Suddenly my bike doesn't fit me.

[blxm]

Hope someone can help me diagnose this.

Over the last six months I have replaced my flat handlebars with risers and moved the saddle up and down and up again. I now find myself constantly pushing myself up and back to the softer pads at the back of the saddle as it seems I have slipped forward onto the thinner, harder section at the front.

I think I need to experiment with saddle position.
The saddle does not point down at the front. If anything it points very slightly above horizontal.
Am I overextended to reach the bars?
Do I need a shorter stem?
Do I need to raise the saddle?
Do I need a new bike?

 

[Davywalnuts]

I went from flat handle to drops and have to end up changing the frame...

And I found, even without changing the saddle that my position on it changed...

So I went down a size frame and all is now well..

I could have shorterned the stem, but I dont like the feel of it being shorter..

Maybe try a bike of differant size if you can?

 

[HLaB]

sounds like a good excuse for a new bike

 

[numbnuts]

Suddenly my bike doesn't fit me

I told you not to wash it

 

[ed_o_brain]

Is the saddle too far back relative to the bottom bracket?

A picture of the bike would be useful.
I wouldn't just go out and buy a new bike until you understand what is wrong with your position on the old one, not unless you are going to get properly measured up on a jig.

 

[silverbow]

Without seeing you sitting on the bike or ride it, all the advice here will be educated guesses. So here is mine!

Without seeing you sitting on the bike or ride it, all the advice here will be educated guesses. So here is my educated guess!

The 2 things I would start with are:

1. When to raised the seat post did the saddle position move backwards with regard to the central crank position? I would say it probably did as in general seat tubes are angled back away from the central crank position. Moving the saddle forward on the seat rails may correct it?

2. Did you raise the seat too high? If so your pelvis will rock from side to side as you pedal and cause your arse to walk along the seat. So may be lower the seat so your pelvis doesn't rock.


I changed my handle bars on my bike about ten years ago and had to make various little changes to get it right. Back then the bike was used for blasting through the forest and on trails, now however it is used for on road commuting with road tyres mudguards and panniers. I had to go through a similar trial and error setup at the beginning of this year to adjust the bike for its new service! Unless you are cycling long distances I’m sure you can find a setup that will work, it may not be perfect, but it will do.

Otherwise it’s a trip to LBS!

 

[blxm]

Thanks - all good advice.
I tried moving the saddle forward and it seems slightly better. I've got about 8mm remaining.
I think it is to do with the saddle "breaking in" and the fact I am using bar ends a lot more so my upper body position is further forward.
It has become quite really shiny so maybe I am just slipping forward in my shiny (non-lycra!) shorts as the padding has thinned.
Anyway, its a bit better and I will continue to tweak the reach and angle.
Still keeping my eye open for a new bike tho

 

[Speck]

Try these sites:

http://www.bq.org.au/cycle-info/education/riding_position.shtml

http://www.realbuzz.com/articles/the-correct-riding-position-on-a-road-bike/#