Handlebars seem too far away...causing discomfort.

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

A few mm can on a well fitting bike, doesn't even touch any compensation you need for a TT that's too long, with a stem that's too long (and in the case of road drops, reach that the bars add)

 

[Gunk]

Mine was already a reasonable fit, (I’m 5’7” and it’s a 51 cms frame) but I’ve got short arms and was stretching slightly to rest on the hoods.

 

[T.M.H.N.E.T]

Arguably it wasn't really if saddle fore/aft is used to bring the bars closer

FWIW, 6ft3 on a 54cm frame

 

[freiston]

but it can make a slight difference, I’ve made my road bike more comfortable by shifting the saddle forward on the rails slightly and fitting a 70mm handlebar stem.

Setting the saddle back or forward will change the weight distribution but will not change the reach. (IMHO) Once the correct saddle height is attained, the set-back should be adjusted to get the "balance" right regarding weight distribution and once that is sorted, then matters of reach ought to be addressed. @lane posted a good link up-thread which I think gives a very good explanation of the dynamics:

Before you do anything have a good read of this excellent bike fit guide from a bike designer at Spa cycles. See if using this guide you can get a fit that works for you. If you can't then the bike may just not be a good fit for you.

http://wheel-easy.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/bike-set-up-2017a.pdf

 

[Milkfloat]

Setting the saddle back or forward will change the weight distribution but will not change the reach. (IMHO) Once the correct saddle height is attained, the set-back should be adjusted to get the "balance" right regarding weight distribution and once that is sorted, then matters of reach ought to be addressed. @lane posted a good link up-thread which I think gives a very good explanation of the dynamics:

Changing the set-back will actually change the effective saddle height, they are related.

 

[freiston]

I agree

 

[Gunk]

Anyway it’s worked

 

[united4ever]

Thanks for the replies. Back was alright until i started working from home in March using a poor chair. Been riding for a couple of years on this bike. Lot of good info here I shall consider it all.