These are just a few tips that I share. I am planning to do a new series of videos that cover lots of easy to follow tips that will build into a diy bike fit series. 👍
If you simply want to ride a bike...not compete, or compete with yourself....make your bike comfortable...make it be a joyful ride, not one with discomfort....I just ordered a stem riser...my bike is very comfortable with the exception of the pressure on the between thumb and edge of my palm..too much wright being transferred forward....Thanks for these folks, KCC and others for giving us options, and seeing how to on many areas of riding concerns.......tweak till it's right...then get out there and be safe, and comfortable
Thanks for validating my having ridden all 56cm frames the last decade, despite being 6’2 and most brands recommending a 58. I’d have been way too stretched out.
Makes sense to get a smaller frame - if you can stand the drop. I have long legs, and shorter torso. I need 78cm saddle height, and if I don't get a 58, my drop would be way too much!
the best coach I've come across - An hour with him on back adjustments would be so good - years ir traíal and error sorted in concise advice - good man clear and top informed advice
The stack height thingy was spot-on! I can tell it from experience: every time I lower the frontend beyond a certain degree my pelvic starts to tilt anteriorly, the posterior chain overstretches and I loose significant amount of wattage. Btw. your channel has became one of my favorite!
I like your mix of humor and actual professional advice. I am riding my bike almost daily and suffer from frequent neck pain. Based on your video on stem length I reduced mine from 100 mm to 80 mm. It's gotten better but it is not perfect yet. I am now increasing stem height again. I feel like I am getting closer to the right fit.
This video is great. One additional bit of advice I would offer to cyclists...just go out some morning when the wind isn't too bad...find a flat loop....ride around it 4x in the drops...ride around it 4x on the hoods...ride around it 4x on the tops. Use the Chung Virtual Elevation method to swag a CdA. Once you learn the mechanics of the methodology, you can detect ~10mm up or down on your front end if you are using a +/-1% power meter. You can find out a lot about the aerodynamic properties of your position using this method.
I'm excited to be learning about a new aspect of cycling. I came from bmx. I have an old 80's road bike and an 07 giant that I just bought. After the first long ride, I realized it was too big. Your videos are a huge help in understanding how I need it to fit!
For now just leaving some feedback. I had a neck/nerve "injury" after two intense months of training on wahoo late last year. Took 4 months of physical therapy before I could get back to riding and I again started having some soreness. That's when I found your videos and realized the doctor had no clue what happened (he though it was due to weights). All my symptoms were because of bad fitting, saddle and handlebar. I'll probably end up doing this stem thing too. Great job. You're the only one providing this level of detail in a manner that most of us can understand. Thanks.
@@BulletproofCycling first ten days or so I couldn't move my neck at all. Then the tingling and numbness started along with sort of a weakness in the right arm. I've had to start doing triceps work just to build it back up. Every single symptom u mentioned in your other video WA spot on. I was like finally someone who understands! 😁
I don't use a power meter, but monitor my HR and speed while gravel riding, and it's really interesting to see your HR change with body-position change, while maintaining a constant speed. On the hoods can be just as good as in the drops, with some arm and head adjustment.
Once again this is great advice on how to analyze where you might be and plan for where we all want to be. I’m 62 yo, 6’2” 222 pounds (today) male and ride a 65” 2012 Specialized Carbon Fiber contraption. Just 2 years ago when I got much more serious about my cycling (after I discovered Zwift) I decided to raise the stem to take pressure off of my back and put my hips in a better position. I had already lowered the saddle height to give me 35° of knee flexion and had adjusted the saddle back a bit more and with about 5 degrees of forward tilt. I bought stem extenders and started playing around with the heights. I have pretty large arms as I used to bodybuild for many years, but I also have a bit of a waistline now as well which limits flexing down into aero position (I’ve actually learned to use the belly as kind of a fooking trampoline for me quads 😂), It helped greatly but because of those internal cables 😡I could only raise the stem a certain amount. I’m happy with what I have now vs what I started out with. I hope you don’t mind that I screen shot your doggie 🐶 in the car window pose. That was hilarious. 😂
Great advice coach! I don't slam my stem, but I do bend my arms and get more aero when I want to go faster or get some rest on a long ride. Now I understand why that works. Thank you!
Since stopping competing I've raised the stem to a little below the saddle and I can ride for hours with zero shoulder discomfort (and can still get quite aero with horizontal forearms whilst holding the bumps of the levers)
I just realized how flexible I really am. I can get my knees between my elbows when riding in the drops if I really want to get aero. Not how I do most of my riding, but if I really want to pull hard and go fast, down I drop
Brilliant video. I never have touched the stem, as I struggle on the drops. I might consider it. Just picked up my spare bike from the local bike shop. It was due a service. The guy even changed the back tyre as it was taking abuse from my turbo trainer. Have already done a couple of rides on it and it’s like riding a new bike. I never considered a bike fit before but your tips are interesting to put it mildly. I love your videos. No nonsense entertainment
Would like to see some content for straight bar and flat pedal bicycles. Not all of us race or strive for maximum speed, but still need some guidance on set-up. Thanks.
I have a gravel/endurance bike. I went for a bike fit last spring and it never felt right. I had 30mm of spacers and a 120mm stem after the so called physio pro bike fit and now after I fitted myself, no spacers and a 100mm stem. I can ride for hours even on the trainer. Sometimes, a handlebar that is too high can be the problem! Thanks for your videos it's really helpful!
Contrary to what most people believe. Pro riders shave their legs for comfort during massages. Not to be more aero. Those hairy legs would hurt a lot with extra resistance. When you get those daily massages after every ride for recovery.
My group bike is a different setup to my mid pace climbing/sportive bike. My group bike is more "slammed and extended with my seat forward in the rails. My sportive bike has a shorter stem, wider bar, and the bat height is 27mm higher. Saddle still forward but 10mm more setback. Saddle height the same. My MTB is it's own thing again.
Followed your channel for quite sometime and this one is really a eye opener. I have the same observation as you when I am in drops. One thing that I found interesting is that, it is somehow easier for me to get lower after 1 hour of hard ride or I got a little bit fatique, and I notced that I am more areo that time. Maybe it is also a sign of lack of core strengh, however, it does give some "advantage". After 2 hours ride, my neck somehow feels very tight specially on drops...still trying to fix it by changing posture. If there is a video talking about neck and shoulder fatique in drops, it will be very very useful!
How funny you said, stretch Armstrong, I am 57 years old that was one of my favorite toys when I was a kid I didn’t know he’s still around, especially in the UK
Thank you, coach! Another eye-opener to me. 👍🏼 I‘ve been aero-optimizing my setup, but in fact, my frontend got higher (due to stem angle). I feel a lot more comfortable now and overall i do perform better. Never had a bike fit, but i guess I chose pretty much the right bike size myself. My height is 184 cm with a 87 cm inseam. Got me a 56 (S 573, R 390) and opted for a bit longer stem than what came with the bike. 😊 I do love your content!
My new Orbea still has all the spacers in, it feels comfortable to me so I probably won’t change it…it would look much better lower but that’s not much good if the bike is uncomfortable
My knees literally hit my belly when I'm in the drops, so with my present physique the slammed look would make me look as elegant as an Orca! I learned from my time mountain biking that you can have your handlebars relatively high and still be somewhat aero so long as the saddle isn't too high. Keep up the good work!👍
As someone who gets some neck pain on longer rides or descents, the idea of not having to go so low is very, very affirming! But, I still need to figure out what position is right for me. Wish I could visit your fitting studio.
I find 'reach' quite difficult to get right! I'm 5' 11 with a plus 'ape index' which measures around 6' 2. My endurance and gravel bike are both 54's. I specifically look for a frame with generous reach, which normally means going a little larger. Both of them have off set posts and 100mm stems, and sometimes they still feel a little cramped! 😖 What has helped me get comfortable are ISM saddles, when set up correctly they help me shift fore and aft quite effectively and comfortably. I've got them on race, endurance, gravel and MTB. ✌️
@@Red-ju4mi because unfortunately everyone is always harping on getting a smaller bike that when the right reason to get a larger bike comes along, it's as scary as a clown in under your covers.
This makes a lot of sense. Ima lower my seat post first and go from there. I had lower leg cramps after riding lowered with my arms bent on the drops. I easily gained plus 2kph when i did that. Nice thoughts on arms being pillars even on the drops. more power to your channel
I ride a Bianchi 928 Carbon 120th Anniversary - I'm 5' 11" and the top tube is 520mm and the stem 100mm - seems ok on paper but I feel a little stretched. The stem is in the neutral position but I'm thinking about moving the stem up which would bring it a tad closer and the bars down a bit to maintain their position? I Also get a bit of neck pain but I think I was allowing my pelvis to collapse (after watching your video on that) Excellent series of videos - very helpful
The point about not going lower than your torso can comfortably support really highlights why the UCI needs to lighten up on the bike geometry rule BS. Whatever degree of aero position you take, you need to maintain something like a 90 degree (or greater) angle between your torso and your bottom bracket through your hips. That means the saddle has to go forward as your arms get low and aero. But because the UCI are such traditionalists, you see the ergonomic nightmare of a pro rider with a rounded lumbar smashing their perineum on a cutoff-nose saddle to suit the rules. It really is crazy how much of a contortionist one must be to get a good TT position within the rules.
I started riding the track last year, and settled in for doing Merckx-style timed events. And the one lingering question I've had about my set up is whether to push the bars out...or bring them up and in closer, sort of Obree style. I think this will push me to finally test out the latter.
Great information Coach! I can still hear your voice! Training and Conditioning will make me faster! Straight Forward To The Point 👍✌️. Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️.
Interesting comment about the 52cm frame. I ride a 52cm and I am only 167cm tall. I have always thought the bike was a bit too big to get comfortable. Bike fit next week so that should be interesting. New bike please.
First of all, great video. Second, I'm 177 cm and 87 kg with very short legs (79 cm inseam) and a long torso. I'm riding a bike with a long top tube (56.5 cm) and a very short stem (70 mm) but with long handlebar reach (100 mm). I'm good with the twitchy handling so I'm thinking about getting a compact handlebar (80 mm or less reach). Do you think this is a good idea? I currently feel like I have too much weight on my hands. Oh, I'm already using an offset post to try to shift some of the weight back into the saddle. Thanks!
Very informative video, just found your channel and subscribed, great content. Was particularly interested in your height and optimal bike size, I'm 5ft7 and in-between the sizes of the brand I'm looking to get. Currently looking through your videos to see if you've advice on this:)
Buenas tardes y felicidades por tu trabajo. Creo que el problema también reside en que las bicicletas que nos gustan tienen un reach muy largo y un stack muy bajo. Yo mido 180cm y si decido comprar una factor ostro vam2 tengo un problema. Si compro 54 tengo que poner muchos espaciadores y si compro 56 tengo que poner potencia mas corta pero estará mas a mi altura de manillar. Se aceptan consejos. Muchas gracias.
Hi coach, great vid as always,I am guilty of buying a bike that's too big for me I'm sure,it's an L and I'm 6ft but having bad saddle and neck pain after 1-2 hours,I have changed the 100mm stem to a 90 @35deg and it has nearly removed all neck pain I'm thinking if I increase it a bit more it might do the trick? If I can get that sorted I can try get to the bottom of the saddle problem 😬 thanks in advance coach
Hi coach, I wish I had seen you videos first before buying a bicycle. I just have a quick question, you mentioned you're riding a 53 size bike, can you share which brand and model and year? Im asking because bike brands have different size grades, for example a colnago 48.5 is similar to a Specialized 52 so I'm wondering how would I hone into the right brand and model with its own size grading?
If most people need to be higher in the front, but need shorter reach (smaller bike) then the stack gets smaller on that small bike and you need a huge chimney of spacers to get the correct height. It’s like a juggling act.
Sizing question related to what you said about your bike size. I’m 5’11-6-0 and everyone in bike shops say I need a 56 but I feel I’m reaching too much and should be in a 54. The bike I have now someone talked me into 56 and I’ve had comfort related problems every since. I’m thinking if the frame is a size too small I can make up for it with stem and saddle but if it is too big your stuck. Thoughts?
Hey coach love this video and it's got me thinking, perhaps you could comment? I have 4 drop bar bikes and feel I've dialed in my position pretty good over the years, they are all 54cm frames and while I am only 172.5cm tall I have a 82.8cm inseem, I think this is a lot for my height. However I usually have to put a 10mm longer stem on most of my bikes to not feel cramped so don't think 52cm frames would work for me. I also run 165mm cranks (yeah expensive on 5 bikes including the MTB) and depending on bike either 38mm or 40mm bars. The smaller cranks helped my comfort and position as I ride a lot in the puppy paws position and when I look in a building window I'm passing seems like my back is pretty flat, down and aero and other riders have also made this comment about my position. But my drop from middle of saddle to top of bars is only 57mm so not a lot of drop in the stem I would have thought. Crank center to middle of saddle is 71.4cm. Now the one issue I seem to have is this. I've always had tight hamstrings even when I was a teenager doing martial arts and the one complaint I have when I'm riding down on my forearms in the puppy paws position is while it generally feels very comfortable for me I feel a little tightness/ache in the glutes, so your posterior chain/velcro comments rang a bell for me. It's got me thinking, do you think I would benefit from dropping the saddle a little more (I've gradually lowered it over the years already) or moving it forward a little?
Thanks Greg - sounds like you are very dialled in. I would suggest lowering by 5mm and moving forward by 5mm as well. See how it feels. If you are not already on a short nose saddle then I would try that as well 👍👍👍
Hello I'm a beginner, 5'4" tall and ride a 49" roadbike. I get my wrists numb easily when Im riding. Im thinking of changing my 90mm flat stem to a 90mm adjustable stem (up to 85 degrees) so I can raise the height of the bar while reducing the reach. Will that be alright? If so, how would that affect me and my riding? Thanks for the educational video!
WHAAAT!! 52" for 5'10" - I am in the process of buying a gravel bike (used to ride mtn) Dealer has me on a 58" (I am 6'1"-34 inseam) I was going to go for a 56" but the stack on the 58" (checkpoint ALR 5) is much higher and the reach is only 4mm longer, BUT, are you saying the 56" may be too big as well? I have cervical hinge issues from 20 years as a movie stuntman so I need a little more comfortable ride but want to get into long rides. Should I be looking at a 52"-54" frame? thanks.
Does a shorter stem negatively impact handling? I need to reduce down from 110mm to approx 60mm. After moving my seat forward I still get neck pain from overreaching.
I have a pain in the golfer's elbow in both arms, my height 5.7 and i am riding 52 cm bike marin gestalt with 70mm stem. please suggest how to get rid of this, thanks
Most situations on road when in race pace scenarios or headwinds etc. I will add sone info into a video about this and get some footage out on the road 👍
Good Morning coach Totally on board with this as I'm finalizing bar height on my new CX bike. After two months of trying different heights I get higher is better and can feel the difference however question is when is high to high? wrestling between two positions about 2.5mm in height difference both feel good, so should I go as low as possible and still get the same feel fo being able to lower my "triangle" and stay as aero as possible? Thoughts would really help ! Thank you!
Think of comfort and control on cx bike. Your aero position is not something that should matter too much. So being stable and comfortable will mean more power and bigger smiles 👍👍
With this logic, wouldn't it make sense to maybe increase the length one stem size than dropping down one stem spacer? Generally speaking, you are effectively lowering your torso/bring your arms closer to the chest without that overstretching as discussed.
If you can get your head lower and decrease exposed torso to wind. But if you increase length and can’t relax arms then it will cause more issues. It’s best to trial with the image method I shared 👍👍
Coach, do you have any general thoughts on fit as it relates to someone who is tall, but much more in the torso and shorter in the legs? Arms aren’t particularly long either. 6’, but wear size 31” inseam pants. My saddle is not all that high compared to a lot of riders.
This is great, thanks! Love the videos. I did a bike fitting a few weeks ago for a new bike and they suggested a 56 frame with a 90mm stem (I’m 182cm and have longer legs / shorter torso for my height!). 90mm seems a bit short, so I was tempted to go for a 100mm and look at handlebar design instead. Any thoughts?
I've got exactly the same size and proportions then you. Im also not sure if i should get a 54 with 110mm stem or a 56 with 90mm stem. I feel like i'm exactly between these frame sizes. (Looking into a Scott Addict rn)
Thanks for comment - I can’t really dial into your specific metrics without seeing you. I mainly suggest 54-56 frames for guys your size. 90mm is not a short stem but if you are racing then you may want longer 👍
I use a relaxed geometry gravel bike with a stack of around 599.5mm. I happen to have a rather long torso, so far I have felt uncomfortable, I tried a negative stem angle with a low stem position without spacers, I felt more comfortable but the handling was a bit wild. Is my bike not the right size, how can I fix the handling so it is more stable?
@@BulletproofCycling I once tried using a longer stem, what happened was that my palms got a bit sore for a long time due to excessive pressure. I was wondering whether the bicycle geometry wasn't suitable for me?
I'm 75 and fit. I am 6'1" tall, 32 inseam. I have been riding a 59cm Bianchi Intenso and am going to get an e-bike (Orbea Gain). The sizing chart says I need a L. Any advice?
Sounds like you have long torso with that inside seam. L should work for you - does the shop do Orbea customised fit service - easy to check in with them via the Myo system 👍👍👍👍
Thanks man! I’m switching to drop bar from flat bar, I’m 179cm with 32”(81.3cm) inseam ( I guess that kinda short legs), and currently kinda ok with my Fastroad SL 2 ( 54cm toptube, 10cm stem, flat bar) and when I do your zombie reach I’m able to grab the bar. I’m currently looking at a road drop bar bike that have 42cm wide and 9cm stem, but are struggling between choosing 52cm or 53.8cm effective horizontal top tube frame, which frame size do you think I should choose ?
This is the road bike frame spec I'm struggling to choose size (between size S and M): ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H18f1ae8310234f0da764dd3f5e86142db.jpg?width=800&height=1056&hash=1856
Hi - I am 178 and ride a 53. It really depends on your torso length and few other metrics. You will be good for both tbh but I can’t really pin one down without really knowing all your dimensions. Enjoy whatever one you go for 👍
Yeh bike size 👍 top tube length varies across models. I have never ridden a bike that is sized bigger than a 53. Most are 53. I ride TT bikes at size 50!!
I suffer from aching triceps on long rides. I'd have thought that might be due to a too low stem, but I have hardly any saddle to bar drop. Reach seems pretty comfy. Do you have any advice for that particular niggle?
Could be you just need to work more on tricep strength off the bike? It is a muscle that is essential for upper body support. Everyone has different torso loads. Your tricep is working harder with straight arm. I am adding a series of workouts for this very issue over the next few weeks
i agree with this one, i have the same feeling with my triceps when riding for too long but after i tried on exercising in a week i does not hurt anymore
The theory is good coach, but the TT position on the hoods puts a lot of strain on the triceps and the core. So not easy to sustain without extra training.
These are just a few tips that I share. I am planning to do a new series of videos that cover lots of easy to follow tips that will build into a diy bike fit series. 👍
If you simply want to ride a bike...not compete, or compete with yourself....make your bike comfortable...make it be a joyful ride, not one with discomfort....I just ordered a stem riser...my bike is very comfortable with the exception of the pressure on the between thumb and edge of my palm..too much wright being transferred forward....Thanks for these folks, KCC and others for giving us options, and seeing how to on many areas of riding concerns.......tweak till it's right...then get out there and be safe, and comfortable
Every bloody video has me on another trip to the garage for a tinker with my position 😂😂👍🏻 great work Coach
😂😂😂👍
😂
Exactly! 😂
Thanks for validating my having ridden all 56cm frames the last decade, despite being 6’2 and most brands recommending a 58. I’d have been way too stretched out.
Makes sense to get a smaller frame - if you can stand the drop. I have long legs, and shorter torso. I need 78cm saddle height, and if I don't get a 58, my drop would be way too much!
the best coach I've come across - An hour with him on back adjustments would be so good - years ir traíal and error sorted in concise advice - good man clear and top informed advice
Thank you 🙏
The stack height thingy was spot-on! I can tell it from experience: every time I lower the frontend beyond a certain degree my pelvic starts to tilt anteriorly, the posterior chain overstretches and I loose significant amount of wattage. Btw. your channel has became one of my favorite!
❤️❤️❤️👍 thank you 🙏
The timing of this is PERFECT! I'm working on tweaking my position, including my stem height.
I like your mix of humor and actual professional advice.
I am riding my bike almost daily and suffer from frequent neck pain.
Based on your video on stem length I reduced mine from 100 mm to 80 mm.
It's gotten better but it is not perfect yet. I am now increasing stem height again. I feel like I am getting closer to the right fit.
🙏🙏👍👍👍
Brilliant. I like the simple no BS approach.
👍👍👍👍
Your sense of humor is awesome! And thanks for the great info!
👍👍👍👍
This video is great. One additional bit of advice I would offer to cyclists...just go out some morning when the wind isn't too bad...find a flat loop....ride around it 4x in the drops...ride around it 4x on the hoods...ride around it 4x on the tops. Use the Chung Virtual Elevation method to swag a CdA. Once you learn the mechanics of the methodology, you can detect ~10mm up or down on your front end if you are using a +/-1% power meter. You can find out a lot about the aerodynamic properties of your position using this method.
👍👍👍👍👍
Love the accent and sense of humor! I learned some new things. Thank you!
What I've learned is that bike fit is dynamic. The initial fit will differ after you have time in the saddle.
I'm excited to be learning about a new aspect of cycling. I came from bmx. I have an old 80's road bike and an 07 giant that I just bought. After the first long ride, I realized it was too big. Your videos are a huge help in understanding how I need it to fit!
For now just leaving some feedback. I had a neck/nerve "injury" after two intense months of training on wahoo late last year. Took 4 months of physical therapy before I could get back to riding and I again started having some soreness. That's when I found your videos and realized the doctor had no clue what happened (he though it was due to weights). All my symptoms were because of bad fitting, saddle and handlebar. I'll probably end up doing this stem thing too. Great job. You're the only one providing this level of detail in a manner that most of us can understand. Thanks.
Very sorry to hear about your problems. I have a metal plate in my neck after a nasty crash so understand about neck issues.
Stay strong 💪👍👍👍👍
@@BulletproofCycling first ten days or so I couldn't move my neck at all. Then the tingling and numbness started along with sort of a weakness in the right arm. I've had to start doing triceps work just to build it back up. Every single symptom u mentioned in your other video WA spot on. I was like finally someone who understands! 😁
@@DanishS4 feel free to keep me posted on your journey 👍
I don't use a power meter, but monitor my HR and speed while gravel riding, and it's really interesting to see your HR change with body-position change, while maintaining a constant speed. On the hoods can be just as good as in the drops, with some arm and head adjustment.
👍👍👍
Once again this is great advice on how to analyze where you might be and plan for where we all want to be. I’m 62 yo, 6’2” 222 pounds (today) male and ride a 65” 2012 Specialized Carbon Fiber contraption. Just 2 years ago when I got much more serious about my cycling (after I discovered Zwift) I decided to raise the stem to take pressure off of my back and put my hips in a better position. I had already lowered the saddle height to give me 35° of knee flexion and had adjusted the saddle back a bit more and with about 5 degrees of forward tilt. I bought stem extenders and started playing around with the heights. I have pretty large arms as I used to bodybuild for many years, but I also have a bit of a waistline now as well which limits flexing down into aero position (I’ve actually learned to use the belly as kind of a fooking trampoline for me quads 😂), It helped greatly but because of those internal cables 😡I could only raise the stem a certain amount. I’m happy with what I have now vs what I started out with.
I hope you don’t mind that I screen shot your doggie 🐶 in the car window pose. That was hilarious. 😂
Thanks for sharing 👍👍 yep the dog 🐶 head position is yours to share 😂👍👍👍
Great advice coach! I don't slam my stem, but I do bend my arms and get more aero when I want to go faster or get some rest on a long ride. Now I understand why that works. Thank you!
👍👍👍👍👍
Since stopping competing I've raised the stem to a little below the saddle and I can ride for hours with zero shoulder discomfort (and can still get quite aero with horizontal forearms whilst holding the bumps of the levers)
I only understand every second word he is saying of his English, but I fucking love his charisma, subscribe ☑️😂!
😂😂😂 thank you - ps - I don’t speak English 😂😂 💯 Scottish
Same! good to hear about the frame sizing! I'm 178cm and fit a 51-52 (which is usually a 53cm TT).
👍👍👍👍
Just found your channel. Outstanding grounded value. I subscribed. You cut through the babble out there.
Thank you 🙏
I just realized how flexible I really am. I can get my knees between my elbows when riding in the drops if I really want to get aero. Not how I do most of my riding, but if I really want to pull hard and go fast, down I drop
👍👍👍👍👍
This is defo my fav cycling channel, by far.! Thanks for all your uploads..
Thank you 🙏
Brilliant! Never thought of it like that before, fascinating 👍
Thank you 🙏
Brilliant video. I never have touched the stem, as I struggle on the drops. I might consider it. Just picked up my spare bike from the local bike shop. It was due a service. The guy even changed the back tyre as it was taking abuse from my turbo trainer. Have already done a couple of rides on it and it’s like riding a new bike. I never considered a bike fit before but your tips are interesting to put it mildly. I love your videos. No nonsense entertainment
Thank you Cathal 👍👍
Maraming salamat po! May natutunan ako sa video mo ser makakatulong po sa akin at mga kaibigan ko dito sa Philippines thanks coach
👍
Would like to see some content for straight bar and flat pedal bicycles. Not all of us race or strive for maximum speed, but still need some guidance on set-up. Thanks.
Thanks for a great video! Well presented and definitely given me food for thought. Time to grab my torque wrench 😅
Glad it was helpful!
Great video Coach.
Always look forward to seeing your
videos. All the best!!
Thank you 🙏
Great video. 👍 from Canada 🇨🇦
Thank you 🙏
Always added value! Thx coach!! Did my 15 second sprints pedaling in the gulf today with you in mind. 💪🏻 Land 🚴🏻 and sea 🌊 pedal kayak.
Brilliant Joal 👍👍👍
I have a gravel/endurance bike. I went for a bike fit last spring and it never felt right. I had 30mm of spacers and a 120mm stem after the so called physio pro bike fit and now after I fitted myself, no spacers and a 100mm stem. I can ride for hours even on the trainer. Sometimes, a handlebar that is too high can be the problem! Thanks for your videos it's really helpful!
Contrary to what most people believe. Pro riders shave their legs for comfort during massages. Not to be more aero. Those hairy legs would hurt a lot with extra resistance. When you get those daily massages after every ride for recovery.
👍👍
My group bike is a different setup to my mid pace climbing/sportive bike. My group bike is more "slammed and extended with my seat forward in the rails. My sportive bike has a shorter stem, wider bar, and the bat height is 27mm higher. Saddle still forward but 10mm more setback. Saddle height the same. My MTB is it's own thing again.
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Man, the truth bombs are just left and right. Such, a, good, video.
I love you coach, very effective and accurate videos, ideas and advices for the sport cycling👌💯
❤️👍 thanks
Followed your channel for quite sometime and this one is really a eye opener. I have the same observation as you when I am in drops. One thing that I found interesting is that, it is somehow easier for me to get lower after 1 hour of hard ride or I got a little bit fatique, and I notced that I am more areo that time. Maybe it is also a sign of lack of core strengh, however, it does give some "advantage". After 2 hours ride, my neck somehow feels very tight specially on drops...still trying to fix it by changing posture. If there is a video talking about neck and shoulder fatique in drops, it will be very very useful!
Agree, a vid on that would be really useful
Coach thank you for the tips. Philippines love your videos. Thank you! More power
Thank you Miguel 👍
How funny you said, stretch Armstrong, I am 57 years old that was one of my favorite toys when I was a kid I didn’t know he’s still around, especially in the UK
Many thanks Coach! Great advise👍👍👍
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Thank you, coach! Another eye-opener to me. 👍🏼
I‘ve been aero-optimizing my setup, but in fact, my frontend got higher (due to stem angle). I feel a lot more comfortable now and overall i do perform better.
Never had a bike fit, but i guess I chose pretty much the right bike size myself. My height is 184 cm with a 87 cm inseam. Got me a 56 (S 573, R 390) and opted for a bit longer stem than what came with the bike. 😊
I do love your content!
❤️❤️❤️ thank you
Appreciate you sharing your knowledge. Subscribed. 👌🏾
Thank you Oji 👍
As always, great video Coach! TY!
Thank you 🙏
My new Orbea still has all the spacers in, it feels comfortable to me so I probably won’t change it…it would look much better lower but that’s not much good if the bike is uncomfortable
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My knees literally hit my belly when I'm in the drops, so with my present physique the slammed look would make me look as elegant as an Orca! I learned from my time mountain biking that you can have your handlebars relatively high and still be somewhat aero so long as the saddle isn't too high. Keep up the good work!👍
It might be worth looking at your crank length, going down to 170 solved that problem for me 😉
You made me laugh 😂 Stephen 👍👍👍👍
Love your German accent
My French is better 😂😂😂🤪
You're unique! Just like everybody else.
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excellent. pleanty of food for thought
You're very funny and charismatic. 😂
Thank you - my family say hyperactive but I am often just misunderstood
you are a hoot to listen to! great advice
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As someone who gets some neck pain on longer rides or descents, the idea of not having to go so low is very, very affirming! But, I still need to figure out what position is right for me. Wish I could visit your fitting studio.
I find 'reach' quite difficult to get right! I'm 5' 11 with a plus 'ape index' which measures around 6' 2. My endurance and gravel bike are both 54's. I specifically look for a frame with generous reach, which normally means going a little larger. Both of them have off set posts and 100mm stems, and sometimes they still feel a little cramped! 😖
What has helped me get comfortable are ISM saddles, when set up correctly they help me shift fore and aft quite effectively and comfortably. I've got them on race, endurance, gravel and MTB. ✌️
Great 👍 thanks for sharing and glad you got a great solution. Great saddles
why don't you ride a 56? sounds like you did a lot to your bike to a frame that doesn't work
@@Red-ju4mi because unfortunately everyone is always harping on getting a smaller bike that when the right reason to get a larger bike comes along, it's as scary as a clown in under your covers.
This makes a lot of sense. Ima lower my seat post first and go from there. I had lower leg cramps after riding lowered with my arms bent on the drops. I easily gained plus 2kph when i did that. Nice thoughts on arms being pillars even on the drops. more power to your channel
very helpful and very entertaining! Keep up the good stuff! 👌
Thank you 🙏👍👍👍👍
I ride a Bianchi 928 Carbon 120th Anniversary - I'm 5' 11" and the top tube is 520mm and the stem 100mm - seems ok on paper but I feel a little stretched. The stem is in the neutral position but I'm thinking about moving the stem up which would bring it a tad closer and the bars down a bit to maintain their position? I Also get a bit of neck pain but I think I was allowing my pelvis to collapse (after watching your video on that) Excellent series of videos - very helpful
Great Vid, enjoyed and just subscribed :)
Thanks Neil 👍
2 minutes in, sub'd thanks for making something that can be tedious entertaining hahaha
Thank you Justin 👍
The point about not going lower than your torso can comfortably support really highlights why the UCI needs to lighten up on the bike geometry rule BS. Whatever degree of aero position you take, you need to maintain something like a 90 degree (or greater) angle between your torso and your bottom bracket through your hips. That means the saddle has to go forward as your arms get low and aero. But because the UCI are such traditionalists, you see the ergonomic nightmare of a pro rider with a rounded lumbar smashing their perineum on a cutoff-nose saddle to suit the rules. It really is crazy how much of a contortionist one must be to get a good TT position within the rules.
Funny chap, loved the video
I started riding the track last year, and settled in for doing Merckx-style timed events. And the one lingering question I've had about my set up is whether to push the bars out...or bring them up and in closer, sort of Obree style. I think this will push me to finally test out the latter.
I hope it works for you 👍
Well explained thanks coach
Great information Coach! I can still hear your voice! Training and Conditioning will make me faster! Straight Forward To The Point 👍✌️. Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️.
Thank you James 👍👍
Great videos! If you increase the bar height will the reach change?
Interesting comment about the 52cm frame. I ride a 52cm and I am only 167cm tall. I have always thought the bike was a bit too big to get comfortable. Bike fit next week so that should be interesting. New bike please.
Let’s know how it went , I have same size bike and same height
Good luck 👍👍
No bull advice as normal. I'm gonna keep my little t-rex arms bent from now on haha
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Best investment ever.
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Thank you Coach Scott! Absolutely a GameChanger, your experience is second to none!!
You are so funny with a lovely accent 😊
Thank you! 😃
Subscribed, mostly due to the good humour 😅.
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Nothing wrong with groomed arms, it helps with sunscreen application.
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First of all, great video.
Second, I'm 177 cm and 87 kg with very short legs (79 cm inseam) and a long torso. I'm riding a bike with a long top tube (56.5 cm) and a very short stem (70 mm) but with long handlebar reach (100 mm).
I'm good with the twitchy handling so I'm thinking about getting a compact handlebar (80 mm or less reach). Do you think this is a good idea? I currently feel like I have too much weight on my hands. Oh, I'm already using an offset post to try to shift some of the weight back into the saddle.
Thanks!
Very informative video, just found your channel and subscribed, great content. Was particularly interested in your height and optimal bike size, I'm 5ft7 and in-between the sizes of the brand I'm looking to get. Currently looking through your videos to see if you've advice on this:)
you really make me think about Mark Spencer, you know him? great vids you make thanks
As always, another great informative video. Funny too 👍🏻
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🤣Stretch Armstrong... haven't heard that name in a couple decades
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Buenas tardes y felicidades por tu trabajo. Creo que el problema también reside en que las bicicletas que nos gustan tienen un reach muy largo y un stack muy bajo. Yo mido 180cm y si decido comprar una factor ostro vam2 tengo un problema. Si compro 54 tengo que poner muchos espaciadores y si compro 56 tengo que poner potencia mas corta pero estará mas a mi altura de manillar. Se aceptan consejos. Muchas gracias.
Hi coach, great vid as always,I am guilty of buying a bike that's too big for me I'm sure,it's an L and I'm 6ft but having bad saddle and neck pain after 1-2 hours,I have changed the 100mm stem to a 90 @35deg and it has nearly removed all neck pain I'm thinking if I increase it a bit more it might do the trick? If I can get that sorted I can try get to the bottom of the saddle problem 😬 thanks in advance coach
Thank you for the video
What is the basic difference between the top of the saddle and the top of the handlebar?
4-6 cm?
This is a very individual thing too, I am tall with long limbs, my saddle to bar drop is around 9-12cm across my bikes but isn’t overly aggressive
I change mine but always around 6 - 8cm
Hi coach, I wish I had seen you videos first before buying a bicycle. I just have a quick question, you mentioned you're riding a 53 size bike, can you share which brand and model and year?
Im asking because bike brands have different size grades, for example a colnago 48.5 is similar to a Specialized 52 so I'm wondering how would I hone into the right brand and model with its own size grading?
Thank you!
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If most people need to be higher in the front, but need shorter reach (smaller bike) then the stack gets smaller on that small bike and you need a huge chimney of spacers to get the correct height. It’s like a juggling act.
Sizing question related to what you said about your bike size. I’m 5’11-6-0 and everyone in bike shops say I need a 56 but I feel I’m reaching too much and should be in a 54. The bike I have now someone talked me into 56 and I’ve had comfort related problems every since. I’m thinking if the frame is a size too small I can make up for it with stem and saddle but if it is too big your stuck. Thoughts?
My initial reaction is 54 from what you say 👍
Hey coach love this video and it's got me thinking, perhaps you could comment? I have 4 drop bar bikes and feel I've dialed in my position pretty good over the years, they are all 54cm frames and while I am only 172.5cm tall I have a 82.8cm inseem, I think this is a lot for my height. However I usually have to put a 10mm longer stem on most of my bikes to not feel cramped so don't think 52cm frames would work for me. I also run 165mm cranks (yeah expensive on 5 bikes including the MTB) and depending on bike either 38mm or 40mm bars. The smaller cranks helped my comfort and position as I ride a lot in the puppy paws position and when I look in a building window I'm passing seems like my back is pretty flat, down and aero and other riders have also made this comment about my position. But my drop from middle of saddle to top of bars is only 57mm so not a lot of drop in the stem I would have thought. Crank center to middle of saddle is 71.4cm. Now the one issue I seem to have is this. I've always had tight hamstrings even when I was a teenager doing martial arts and the one complaint I have when I'm riding down on my forearms in the puppy paws position is while it generally feels very comfortable for me I feel a little tightness/ache in the glutes, so your posterior chain/velcro comments rang a bell for me. It's got me thinking, do you think I would benefit from dropping the saddle a little more (I've gradually lowered it over the years already) or moving it forward a little?
Thanks Greg - sounds like you are very dialled in. I would suggest lowering by 5mm and moving forward by 5mm as well. See how it feels.
If you are not already on a short nose saddle then I would try that as well 👍👍👍
Hello I'm a beginner, 5'4" tall and ride a 49" roadbike. I get my wrists numb easily when Im riding. Im thinking of changing my 90mm flat stem to a 90mm adjustable stem (up to 85 degrees) so I can raise the height of the bar while reducing the reach. Will that be alright? If so, how would that affect me and my riding? Thanks for the educational video!
Check your bar width against your shoulder width 👍👍👍
@@BulletproofCycling Thank you very much!
WHAAAT!! 52" for 5'10" - I am in the process of buying a gravel bike (used to ride mtn) Dealer has me on a 58" (I am 6'1"-34 inseam) I was going to go for a 56" but the stack on the 58" (checkpoint ALR 5) is much higher and the reach is only 4mm longer, BUT, are you saying the 56" may be too big as well? I have cervical hinge issues from 20 years as a movie stuntman so I need a little more comfortable ride but want to get into long rides. Should I be looking at a 52"-54" frame? thanks.
Does a shorter stem negatively impact handling? I need to reduce down from 110mm to approx 60mm. After moving my seat forward I still get neck pain from overreaching.
I have a pain in the golfer's elbow in both arms, my height 5.7 and i am riding 52 cm bike marin gestalt with 70mm stem. please suggest how to get rid of this, thanks
Hi so when would you use the drops? With bent arms? Thank you!
Most situations on road when in race pace scenarios or headwinds etc. I will add sone info into a video about this and get some footage out on the road 👍
@@BulletproofCycling cool, thank you!
Good Morning coach Totally on board with this as I'm finalizing bar height on my new CX bike. After two months of trying different heights I get higher is better and can feel the difference however question is when is high to high? wrestling between two positions about 2.5mm in height difference both feel good, so should I go as low as possible and still get the same feel fo being able to lower my "triangle" and stay as aero as possible? Thoughts would really help ! Thank you!
Think of comfort and control on cx bike. Your aero position is not something that should matter too much. So being stable and comfortable will mean more power and bigger smiles 👍👍
@@BulletproofCycling Thank you Sir thats my thought too...at my age being comfortable makes me faster and happier!
With this logic, wouldn't it make sense to maybe increase the length one stem size than dropping down one stem spacer? Generally speaking, you are effectively lowering your torso/bring your arms closer to the chest without that overstretching as discussed.
If you can get your head lower and decrease exposed torso to wind. But if you increase length and can’t relax arms then it will cause more issues.
It’s best to trial with the image method I shared 👍👍
@@BulletproofCycling Thanks for your reply. Since I feel bunched up at the front, I think I can easily go 1cm longer stem simply for comfort.
Very useful tips for beginner like me. Coach u are a bit funny 🤣🤣
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Coach, do you have any general thoughts on fit as it relates to someone who is tall, but much more in the torso and shorter in the legs? Arms aren’t particularly long either. 6’, but wear size 31” inseam pants. My saddle is not all that high compared to a lot of riders.
This is great, thanks! Love the videos.
I did a bike fitting a few weeks ago for a new bike and they suggested a 56 frame with a 90mm stem (I’m 182cm and have longer legs / shorter torso for my height!). 90mm seems a bit short, so I was tempted to go for a 100mm and look at handlebar design instead. Any thoughts?
I've got exactly the same size and proportions then you. Im also not sure if i should get a 54 with 110mm stem or a 56 with 90mm stem. I feel like i'm exactly between these frame sizes. (Looking into a Scott Addict rn)
Thanks for comment - I can’t really dial into your specific metrics without seeing you. I mainly suggest 54-56 frames for guys your size. 90mm is not a short stem but if you are racing then you may want longer 👍
I use a relaxed geometry gravel bike with a stack of around 599.5mm. I happen to have a rather long torso, so far I have felt uncomfortable, I tried a negative stem angle with a low stem position without spacers, I felt more comfortable but the handling was a bit wild. Is my bike not the right size, how can I fix the handling so it is more stable?
Consider a longer stem rather than a negative angle?
@@BulletproofCycling I once tried using a longer stem, what happened was that my palms got a bit sore for a long time due to excessive pressure. I was wondering whether the bicycle geometry wasn't suitable for me?
I'm 75 and fit. I am 6'1" tall, 32 inseam. I have been riding a 59cm Bianchi Intenso and am going to get an e-bike (Orbea Gain). The sizing chart says I need a L. Any advice?
Sounds like you have long torso with that inside seam. L should work for you - does the shop do Orbea customised fit service - easy to check in with them via the Myo system 👍👍👍👍
@@BulletproofCycling I'm reaching out to an Orbea dealer close to me to see if they do a bike fit. Thanks
Thanks man! I’m switching to drop bar from flat bar, I’m 179cm with 32”(81.3cm) inseam ( I guess that kinda short legs), and currently kinda ok with my Fastroad SL 2 ( 54cm toptube, 10cm stem, flat bar) and when I do your zombie reach I’m able to grab the bar. I’m currently looking at a road drop bar bike that have 42cm wide and 9cm stem, but are struggling between choosing 52cm or 53.8cm effective horizontal top tube frame, which frame size do you think I should choose ?
This is the road bike frame spec I'm struggling to choose size (between size S and M): ae01.alicdn.com/kf/H18f1ae8310234f0da764dd3f5e86142db.jpg?width=800&height=1056&hash=1856
Hi - I am 178 and ride a 53. It really depends on your torso length and few other metrics. You will be good for both tbh but I can’t really pin one down without really knowing all your dimensions. Enjoy whatever one you go for 👍
Great. Thank you
Great. Thank you
When you say you ride size 52 , 53 with 100mm stem , do you mean you ride an effective top tube of 52/53 cm ? Thanks
Yeh bike size 👍 top tube length varies across models. I have never ridden a bike that is sized bigger than a 53. Most are 53. I ride TT bikes at size 50!!
I suffer from aching triceps on long rides. I'd have thought that might be due to a too low stem, but I have hardly any saddle to bar drop. Reach seems pretty comfy. Do you have any advice for that particular niggle?
Could be you just need to work more on tricep strength off the bike? It is a muscle that is essential for upper body support. Everyone has different torso loads. Your tricep is working harder with straight arm.
I am adding a series of workouts for this very issue over the next few weeks
i agree with this one, i have the same feeling with my triceps when riding for too long but after i tried on exercising in a week i does not hurt anymore
The theory is good coach, but the TT position on the hoods puts a lot of strain on the triceps and the core. So not easy to sustain without extra training.
Sure does - that’s why I want everyone doing daily push-ups!