We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.
What a great presenter! I could watch this guy for months. Just might - Just SUBSCRIBED! Thanks buddy. Truly one of the few videos that makes sense and is easy to digest.
Great video . It should definitely be about being comfortable so you will enjoy riding your bike . I'm 62 and after years of racing my back can't stand the slammed position for long periods , so I went from a 56cm to a 58cm and with a 100mm stem along with a straight seatpost instead of a laid back seatpost . I now ride a average of 200 miles a week comfortable . Or should I say , with a smile on my face !
Hi James - you've gone from a 56 to a longer 58cm frame but reduced the reach by up to 2cm by using an inline seatpost - methinks you could have stuck with the 56cm frame (which is lighter than a 58cm frame) and retained the seatpost with layback and still achieved the same net reach 🤔
One thing i notice mostly missing from this vid is short reach handlebars. Much is said about compact drops but little about short reach. In my experience, you can use short reach bars and leave the stem alone also meaning handling is not affected. Great way to reduce effective reach.
Just moved here from another yours video,and i have 54cm frame big for me,and have short 80mm stem and saddle height less and moved foward a litle and feell better than on my past 50cm frame ,1.70cm, thank you coach ,you make me feel better now 😁
I laughed so much I have to watch it again to actually hear the advice! My chest is clogged so I've coughed the rest of the time I wasn't laughing. Great video!
Love your humoristic motivational speech / video to adjust the stem length to ride more comfortable. I did road racing competition in my teens and later again in my thirties. Picked up my bike again last few years after 10 years and noticed i am not as flexible as in my teens and thirties. Strain in the shoulders, neck and head aches when riding more then 1 hour. I have a stem of 110 mm mounted. After this video i searched my old bike stuff and found a stem of 95 / 100 mm. I am going to mount that and try if it helps riding more comfortable. It is not easy accepting getting older! I still remember how i went all out, went deep, was good in cornering and aero position in races. But now my body just can not do that anymore. I have accepted riding not as fast and as far compared to when i rode competition. I now have to accept i also have to adjust my position on the bike to that of a little bit older man..... i am 53 now, rode competition from 10 to 15 years old and from 29 to 35 years old.
Oh Gee 😢,, I went to the man cave and checked a couple of older bikes that I've built and rode for fun,😢 I wondered why they gave me pain😢,I've bought and had experienced bike fits done with one of my bikes, and ive tried my best to replicate the setups,...in my case these bikes that I've put together are just to big, top tub and seat tube just to long. I'm now looking for a new bike or possibly a modern steel frame with disc brakes and can except my custom 700 wheels ❤,my specialized Deverge Aluminum is 10 years old and has to much Flex (always did)😮. Thank you for your gracious support and sharing your knowledge. #Oldmancyclists ❤
I have a Trek Emonda SL6 that felt good, but got a little uncomfortable on longer rides...>40-45 miles. I flipped the stem over (90mm / 7deg) and WOW what a difference. I have ridden up to 50 miles so far and no problems! It's amazing the difference just a few mm's makes. Not to mention I saved $ by not buying a new stem.👍
Brilliant video. Just offers good advice without making me feel like a ‘f**ny’. I’m 5’9 and brought a 56 cos it was on sale. Guy in the bike shop said it would be fine but I’m only just in the range for that and it feels a bit long. Although it might also be the change from mtb to gravel I’m getting used to. Will keep as is for a few long rides and if needed go down from the 90mm stem it came with to 80mm now that I know it wont screw the handling up. Thanks for the vid so much more helpful than the majority that just say “you cant make a big bike smaller you f**ny’ 👍👍
This video helped me so much! I'm the exact opposite of the situation you described. I'm average height but my legs are shorter and my torso is longer. Most bike companies wanted me in a size 54 but that made for longer cranks, bigger frame with longer reach. I wound up going with a smaller [size 51] bike and the cranks are perfect for me as well as the reach issues. One problem I did have was the seat wound up being most of the way back to be correct. I ended up getting a new seat post to move the seat mount toward the middle of the post for better balance. I then went from the std 90mm stem to a 60 so my reach was in the right place. It's the first time I've ever had a bike that fit me 100% correct. What a difference this has made for me. Thanks so much for all your tips and advice.
🤭😂 love this man))))) Thanks 👍 I remember (a year ago) that to build "my" cockpit size with road handlebars on mtb bike frame and to reach hoods like you show I was forced 😂 to turn the stem backwards of its usual position...You can imagine the look of the cockpit from the side)))))) but feels soo natural, like all my bikes with such cockpit size (I have been building all my bikes both mtb AND road according to Lee McCormack theory for 4 years approximately and they all really feel nice and spot on).
Great video. I have to say that most bars I see are too wide for people, reducing the bar width can make a big difference on reach (and neck relief). (Coach did mention this but I think its something that not enough people look at). A lot of 'gravel' bikes now come with shorter stems (longer top tubes) but relaxed geometry. I have ridden a 110 on a Pinerello (51.5) (hire bike) and 70 on my Specialized Diverge (XS)
haha i did what you showed at the beginning of the video. i bought a bike that might be a little too big but it was at a good price :D i am 1.74 with 82cm and i got the 56cm trek emonda sl 6. im pretty sure the 54cm would suit me better but i hope i can adjust it well. tomorrow i got a session with a bike fitter. never done that before but i hope it works out. cool channel, great sense of humour 🙂
thanks :-) but it didnt. the very much experienced trek guy told me to better sell it. it will never fit perfectly and since i know its a little too big, its also in my head. so im just gonna try to sell it. @@BulletproofCycling
That was a nice presentation. Love the humour. I have had a bike fit (Retul) and tried to get the parts for my bike (and an upgrade) I am now on another bike but the reach is a killer! Fitter and bike store are working different mental ways to do a bike fit.
Thanks for this! I have a threaded quill & stem, so unfortunately adjusting reach will probably involve removing bar tape & controls and replacing the factory clamping stem with one with a clamshell handlebar attachment method and adjustable stem angle. I went for my first real ride on my road bike (96-97 Giant CFR 3, 55cm size) and I had ALL the problems you described. My hands started hurting after about 3 miles on the hoods, neck hurt from looking up, and I thought my groin discomfort was due to me just not being used to a road saddle. Oh, and to ride on the hoods, my arms were at full extension, no slight bend. It was MORE comfortable riding with my hands on the bar tape just aft of the controls, except my wrists were rotated down (as they had to be, unlike when on the controls). I've come to the conclusions that my controls need to be moved up a centimeter or so, and aft a few centimeters. I wonder if perhaps raising my quill up some would work. Hopefully the minimum insertion depth is a fair ways down.
I did the first test and could not even reach them with the my fingertips. Explains the shoulderpain I had riding the last 6 months... Thanks for the video :D
Thanks for this video. I bought a too big bike and went back to the store to change it for a medium sized. But was tricked by the store to keep the large sized one. They actually did all of the tricks you showed in this video and the bike felt better. But it's still too big. I understand now that they tricked me to stay with the L sized bike. I wish I had seen your post earlier.. Know I'll have to buy a smaller stem (probably an 80cm one).
I received a replacement bike (frame) re a product recall. The recalled frame size was 56cm, whereas the replacement frame size was 56.5cm - this also coincided with me developing a long-term lower back injury. Fast forward a number of years and I'm now riding the bike (with 56.5cm frame) but had to make the following adjustments: (a) 90mm stem - which as Scott mentions, can make the bike feel wobbly at speed (i.e. 30 mph and above), (b) compact bars - meaning the hoods are closer and the length between hoods and drops is reduced, and (c) an inline seatpost. As a result of these changes, I've reduced the reach by approx. 5cm - meaning the bike feels good to ride. So yes, have made some compromises but for me, worth doing.
Some great tips here. I'm just getting into cycling and I bought a bike at the height of covid supply issues and the manufacturer's website suggested I should be in a 58. Well the only bike in stock was a 58 anyhow so that's what I ordered. Comes to my door and I certainly feel it's oh no it's a size too big. I've changed to a more compact shorter reach narrower bar which in and of itself has helped immensely. I think changing out the 110 stem to a 100 will get me about perfect now or close to it. Thanks for the tips.
as an almost 73yr old lifetime rider, and race car builder. I find it strange that no one seems to care about weight distribution. I am a little too heavy in my upper body, so need a longer frame to avoid having too much weight on the front. This makes the steering downright scary if I adopt a modern position. We vary carefully distribute the weight when we design a race or rally car to ensure the response is not too sharp or slow. All the tuning in the world cannot fix a chassis that has 60% of its weight at the front.
Hey Scott - curious to get your thoughts on MTB reach and how so many manufacturers have increased this distance by 30-50mm in the last several years. My new Ibis Ripley v4 feels ok when seated but gives me pain when off the saddle in an aggressive descent due to a +52mm reach compared to the older v3. Downsizing from an XL to LG presents problems with stack height being a bit low and the bike feeling too small. Lee McCormick has expressed concern about this recent “longer and slacker” MTB trend but I am surprised more PT / bike fit folks haven’t addressed it.
This is exactly the direct advice I've been looking for just found it 30 videos later :P I'm an odd shape/size but this video was the best to help me figure out if the bike I have is okay or I need to change the size.
I just want people watching this to know that shortening your reach is NOT always the fix for back pain. I kept shortening my reach and raising my bars and it turns out that I actually needed to lengthen my reach and lower my bars. Went from a 80mm +6 degree to a 120mm -6 degree and road 60 miles without back pain for the first time in a very long time. I’m very long torsoed with short legs. So just keep that in Ming if you’re still having problems with shorter and higher bar position.
I have the same issue. I gave the bike shop my height and they handed me a bike, without bike fitting. Did your mummy test and the hood is touching my fingers. Changing my seat post to a straight post (original is a reclining), and may be getting a new handlebar from 10 to 7cm reach. Hope that helps. Stem is already 9 cm, so cant do much there (or can I?). Have also improve my sitting position, thanks to your previous videos. Your video really makes a lot of sense compare to many others, great job, and thanks for all your priceless content.
Same issue here. I have just mounted a 4cm stem (It was 6cm on the brand new bike). I'll try with the new position. I'm 168cm with short legs (74,5) and long torso. My bike is a touring bike S size. Next thing is to put the handlebar higher.
My local shop did the same thing. If I remember, they wanted to sell me a 54 or56cm bike. Took it for a short ride. Then, I asked to try a 53cm bike. That is the one I took home. 5ft 9 and mid 60's, the smaller bike is so much more comfortable. They wouldn't even try to do a bike fit until I bought a bike first. They would make it fit me or me fit it. No good reason to use a local shop when I can do the same thing for myself and purchase online. Repair service is also only if you pay so that objection to online goes away also.
When I was racing it felt that I was "bunched up" on a 13, so I changed over to a 14. Since retiring from racing, 6 years ago, I've lost some flexibility, so I went back to a 13 cm stem. I tend to ride a 59cm frame, with a 58cm top tube.
That hoodie reminds me of this Italian jersey I recently received. Must have been targeting the UK sized market lol. Will do a mummy test in a few weeks when clavicles a bit more stable as am interested to see how my bikes reach compares. Not having much luck this yr!
This is interesting , I feel like marketing of endurance bikes being more comfortable because of higher stack and shorter reach, is just that , marketing!
Ive been having neck aching, so i did your test (arms out)and found out my fingers were touching the hoods..I made a small 1/4" forward adjustment on my seat and now am hitting closer to the crease of my palm, and my head isn't looking "up" as much. Ill try this position and hope it helps, thanks!
Coach, I'm 71" in height with a 33.5 inseam and say normal arm length. Very interested in purchasing a Cervelo Aspero. Would a 54 be adjustable for fit than a 56cm? I've been told the Aspero fits a bit large. Thanks for the informative content.
A slightly 'too big' frame will give you a longer head tube and so a more sitty up relaxed ride if that's your thing, also if your frame is too small a long stem will pitch you forward, instead of a 20mm longer stem, go 10mm longer and get the saddle backwards 10mm to keep all the angles right
I have a Ridley Noah Fast. Gr8 bike, maybe a wee bit big. Problem is the AeroNomic stem-bar combo is fixed at 110mm & 40 cm, respectively. Other than shelling out >400 quid for new bar or pushing the saddle too forward I don’t have any option, do I? Vids are awesome (and funny!)
Good video, very interesting, but I don’t seem to see any videos in this much detail for your average cyclists using hybrid bikes for commuting or leisure. If anyone knows of a good one and can post a link in a reply this would be ideal
Been using 70mm stem for months now since the top tube on my bike is a bit long for me, works well and actually improves my cornering, i think i might even go with 60mm next.
My minimum bike size is 53cm and max is 55cm. I Normally ride a 54cm. Reach is based on stem length, saddle fore and aft should be for leg angle or balance on the bicycle.
Coach, you are AWESOME! The videos are so helpful. My question, can a 4-11 female rider be set up with a stem, say at 70mm stem? Or 60mm?? Her current bike is 48cm, formally riding a 45cm. The 48cm seems WAY to big. Any suggestions?
Yeh seems big I have put some female riders on 60mm stems. It sounds ridiculously short for a road bike but they have performed well. Some have even raced with 60mm. I would try it and see how she goes. Good luck
Need to fix this on my gfs bike. If I measured correctly it has a 130mm stem and a very long bar. When riding she has her hands roughly 5cm away from the hoods. A 20€ stem should fix it. Told her from the start it needs to be done but she's a bit stubborn and just admitted yesterday that it's too long. For my road bike I need a bikefit. My legs are very short compared to my torso so it will be a nightmare. Canyon says I need xs size with 1,75m...
I need an advice on buying a hardtail X-Caliber 9 2022 with a dropper seatpost in XL size but I'm 182 cm tall. I tought I'd replace the 90mm stem with much smaller one 35mm. I hope that way the bike would be much more nimble and fit my size. It's an opportunity because it's a really nice bike but it's a previous year model that's on a huge discount. I'd take a 35mm stem with me to try it out first. I wanted to see what are your toughts.
Hey, coach. Mostly this year I have been going MTBING but when I get back out on my road bike I have an awful feeling with the break’s and traffic around me. Any suggestions. Loving your work. Keep it up 👍. Derek
That’s a shame Derek, sorry to hear. Maybe try and stick to cycle paths or go out at quieter times. Maybe start with short cycles on loops close to home and just build up confidence?
I'm 169cm with leg length 80,7cm. Riding old canyon endurace in XS size with 165mm cranks. I suppose I have short torso, so I put saddle more in front position - tried 80, 90, 100 and 110 stems. Still have doubts - when I do mummy test - 90 and 100 seem OK. But I fail falling test - OK, I have nice belly (every month smaller), but suppose that also the short cranks could not give me a good support point and I feel slightly falling :(
Hello Loving your knowledge On my bike, gravel bike…comes with a 80mm stem. Mummy test I land on my upper palm. I’m suffering with neck burning sensation. Bike has a very tall head tube compared to others in its class. Should gravel bikes come with 100mm stems? I’ve noticed that most gravel bikes now are coming with shorter stems like MTB bikes. Can you share your thoughts on this? BTW I’m 5’10 with 32” inseam on a 54cm bike..80mm stem Thank you
Coach! Whats your take on a frame just a bit smaller can make it longer but a frame that is bigger cannot make it shorter. Will it ever feels right if the frame is a bit smaller or bigger than the “right” frame? I also wonder if shorter rider will most likely need zero offset seat post to fit them on the bike properly. Also why is it some rider wants to have more forward position vs than being on the back end position? Doesn’t change the centre of gravity of the rider on the bike?
Hi there, thanks for the this as this is just what I have been working on, and also from you last video. So just went from the stock 42cm bar to the same but 38cm bar, bight5and day better, I slot in place great now wrists relaxed and doesn't feel like I'm hugging a huge bus steering wheel. Huge difference in better head movement too. However after a little while my pain bottom of neck middle of shoulder still present after a 1.5 he albeit slightly reduced, and since failing your reach test there Quite significantly I think I'm gonna try out an 80cm from 100mm stem now, if this is correct thing to do will saddle position etc still be fitting. 1 last thing I also consider different prime aero bars as felt some 1s and hand just sit nice on tops and look cool, I'm thinking would they also solve my issue as they say on handle bars that reach is 80mm compared to again 100mm on the others 🙄!? Like you say I just wanna ride more gradually Thanks again Jon
Is the Ridley grifn allroad aluminium frame with 105 a good beginner bike? Also for one total new to road bike is the Shimano r550 or whats its called pedal good enough? Im very afraid to maybe not being able to clip out when stopping and falling over. Also ridley site says im xs but a bike shop says small since thats what they have inn. If i was 3cm bigger that makes me go to small. Should that little make a big difference?
Does it work with gravel bikes? Or only road bikes? I have a “neck problem” on my Gravel even after a 400 km (in total) it hurts after riding :( P.S. switched from MtB
My current frame is an Avanti endurance size 53. It is very difficult to find larger frames in Asia. To avoid being spat off it at every turn, and not able to afford to change it, I machined a spacer for the bottom headset bearing. this lifted the front end, changed the geometry enough to move my c of G back prob 20mm. And of course made the steering more docile. Downside is my hip angle is too cramped now, this limits post ride beers ! For mature riders having your bum above your head is not ideal, but modern geometry and dogma kind of forces on you. Compact bars are a mystery to me ! The drops are useless.
The Scottish accent is killing it! ❤
So entertaining, enjoying it!
It’s just an accent
It's just how he talks
We tackled assembling the bike as a family project. th-cam.com/users/postUgkxzg0clhbtRf2gGxPkVETFKJJKGqdsorQu The package is heavy, but I have 2 teen boys that were able to move it. The written instructions were great- we didn't need to watch the videos, but it was good knowing that the option was there if we needed it. After we were able to get it set up, the boys each rode 3 miles and I rode 8 and the bike stayed quiet. The display is easy to reset, and you can put it on whichever setting you are using (time, distance, calories, etc). I will say that my butt is a little sore from the seat, but that could be because I haven't rode in a while. While it is comfortable for me, it was not comfortable with the seat position for my friend (could not move the seat back far enough and he slightly looked like a kid riding a tricycle that he had outgrown). He also said that the seat hurt his manly parts. We are going to look for a different seat that will be compatible with this bike for him.I did purchase the Wahoo Cadence sensor and strapped it to the crank of one of the pedals. This will sync with my Apple Watch, iPhone and will import data in to my Health app. Wahoo does have other sensors available other than cadence. I can also keep either my phone or my iPad on the display and they both feel pretty secure.
What a great presenter! I could watch this guy for months. Just might - Just SUBSCRIBED! Thanks buddy. Truly one of the few videos that makes sense and is easy to digest.
Great video . It should definitely be about being comfortable so you will enjoy riding your bike . I'm 62 and after years of racing my back can't stand the slammed position for long periods , so I went from a 56cm to a 58cm and with a 100mm stem along with a straight seatpost instead of a laid back seatpost . I now ride a average of 200 miles a week comfortable . Or should I say , with a smile on my face !
Hi James - you've gone from a 56 to a longer 58cm frame but reduced the reach by up to 2cm by using an inline seatpost - methinks you could have stuck with the 56cm frame (which is lighter than a 58cm frame) and retained the seatpost with layback and still achieved the same net reach 🤔
@@perrymcguire3806 He gained stack though
One thing i notice mostly missing from this vid is short reach handlebars. Much is said about compact drops but little about short reach. In my experience, you can use short reach bars and leave the stem alone also meaning handling is not affected. Great way to reduce effective reach.
I used to ride a slightly oversized bike with a 80mm stem. Now I'm adjusting to a new bike and so glad I found your channel, Coach Scott!
My situation. Not really sure what to do about it other than try another shorter stem.
👍👍👍👍👍👍👍
LOL.... I'm one of the dummies that bought a too big frame because it was on sale ! Went to 90mm stem and it works for me.
Good to know that I simply told my customer everything correctly! Love the reach test I will definitely include that!
Thank you Sophie
Just moved here from another yours video,and i have 54cm frame big for me,and have short 80mm stem and saddle height less and moved foward a litle and feell better than on my past 50cm frame ,1.70cm, thank you coach ,you make me feel better now 😁
Thanks for sharing 👍👍👍
I laughed so much I have to watch it again to actually hear the advice! My chest is clogged so I've coughed the rest of the time I wasn't laughing. Great video!
Haha sorry
Love your humoristic motivational speech / video to adjust the stem length to ride more comfortable. I did road racing competition in my teens and later again in my thirties. Picked up my bike again last few years after 10 years and noticed i am not as flexible as in my teens and thirties. Strain in the shoulders, neck and head aches when riding more then 1 hour. I have a stem of 110 mm mounted. After this video i searched my old bike stuff and found a stem of 95 / 100 mm. I am going to mount that and try if it helps riding more comfortable. It is not easy accepting getting older! I still remember how i went all out, went deep, was good in cornering and aero position in races. But now my body just can not do that anymore. I have accepted riding not as fast and as far compared to when i rode competition. I now have to accept i also have to adjust my position on the bike to that of a little bit older man..... i am 53 now, rode competition from 10 to 15 years old and from 29 to 35 years old.
Love the comment - thanks for sharing - we are the same age brother - stay safe
Oh Gee 😢,, I went to the man cave and checked a couple of older bikes that I've built and rode for fun,😢 I wondered why they gave me pain😢,I've bought and had experienced bike fits done with one of my bikes, and ive tried my best to replicate the setups,...in my case these bikes that I've put together are just to big, top tub and seat tube just to long. I'm now looking for a new bike or possibly a modern steel frame with disc brakes and can except my custom 700 wheels ❤,my specialized Deverge Aluminum is 10 years old and has to much Flex (always did)😮. Thank you for your gracious support and sharing your knowledge. #Oldmancyclists ❤
Comfort never more important than when riding for long periods, as in riding an Audax. Thanks for the video coach.
Brasilian detected
EXCELLENT video! Loved the simple tests to check reach! And the humor!
I have a Trek Emonda SL6 that felt good, but got a little uncomfortable on longer rides...>40-45 miles. I flipped the stem over (90mm / 7deg) and WOW what a difference. I have ridden up to 50 miles so far and no problems! It's amazing the difference just a few mm's makes. Not to mention I saved $ by not buying a new stem.👍
👍👍👍
But now it looks like an endurance bike...style>comfort 😀
Brilliant video. Just offers good advice without making me feel like a ‘f**ny’. I’m 5’9 and brought a 56 cos it was on sale. Guy in the bike shop said it would be fine but I’m only just in the range for that and it feels a bit long. Although it might also be the change from mtb to gravel I’m getting used to. Will keep as is for a few long rides and if needed go down from the 90mm stem it came with to 80mm now that I know it wont screw the handling up. Thanks for the vid so much more helpful than the majority that just say “you cant make a big bike smaller you f**ny’ 👍👍
Amazing jokes and healthy motivation! You definitely did your job and I’m going to cycle asap 😀
This video helped me so much!
I'm the exact opposite of the situation you described.
I'm average height but my legs are shorter and my torso is longer. Most bike companies wanted me in a size 54 but that made for longer cranks, bigger frame with longer reach. I wound up going with a smaller [size 51] bike and the cranks are perfect for me as well as the reach issues. One problem I did have was the seat wound up being most of the way back to be correct. I ended up getting a new seat post to move the seat mount toward the middle of the post for better balance. I then went from the std 90mm stem to a 60 so my reach was in the right place. It's the first time I've ever had a bike that fit me 100% correct. What a difference this has made for me.
Thanks so much for all your tips and advice.
🤭😂 love this man))))) Thanks 👍
I remember (a year ago) that to build "my" cockpit size with road handlebars on mtb bike frame and to reach hoods like you show I was forced 😂 to turn the stem backwards of its usual position...You can imagine the look of the cockpit from the side)))))) but feels soo natural, like all my bikes with such cockpit size
(I have been building all my bikes both mtb AND road according to Lee McCormack theory for 4 years approximately and they all really feel nice and spot on).
👍👍👍👍
Great video. I have to say that most bars I see are too wide for people, reducing the bar width can make a big difference on reach (and neck relief). (Coach did mention this but I think its something that not enough people look at). A lot of 'gravel' bikes now come with shorter stems (longer top tubes) but relaxed geometry. I have ridden a 110 on a Pinerello (51.5) (hire bike) and 70 on my Specialized Diverge (XS)
haha i did what you showed at the beginning of the video. i bought a bike that might be a little too big but it was at a good price :D i am 1.74 with 82cm and i got the 56cm trek emonda sl 6. im pretty sure the 54cm would suit me better but i hope i can adjust it well. tomorrow i got a session with a bike fitter. never done that before but i hope it works out. cool channel, great sense of humour 🙂
Thanks - I hope it works out ok for you
thanks :-) but it didnt. the very much experienced trek guy told me to better sell it. it will never fit perfectly and since i know its a little too big, its also in my head. so im just gonna try to sell it. @@BulletproofCycling
Great news, Coach! I just did that test and my reach is just right!!!
Thanks 🙏👍👍👍👍👍
I have the reverse. A top tube too short for me. I now use 130mm stem 😅 I'll try this test you showed. Thanks sir
👍👍👍👍👍
That was a nice presentation. Love the humour. I have had a bike fit (Retul) and tried to get the parts for my bike (and an upgrade) I am now on another bike but the reach is a killer!
Fitter and bike store are working different mental ways to do a bike fit.
Thanks for this! I have a threaded quill & stem, so unfortunately adjusting reach will probably involve removing bar tape & controls and replacing the factory clamping stem with one with a clamshell handlebar attachment method and adjustable stem angle. I went for my first real ride on my road bike (96-97 Giant CFR 3, 55cm size) and I had ALL the problems you described. My hands started hurting after about 3 miles on the hoods, neck hurt from looking up, and I thought my groin discomfort was due to me just not being used to a road saddle. Oh, and to ride on the hoods, my arms were at full extension, no slight bend. It was MORE comfortable riding with my hands on the bar tape just aft of the controls, except my wrists were rotated down (as they had to be, unlike when on the controls).
I've come to the conclusions that my controls need to be moved up a centimeter or so, and aft a few centimeters.
I wonder if perhaps raising my quill up some would work. Hopefully the minimum insertion depth is a fair ways down.
I did the first test and could not even reach them with the my fingertips. Explains the shoulderpain I had riding the last 6 months... Thanks for the video :D
Thanks Coach! Great Recommendation on problem solving! Peace ✌️ and Love 💕 from Tucson Arizona Desert 🏜️
Thanks James 👍👍👍
Fantastic!! With this lovely accent i could listen to just any subject.
I think he have the best videos on youtube !
Thank you for the video. My problem besides too long a stem. Was the bars put the hoods to far out there.
You can loosen the hoods and move them 👍
Just so down to earth with everything .and made me laugh. Bike videos have never been so good 😊
Thanks for this video. I bought a too big bike and went back to the store to change it for a medium sized. But was tricked by the store to keep the large sized one. They actually did all of the tricks you showed in this video and the bike felt better. But it's still too big. I understand now that they tricked me to stay with the L sized bike. I wish I had seen your post earlier.. Know I'll have to buy a smaller stem (probably an 80cm one).
Hope you get a solution 👍
I received a replacement bike (frame) re a product recall. The recalled frame size was 56cm, whereas the replacement frame size was 56.5cm - this also coincided with me developing a long-term lower back injury. Fast forward a number of years and I'm now riding the bike (with 56.5cm frame) but had to make the following adjustments: (a) 90mm stem - which as Scott mentions, can make the bike feel wobbly at speed (i.e. 30 mph and above), (b) compact bars - meaning the hoods are closer and the length between hoods and drops is reduced, and (c) an inline seatpost. As a result of these changes, I've reduced the reach by approx. 5cm - meaning the bike feels good to ride. So yes, have made some compromises but for me, worth doing.
Thank you a huge added value.
My pleasure
Thanks coach, I am going to try this.
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This really helped me understand bike measurements for me! Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Great vid, really enjoy your style of presentation.Thanks
Many thanks
Some great tips here. I'm just getting into cycling and I bought a bike at the height of covid supply issues and the manufacturer's website suggested I should be in a 58. Well the only bike in stock was a 58 anyhow so that's what I ordered. Comes to my door and I certainly feel it's oh no it's a size too big. I've changed to a more compact shorter reach narrower bar which in and of itself has helped immensely. I think changing out the 110 stem to a 100 will get me about perfect now or close to it. Thanks for the tips.
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as an almost 73yr old lifetime rider, and race car builder. I find it strange that no one seems to care about weight distribution. I am a little too heavy in my upper body, so need a longer frame to avoid having too much weight on the front. This makes the steering downright scary if I adopt a modern position. We vary carefully distribute the weight when we design a race or rally car to ensure the response is not too sharp or slow. All the tuning in the world cannot fix a chassis that has 60% of its weight at the front.
Love this. I am actually going to McLaren showroom and chatting about such things 👍👍👍
Hey Scott - curious to get your thoughts on MTB reach and how so many manufacturers have increased this distance by 30-50mm in the last several years. My new Ibis Ripley v4 feels ok when seated but gives me pain when off the saddle in an aggressive descent due to a +52mm reach compared to the older v3. Downsizing from an XL to LG presents problems with stack height being a bit low and the bike feeling too small. Lee McCormick has expressed concern about this recent “longer and slacker” MTB trend but I am surprised more PT / bike fit folks haven’t addressed it.
❤love yours videos . I just suscriped. Like all yours points in the 3 videos that I saw . HELP ME A LOT . Thanks 😊 ❤❤
Awesome! Thank you!
Thanks, I flipped my stem and my seat is forward almost all the way, but I haven't thought about sliding the brifters up.
Glad to help
This is exactly the direct advice I've been looking for just found it 30 videos later :P I'm an odd shape/size but this video was the best to help me figure out if the bike I have is okay or I need to change the size.
I no longer have any pains in all those critical areas of riding. I now have a Bacchetta Giro A 20. and ride pain free.
I just want people watching this to know that shortening your reach is NOT always the fix for back pain. I kept shortening my reach and raising my bars and it turns out that I actually needed to lengthen my reach and lower my bars. Went from a 80mm +6 degree to a 120mm -6 degree and road 60 miles without back pain for the first time in a very long time. I’m very long torsoed with short legs. So just keep that in Ming if you’re still having problems with shorter and higher bar position.
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Lol same we got the Weener dog body type
Do a video about the 'ring of death'. So many riders dont know about it but should.
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love the humor mate!
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Another entertaining and useful video. A common issue we encounter at the bike shop. Thanks!
Lol! I like big bikes and I cannot lie!........Good clip Coach!
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Brilliant, funny and useful !! Thank you !
Excellent video -think my reach is a little short , one piece cockpit which isn’t ideal to change . What are o buoys signs it’s too short reach
But it was almost 3rd ^^ i am 185, bike is a 59er. New Handlebars and shorter Stem, aaand new Saddle. Love it!
As a rule, pick a size smaller as your bike shop recommends. Usually they just measure leg length and ignore reach.
Hi Coach, can you please do a virtual online bike fit session
There will be another one soon 👍
It's like watching star trek special engineering section only. Haha love the information in this video!!
😂😂😂👍👍👍
I have the same issue. I gave the bike shop my height and they handed me a bike, without bike fitting. Did your mummy test and the hood is touching my fingers. Changing my seat post to a straight post (original is a reclining), and may be getting a new handlebar from 10 to 7cm reach. Hope that helps. Stem is already 9 cm, so cant do much there (or can I?). Have also improve my sitting position, thanks to your previous videos. Your video really makes a lot of sense compare to many others, great job, and thanks for all your priceless content.
Same issue here. I have just mounted a 4cm stem (It was 6cm on the brand new bike). I'll try with the new position. I'm 168cm with short legs (74,5) and long torso. My bike is a touring bike S size. Next thing is to put the handlebar higher.
My local shop did the same thing. If I remember, they wanted to sell me a 54 or56cm bike. Took it for a short ride. Then, I asked to try a 53cm bike. That is the one I took home. 5ft 9 and mid 60's, the smaller bike is so much more comfortable. They wouldn't even try to do a bike fit until I bought a bike first. They would make it fit me or me fit it.
No good reason to use a local shop when I can do the same thing for myself and purchase online. Repair service is also only if you pay so that objection to online goes away also.
When I was racing it felt that I was "bunched up" on a 13, so I changed over to a 14. Since retiring from racing, 6 years ago, I've lost some flexibility, so I went back to a 13 cm stem.
I tend to ride a 59cm frame, with a 58cm top tube.
Thanks for sharing Bill 👍
great explanation as usual !!!! thanks
After this I cycled 500 miles. 😂. Just a friendly jibe, keep it up. Excellent accent.
Thanks! 😃
That hoodie reminds me of this Italian jersey I recently received. Must have been targeting the UK sized market lol. Will do a mummy test in a few weeks when clavicles a bit more stable as am interested to see how my bikes reach compares. Not having much luck this yr!
You are too hilarious, mate! LOL! Thank you! I have learned a lot from you!
Excellent video coach! 👍
Another good & useful tips….thanks Coach👍🏻
I used myvelofit to upload videos and get assessed on fit, rotated bars up and flipped the stem then rode 5hrs no issues with comfort
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Moar about core training. That's something I need ot fix for the next 2023 ultramarathon season :)
Will do
my first bike was an oversized endurance bike. The second one was an aero bike and was way more comfortable than my endurance bike:)
This is interesting , I feel like marketing of endurance bikes being more comfortable because of higher stack and shorter reach, is just that , marketing!
I feel ya I've had thesse same issues on the bike i ride the ebike now
Do the same rules/changes apply to mountain bikes? I've been getting lower back pain and wrist pain from my mountain bike.
Ive been having neck aching, so i did your test (arms out)and found out my fingers were touching the hoods..I made a small 1/4" forward adjustment on my seat and now am hitting closer to the crease of my palm, and my head isn't looking "up" as much. Ill try this position and hope it helps, thanks!
I used to ride bikes with 400mm reach and 140mm stem, then I switched to 440mm reach and 100mm stem, and its a lot better.
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Coach, I'm 71" in height with a 33.5 inseam and say normal arm length. Very interested in purchasing a Cervelo Aspero. Would a 54 be adjustable for fit than a 56cm? I've been told the Aspero fits a bit large. Thanks for the informative content.
A slightly 'too big' frame will give you a longer head tube and so a more sitty up relaxed ride if that's your thing, also if your frame is too small a long stem will pitch you forward, instead of a 20mm longer stem, go 10mm longer and get the saddle backwards 10mm to keep all the angles right
I have a Ridley Noah Fast. Gr8 bike, maybe a wee bit big. Problem is the AeroNomic stem-bar combo is fixed at 110mm & 40 cm, respectively. Other than shelling out >400 quid for new bar or pushing the saddle too forward I don’t have any option, do I? Vids are awesome (and funny!)
I have the same problem with ridley kanzo fast
Good video, very interesting, but I don’t seem to see any videos in this much detail for your average cyclists using hybrid bikes for commuting or leisure. If anyone knows of a good one and can post a link in a reply this would be ideal
That’s a good point
Hi coach do you by chance have some simple DIY tips on fitting out a tri or TT bike?😀
Yes. Will look to share these
Hi coach I never thought by "viagra-ing" the stem helps. will try it out on my road bike as i had pain on my right neck area
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Been using 70mm stem for months now since the top tube on my bike is a bit long for me, works well and actually improves my cornering, i think i might even go with 60mm next.
Yep, I have managed to put a few 60’s on female riders and they have done well 👍
It took me about 10 films to get your scots ( as a belgian flemish guy) but I’m okay now 😂😂😂😂 and , you are absolutely right
Great content and great accent
Thank you 🙏
My minimum bike size is 53cm and max is 55cm. I Normally ride a 54cm. Reach is based on stem length, saddle fore and aft should be for leg angle or balance on the bicycle.
What is your height sir?
Good vid. Thank you.
My pleasure
Coach, you are AWESOME! The videos are so helpful. My question, can a 4-11 female rider be set up with a stem, say at 70mm stem? Or 60mm?? Her current bike is 48cm, formally riding a 45cm. The 48cm seems WAY to big. Any suggestions?
Yeh seems big
I have put some female riders on 60mm stems. It sounds ridiculously short for a road bike but they have performed well. Some have even raced with 60mm. I would try it and see how she goes. Good luck
Need to fix this on my gfs bike. If I measured correctly it has a 130mm stem and a very long bar. When riding she has her hands roughly 5cm away from the hoods. A 20€ stem should fix it. Told her from the start it needs to be done but she's a bit stubborn and just admitted yesterday that it's too long.
For my road bike I need a bikefit. My legs are very short compared to my torso so it will be a nightmare. Canyon says I need xs size with 1,75m...
I need an advice on buying a hardtail X-Caliber 9 2022 with a dropper seatpost in XL size but I'm 182 cm tall. I tought I'd replace the 90mm stem with much smaller one 35mm. I hope that way the bike would be much more nimble and fit my size. It's an opportunity because it's a really nice bike but it's a previous year model that's on a huge discount. I'd take a 35mm stem with me to try it out first. I wanted to see what are your toughts.
Hey, coach. Mostly this year I have been going MTBING but when I get back out on my road bike I have an awful feeling with the break’s and traffic around me. Any suggestions. Loving your work. Keep it up 👍. Derek
That’s a shame Derek, sorry to hear. Maybe try and stick to cycle paths or go out at quieter times. Maybe start with short cycles on loops close to home and just build up confidence?
What a cool accent...
Greetings from Germany!
I'm 169cm with leg length 80,7cm. Riding old canyon endurace in XS size with 165mm cranks. I suppose I have short torso, so I put saddle more in front position - tried 80, 90, 100 and 110 stems. Still have doubts - when I do mummy test - 90 and 100 seem OK. But I fail falling test - OK, I have nice belly (every month smaller), but suppose that also the short cranks could not give me a good support point and I feel slightly falling :(
Hello
Loving your knowledge
On my bike, gravel bike…comes with a 80mm stem. Mummy test I land on my upper palm. I’m suffering with neck burning sensation. Bike has a very tall head tube compared to others in its class.
Should gravel bikes come with 100mm stems? I’ve noticed that most gravel bikes now are coming with shorter stems like MTB bikes.
Can you share your thoughts on this?
BTW I’m 5’10 with 32” inseam on a 54cm bike..80mm stem
Thank you
Thank you 🙏
Can bringing the saddle forward help
As long as you don’t create issues for your knees - just nudge forward 5mm and see how it feels.
Coach! Whats your take on a frame just a bit smaller can make it longer but a frame that is bigger cannot make it shorter. Will it ever feels right if the frame is a bit smaller or bigger than the “right” frame? I also wonder if shorter rider will most likely need zero offset seat post to fit them on the bike properly.
Also why is it some rider wants to have more forward position vs than being on the back end position? Doesn’t change the centre of gravity of the rider on the bike?
Hi there, thanks for the this as this is just what I have been working on, and also from you last video. So just went from the stock 42cm bar to the same but 38cm bar, bight5and day better, I slot in place great now wrists relaxed and doesn't feel like I'm hugging a huge bus steering wheel. Huge difference in better head movement too. However after a little while my pain bottom of neck middle of shoulder still present after a 1.5 he albeit slightly reduced, and since failing your reach test there Quite significantly I think I'm gonna try out an 80cm from 100mm stem now, if this is correct thing to do will saddle position etc still be fitting. 1 last thing I also consider different prime aero bars as felt some 1s and hand just sit nice on tops and look cool, I'm thinking would they also solve my issue as they say on handle bars that reach is 80mm compared to again 100mm on the others 🙄!? Like you say I just wanna ride more gradually Thanks again Jon
Great video😊
Hey !! Love your videos!! For a general sizing question… I’m 72 inches tall with a 33.5 inseam. What frame size would you recommend?
Somewhere between 53 - 56 I would guess but torso length important and style of bike 👍👍
Fantastic! Subbed.
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Hah, what a humor, love it! 🙂
I think you are awesome!!!
Is the Ridley grifn allroad aluminium frame with 105 a good beginner bike? Also for one total new to road bike is the Shimano r550 or whats its called pedal good enough? Im very afraid to maybe not being able to clip out when stopping and falling over. Also ridley site says im xs but a bike shop says small since thats what they have inn. If i was 3cm bigger that makes me go to small. Should that little make a big difference?
Does it work with gravel bikes? Or only road bikes? I have a “neck problem” on my Gravel even after a 400 km (in total) it hurts after riding :(
P.S. switched from MtB
Love the accent.
My current frame is an Avanti endurance size 53. It is very difficult to find larger frames in Asia. To avoid being spat off it at every turn, and not able to afford to change it, I machined a spacer for the bottom headset bearing. this lifted the front end, changed the geometry enough to move my c of G back prob 20mm. And of course made the steering more docile. Downside is my hip angle is too cramped now, this limits post ride beers ! For mature riders having your bum above your head is not ideal, but modern geometry and dogma kind of forces on you. Compact bars are a mystery to me ! The drops are useless.
great video