Bike Position Critique - Photo Included

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2007-09-23 9:53 AM

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Arlington, TX
Subject: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
This photo was taken at a race last weekend. My first reaction when seeing this photo was that my posture on the bike looks terrible.

I compared my photo side by side to some of the other competitors and they seemed to have a much more natural position. Based on those comparisons, I'm thinking that I need to move my seat up and forward.

Does my position look off to you?




2007-09-23 10:09 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
I am in no ways an expert, but you are right, something does not look right.  Lucky for you there are a lot of people on this site who are more knowledgeable than I.
2007-09-23 10:21 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Folsom, CA (Sacramento Area)
Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
It looks to me that the Bike might be too small for you. I am also not an expert
2007-09-23 10:30 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
Yep, looks to small. Here is a pic of a 'good fit'.

Notice the back. He's not hunched over like you are... I'm no expert, but I'm sure someone around here can tell you how to fix it (may or may not involve getting a bigger bike)
2007-09-23 10:34 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Pro
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included

I agree, the bike looks too small.  Take the bike to someone who can fit you professionally.  It is well worth the money... and they can tell you whether you need to get a bigger bike or the adjustments can be made to this one.

2007-09-23 10:46 AM
in reply to: #975610

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
MrSolis - 2007-09-23 10:21 AM

It looks to me that the Bike might be too small for you. I am also not an expert


Now that you mention it ... it does look small. That's not what I wanted to hear.

I'm 5'10.5" and my bike is 56cm. Does that sound right? My LBS said I needed a 56cm bike when I bought it.


2007-09-23 10:49 AM
in reply to: #975622

Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included

bradparsons01 - 2007-09-23 10:46 AM
MrSolis - 2007-09-23 10:21 AM It looks to me that the Bike might be too small for you. I am also not an expert
Now that you mention it ... it does look small. That's not what I wanted to hear. I'm 5'10.5" and my bike is 56cm. Does that sound right? My LBS said I needed a 56cm bike when I bought it.

Did you get fitted, or just take his suggestion?  If you didn't get fitted, then I can see a problem here.

By looking at the pic you provided, you are definitely more upright and slouched.  I don't know if the bike is actually smaller than what it should be, but get fitted!  You are going to lose a lot of power and not be as comfortable as you SHOULD be.



Edited by 1stTimeTri 2007-09-23 10:52 AM
2007-09-23 11:01 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Elite
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
I have been to a couple of fittings, but am in no way a professional. I have been fitted on my bike twice, and fitted for a tri bike (yet to be purchased).

It seems to me there may be 2 problems.

1. You need to straighten your back. Your posture is bad. That will get your upper body forward more, and allow you to put a slight bend in your elbows.

2. It looks like you might be too far back on your seat. Slide your seat forward a touch.

Again, I am no expert, but having been through a couple of fittings, I have a little experience there.

Unfortunately, it seems you have experienced the volume LBS fitting. "5'10" needs a 56cm frame." Your individual body dimensions may require a longer or shorter top tube. A 55cm or 57cm top tube might be more appropriate.

Get a pro fitting at a pro shop. Spend the $150 and be comfortable and happy.
2007-09-23 11:45 AM
in reply to: #975622

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included


I'm 5'10.5" and my bike is 56cm. Does that sound right? My LBS said I needed a 56cm bike when I bought it.


I'm no expert, but have been recently looking at bikes so those sizing discussions are fresh on my mind. 56cm for someone who is 5'10 doesn't seem outside of the realm of reason, but could be a tad on a small side. 1st - definately monkey with the seat. At the point where your leg stroke it at its fullest point (apex?), your leg should be just short of being fully extended. Looks to me like that wouldn't even be close, even though the pic isn't of that point in your stroke.

But as others have said, definately go to a LBS to get an opinion. But I concur with others that it doesn't look right.

Edited by Hazelmn 2007-09-23 11:46 AM
2007-09-23 11:57 AM
in reply to: #975599

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Master
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
Looks to me like you are supporting too much of your weight with your arms. Do your wrists hurt when you are done biking?

Push your shoulders back, and straighten out your back. Id definitely experiment first by raising the seat as well. Bring your tools on a ride, and make small adjustments every few miles until the bike is tweaked to your liking. Thats my suggestion.
2007-09-23 1:23 PM
in reply to: #975599

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Champion
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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included

Core strength.

WHat's happening is that your core can't hold your body inthe right position, and you're arms can't carry the weight (they're not supposed to, so don't take that particular comment as bad), so what you end up doing is trying to keep all your weight on your saddle, and try to hold as much of your body over it as possible by stiff-arming it.

It's possible that the saddle isn't right for you, and that's why you're tilting your pelvis back. But work on the core strength, rotate the pelvis forward, relax the arms. I don't think the bike is too small for you though.

2007-09-23 1:37 PM
in reply to: #975643

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
ranger5oh - 2007-09-23 11:57 AM

Looks to me like you are supporting too much of your weight with your arms. Do your wrists hurt when you are done biking?

Push your shoulders back, and straighten out your back. Id definitely experiment first by raising the seat as well. Bring your tools on a ride, and make small adjustments every few miles until the bike is tweaked to your liking. Thats my suggestion.


My wrists don't hurt, but my right shoulder bothers me off and on. My lower back also seems to fatigue easily.

I strained my back a couple of years ago doing leg presses and have aggrivated the injury 3-4 times since. It's just never been the same. I think that may have something to do with how I'm hunched over.

I do bring my tools with me and do make adjustments here and there.


briderdt

Core strength.

WHat's happening is that your core can't hold your body inthe right position, and you're arms can't carry the weight (they're not supposed to, so don't take that particular comment as bad), so what you end up doing is trying to keep all your weight on your saddle, and try to hold as much of your body over it as possible by stiff-arming it.

It's possible that the saddle isn't right for you, and that's why you're tilting your pelvis back. But work on the core strength, rotate the pelvis forward, relax the arms. I don't think the bike is too small for you though.


Good advice and it makes sense. I have started focusing more on core excercises over the last two months. It was hard for me to let go of the normal weight routines.

I'm using the saddle that came with the bike and I'm not super happy with it. I may look into replacing during the offseason.


2007-09-23 3:20 PM
in reply to: #975599

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included

I'm 5' 10" and I ride a 56 that fits perfectly.  It's not your bike.  It's the fit.

 

2007-09-23 3:32 PM
in reply to: #975599

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
it looks like your posture... why is your back arched like that?  Is your saddle tilted to make it uncomfortable.  Notice the flat back of the "ideal" position photo.  Then look at yours.  Maybe flexibility is an issue, but you definitely need to put a little more weight forward and straighten your back.
2007-09-23 3:53 PM
in reply to: #975599

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Subject: RE: Bike Position Critique - Photo Included
I've not much advice to add, other than to say, that looks painful.

That said, like the others are saying the $150 at the local pro shop will go a long way to getting you comfortable.

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