I’m unsure if I just have to get used to drop bars since coming from flat bars, or if I need to get a shorter stem. My arms are bent when I’m grabbing them, but my question is should I be leaning forward into my bars, or should I be at a more relaxed position while riding? I know it’s all personal preference, but I’m hoping for a general rule of thumb. Thanks!
by Scvmmibear
13 Comments
Get a bike fit. That’s a good rule of thumb.
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Well, does it feel like you are reaching too far to sit comfortable on the hoods?
if you have your hands on top of the shifters, your forearms horizontal, and from elbow to shoulder vertical, your fit is correct. Not that you ride like that but then the distance from seat to handlebar is right. then there is the position forward – rear of seat to consider.
Bike fit. Bike. Fit.
BIKE FIT!!!
I don’t understand why it’s not the first thing that pops when people google those type of questions…
How tall are you and what make/model/size is the bike?
I do bike fitting and one of the simplest ways to tell is if the shoulder angle is more than 90 degrees when you’re on your brake hoods your reach is too long.
For a good reference point, you could do the bike fit calculator from wrenchscience. Then you can see if your values are completely off. https://www.wrenchscience.com/
If that’s where your saddle needs to be to ride the bike your frame size might be too big and that would make you have to reach.
If your seat is this low already adjusted for optimal knee angles then your frame may actually be too large for you.
All of the people saying “get a bike fit” are right. They seem expensive but a good one is worth its weight in gold – avoid injury, let you go farther without discomfort, go faster even.
But ALSO it does really take time, like, months maybe depending on how old you are, to adapt to a new bike and riding position. Your muscles that need to will get stronger. It took me a long time to get used to my new gravel bike after years on a much shorter reach road bike.
Dead easy you will
Get back or shoulders pain just put a shorter or longer stem on
I can tell this frame is too big just looking at your saddle height.