Making my road bike more comfortable

[2pies]

I completed my first 100m ride yesterday and was really pleased with my fitness as my legs and lower back weren't in too much discomfort. However, my hands and shoulders were in quite a bit of pain which suggests that I'd benefit from a few comfort focused accessories.

I'm told that these would all help, but not how much?

Moving from 23 to 25mm tyres
Puncture resistant tyres so I can drop the pressure a little
A spacer to raise the bar (the bike has quite a racy geometry)
Better bar tape e.g. Lizard Skins or Spec. Roubaix tape
Gel inserts to go under the tape
Better mitts e.g. Spec. Roubaix gel mitts

Should i get them all, or are some either/or?

Anything I haven't thought of? Perhaps some Chamois Cream.

Cheers

 

[Supersuperleeds]

My Spec gel mitts have transformed my riding. My little finger in my right hand would be completely numb after an hour or so of riding, get no pain or numbness now I have my gloves.

Well done on the 100 miler.

I would only do one change at a time, just in case you make things worse and have to work out which change caused it.

 

[DCLane]

+1 for Spesh gel mitts. It's also the simplest change.

Chamois cream works - check on here for threads about it / how to make your own

 

[ianrauk]

I completed my first 100m ride yesterday and was really pleased with my fitness as my legs and lower back weren't in too much discomfort. However, my hands and shoulders were in quite a bit of pain which suggests that I'd benefit from a few comfort focused accessories.

I'm told that these would all help, but not how much?

Moving from 23 to 25mm tyres - Minimal
Puncture resistant tyres so I can drop the pressure a little. Drop pressure on your current tyres, check the sidewall for the lowest PSI they can take
A spacer to raise the bar (the bike has quite a racy geometry) Would help with a more upright, less hunched position
Better bar tape e.g. Lizard Skins or Spec. Roubaix tape
Gel inserts to go under the tape
Better mitts e.g. Spec. Roubaix gel mitts

The above 3
Should i get them all, or are some either/or?

Anything I haven't thought of? Perhaps some Chamois Cream.
Chamois Cream, Sudocreme, Vaseline, it all does the same stuff.

It does sound though that you may need a bike fit.
Cheers

 

[2pies]

The bike was sized for me correctly, but its not very comfortable. I knew this when I bought it, but didn't think I'd be riding anything more than typical 50m club rides.

I'm looking to buy a Carbon or Ti Sportive style bike next year, but will have to do with what I have for now. Hoping that a few cheap upgrades will be OK for now.

 

[Leodis]

Any recommendations for gel mits?

 

[samsbike]

You could raise your bars while maintaining your reach. I quite like the specialized stems as they are height adjustable via shims, so dont weight that much and look OK.

 

[Howard]

As per above - sort out your current tyre pressures. Chances are they are too high. You could also try going to 28mm for extra comfort if your frame will take them. Or just buy top quality 25mms. Get the tyers right then try better gloves etc.

23mms on modern road bikes strikes me as jokes, though. Plenty of downsides, no upside.

 

[JoeyB]

The bike was sized for me correctly, but its not very comfortable. I knew this when I bought it, but didn't think I'd be riding anything more than typical 50m club rides.

I'm looking to buy a Carbon or Ti Sportive style bike next year, but will have to do with what I have for now. Hoping that a few cheap upgrades will be OK for now.

My bike was sized for me correctly too...in that they picked the right frame size! I was having all sorts of problems beyond 100k until I had a bikefit. I could then do a 200k with 'relative' ease.

 

[JoeyB]

As a result of my bikefit I had the stem replaced for a shorter more upright equivalent. I also fitted gel inserts and double wrapped my bars. Finally I swapped my front tyre out for a 25mm (was running a 23). I'll replace the rear when it wears out, unfortunately it was replaced not that long ago before I realised I could and should go wider.

 

[Leodis]

How much was the bike fit?

 

[JoeyB]

How much was the bike fit?

Mine was a bargain at £65 as the chap doing it is now a Retul Master and his Retul fits cost in excess of £130. Based in Southampton though so a bit of a way for you.

 

[Leodis]

Yeah, Chevin cycles in Otley Nr Leeds does it, £120 but just bought a new ride so be a while before the wife will allow that one.

 

[vickster]

Any recommendations for gel mits?

Specialized BG gel although mine have split after 2 months and only a few washes
They do get quite pongy though

Have you checked the width of the bars as well as the height and reach (get your shoulder width measured )

Phat tape as above meant to be good unfortunately only in black...Fizik 3mm performance tape good (just avoid white soft touch if you like clean white tape)

 

[2pies]

I've fitted the bike with 3.2mm Lizard Skins, raised the bar about 1cm and bought some Spec. BG mitts. It feels like I'm riding a different bike, extremely comfortable.

The Mrs. was ecstatic - "You won't be needing to buy a Spec. Roubiax or a Van Nich. Ventus anytime soon then". Too smart for her own good sometimes, that little lady.