In between S and M size for Specialized Chisel, so I got the small. But is this too small? Lower back pain/hips rocking uncontrollably at higher cadence. Hands numb on handlebars.
In between S and M size for Specialized Chisel, so I got the small. But is this too small? Lower back pain/hips rocking uncontrollably at higher cadence. Hands numb on handlebars.
byu/CaptainKernelPanic inMTB
by CaptainKernelPanic
5 Comments
Hey guys, so I’m second guessing myself now on my frame size. I am 5 feet 5 inches maybe 5 foot five and a half inches(165-167cm) tall, and I went with a small Specialized Chisel (designed for riders 5’2″-5’5″/158-165cm).
Since this was an online purchase, I had no opportunity to try both in store.
I’ve had bikes that were too big for me in the past, and the feeling of riding a too big bike is terrible, so I decided to size down this time.
I’m averaging 3-4hr rides a day with tons of mountain climbing and crazy downhill descents.
But a month in to this purchase (past return period,) I’m second guessing myself as to whether the frame is too small for me?
I wanted a more aggressive geometry and a more twitchy/fast handling bike, so I assumed the small would be better.
But I’ve been getting some lower back pain on my rides? Especially on long climbs. In addition, whenever I get to a higher cadence, my hips start fixing violently in the saddle and I can barely stay in it because I am rocking so much. Finally, my hands have been going numb/aching while gripping the handlebars. I feel like they are pressing down too hard on the handlebars because most of my body weight is being put down through the hands to the handlebars, if that makes sense.
Based on the video and the info, would you say that this frame is too small for me? Is there anything fit wise I can do to make it a bit more comfortable?
What made me start suspecting it was too small in the first place was the saddle height. Look at how much saddle I am using. Is this a problem?
Based on my riding, I would guess that the saddle needs to come up a bit more (to stop the hips from rocking), and the saddle needs to be moved back a lot, (to spread me out more for even force distribution on hands) and to help with the lower back pain.
Thoughts?
Edit: here are some stand still photos… Take note of seat height!
https://imgur.com/a/8oyPJiW
These are the normal shoes I wear when mountain biking.
Try to lower the saddle, less hips rocking and less weight on the hands
Saddle is too high. Also try one that is more narrow.
First thing i always do is stand in the attack position. If it feels like my head is too far forward over the bars that tells me its too small.
Speaking only for myself. Im more torso than legs.
Sweet bike. I was thinking of getting a chisel for commuting to work.
Interesting, I ride that same model and size, had to get a longer seat post cause I felt the one it came with was not long enough to extend my leg, I do get the feeling there is a lot of weight on my hands after a while though I don’t feel I’ve experienced that rocking you get pedalling, don’t have any suggestions since I suck at dialing, I might have to get a bike fit since I started getting some pain in my right sitbone.