 05:32 PM
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Your position will change over the years with changes in body shape, fitness, riding style, and even position "fashion" (like the tipped up bars/hoods that became popular in mid 90s).
Don't get into the mentality that you can't ride well if something changes. This will keep you open to position improvement and experiments along the way. Be a flexible and adaptable athlete who can lay down the power on any machine with pedals.
Don't get into the mentality that you can't ride well if something changes. This will keep you open to position improvement and experiments along the way. Be a flexible and adaptable athlete who can lay down the power on any machine with pedals.
