For context, i have no idea what im doing when it comes to gravel riding. Ive got a mountain biking background. I have been a type 1 diabetic from the age of 5 and i do have a bit of nerve damage from poor control of my diabetes up until 6 or 7 years ago. Since then ive been very good at managing it so that could play a part in this.
Picked this up during covid when bikes were tough to come by. Im 5’8” and its a size small. I am at the max height felt recommends for a small.
At first i was getting a bit of numbness down below, lol you know what i mean. Got some padded shorts and fit with a new seat and that cleared up. But now ive been getting numbness in my hands.
Curious if anyone can look at this picture and tell me if anything looks off or what to try. I know i should probably get bike fitted but i just cant afford it at the moment.
Thank you so much in advance.
by plainjane187
11 Comments
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Bontrager double gel tape might help. I have it wrapped on top of regular tape (not on the drops though) and find it pretty comfy.
The bike is simply way too small.
If swapping this frame for a larger bike isn’t financially possible, get a 100-110 mm stem and swap that. But if you can afford it, sell this one and go to a couple bike shops to test ride bikes that fit you.
Also saddle too high, your leg is too straight
Seat needs to move back & lower. Stem needs to be longer, probably 100-110mm, possibly 120mm if your fit & flexible. Bars could probably drop down a bit depending on your flexibility & core strength. That stem looks shorter than stock as size small bikes typically have an 80 – 90mm stem.
I’m 5’9” and often between small & medium size frames for most brands. After decades of toiling thru trying to make medium frames fit right, these days I tend to go size small & swap the stem length for 110 – 120mm & purchase a -10 to -15mm offset seat post, as well as swap on 165mm crank arms. It’s easier & better to make a slightly too small frame fit perfectly, than to never get a slightly too large frame to fit well without impacting handling & making it look stupid.
Best thing to do is find a bike shop that will do a bike fit and set up for you.
longer frame or longer stem, try having your back straight, some basic yoga i.e. sun salutation helps
Go get a bike fit. Making or breaking comfort on a bike can seriously come down to a few mm.
Longer stem, or new frame that is bigger
Professional bike fitting.