I know very little (basically nothing) about bikes and got this one a while ago (9 years). It’s so uncomfortable. 2016 Norco VFR 5 Forma from what I can tell. So I have a couple questions.
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How much and where can I sell this one for
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Any advice on a better fit for me from the following information: Female 5’-7” about 160 lbs age 33. Am mostly interested in leisure riding on backroads and paved bike/multi-use paths, occasional use of main road and shared or separated bike lanes to go into town (approx 2 miles). No long distance, no off road, but able to go up hills without too much of a struggle ideally as we are in a hilly area. Cleveland, OH so would like to be able to ride 3 out of 4 seasons. Pregnant, so would also like to be able to attach like a baby carrier or whatever. This bike hurt my ass. That is my main complaint.
by Chameleonize
5 Comments
Your seaport is just way too low, you need to set it so that you can almost extend you leg fully when its at the bottom of the stroke.
Handlebars should at the level of the seatpost or lower.
I dont think its a problem in your bike, but in how its set up.
When its set up like this, its probably exactly really uncomfortable because you are sitting all crouched up and arms pointing upwards.
Maybe take a video of yourself riding it, and post into r/bikefit
And overall just look around in there to get an idea how the bike should be set up, and what is a comfortable riding position.
what seat are you using currently? if the bike is hurting your ass, maybe replacing it with a wide squishy gel seat would help
To echo other commenters, I had a bike that was horrendously uncomfortable, to the point that I considered selling it even though I got a spectacular, once in a lifetime deal on it.
Changing the tires to something wider, adding ergonomic handlebars, and adjusting the saddle height completely transformed it and now I truly love it.
Not to say that a new bike won’t be better than this one, but you may consider playing around with it before you give up!
it’s small for you, the seat is too low it should be up to where your heel is on the pedal with your leg just about fully straight. Furthermore, those skinny road tires once inflated fully will become a medieval torture device any novice like yourself won’t put up with it.
Post the bike on Craigslist for about $75. It has decent components and decent build.
To determine bike/fit/ style go to a local professional bike shop- not Dicks sporting goods but a good professional shop
Let them know what you are interested in and ask to get recommendations on some bikes and maybe a test ride or two.
Don’t buy anything just get a feel for the bikes.
Test hybrids, road (touring) and gravel bikes. These will give you a feel for how comfortable you are in each design.
I’ve sold bikes professionally for many years.
If you send your zip code and I’ll research good shops in your area and tell you where I would go to test out a bike.
Best of luck.