Replicating riding position

[3narf]

Hi

I recently bought a new bike after several years of exclusively riding a singlespeed (you wouldn't know though, it's not like I go on about it! )

Anyway, the new one has drop bars and proper gears and everything, but I just don't feel I can put as much effort in yet, mainly down to the riding position.

I was using narrow, flat bars with bar ends and obviously with one gear it's just a case of going for it, so it just felt familiar. With an array of hand positions to choose from I find the hoods are too stretched, bends too upright and drops too low!

Also with 22 gears it seems like I'm always in the wrong one... I tend to get a mid one and kind of pedal in and out of an efficient cadence, like I'm on my singlespeed.

I'm assuming I'll get used to everything and the unused parts of my legs will eventually catch up, then the old bike might start to feel old and clunky. But maybe not, eh?

 

[winjim]

You could always tinker with your stem position until you get used to it. Start with a short stem high up, maybe flipped and lower / lengthen it as you get more comfortable.

 

[roadrash]

your new bike and your old bike are totally different beasts, perseverence is the key

 

[3narf]

Yes, I was kind of thinking that way. I'm comfortable on both I should be more flexible, I suppose.

 

[Easytigers]

Keep at it...you'll get there. Changing the stem is a good idea.

 

[earlestownflya]

from riding atb's as a kid,it took me a while to get used to a road bike,the difference in riding position is poles apart..just got to keep at it until your body deforms

 

[MichaelW2]

You can adjust the points of contact of your road bike any way you want.

 

[Gravity Aided]

Sometimes comfort is just miles away. Take a nice long ride on the 21 speed. That will point up what needs changing, and build your comfort level with the new situation. I built an adventure tourer in the spring. I was not very comfortable on it. So I rode to a nearby town for the annual pancake dinner, and 45 miles later, my problems were cured. Geometry may be different between your old bike and new, but you can help that with saddle and bar adjustment. I sometimes line the bicycle up next to one I'm accustomed to, and try to match where points of contact fall, all things being equal.

 

[Globalti]

Stop worrying about it; you'll get used to it withing a few rides.

 

[Moodyman]

It'll need a handful of rides with frequent micro adjustments to get the fit right.

 

[3narf]

Thx all. I can't stop riding it, so I guess it can't be that bad!