Dropper seat post

[LongDonkey]

Oddly enough i need a set forward dropper. My saddle cant go forward anymore to get the knee/pedal position correct. Odd for a 2.03 dude........

[MajG]

I won’t argue with the bike fit science. I just find it odd that you need a 90mm stem and setback seatpost to fit on a trail bike.

That combo will stretch you out on the bike a fair bit.

What made you explore the different setup options?

After buying this new bike after 2 or 3 rides i didnt feel as cumfy as before and got some lower back pain the days after riding.

 

Then opted for bike fit.

 

I got adjusted by 6cm on my reach.

 

Im not keen on getting setback post as you advised the strain on the stanchion will probably affect the longevity of the dropper.

 

Im ride for few weeks and assess

[PhilipV]

I won’t argue with the bike fit science. I just find it odd that you need a 90mm stem and setback seatpost to fit on a trail bike.

 

That combo will stretch you out on the bike a fair bit.

 

What made you explore the different setup options?

It's all relative.

I remember having a chat with Spook Groenewald, (bike fit egend in Somerset West) about it, and he specifically said that I should disregard some of the old stretched out wisdom as it doesn't apply to trail and enduro riding.

 

I'm wondering whether bike fit guy is trying to make that formula fit on a bicycle that isn't part of the raving mould.

[PhilipV]

After buying this new bike after 2 or 3 rides i didnt feel as cumfy as before and got some lower back pain the days after riding.

 

Then opted for bike fit.

 

I got adjusted by 6cm on my reach.

 

Im not keen on getting setback post as you advised the strain on the stanchion will probably affect the longevity of the dropper.

 

Im ride for few weeks and assess

I've always found that working on my core muscles has sorted out back pain.

The theory is that the core then supports your upper body weight better when in the sitting pedaling position and this removes the strain off my lower back.

 

Either way, I hope the pain goes away, and that the 90mm stem didn't screw up your bike's handling that much.

[patches]

So i got this advice from the ergofit bikefit at sports science institute in Claremont today.

 

He believes I need just 2cm adjust to the rear after adding the 90mm stem.

 

Im 1.70m on a medium frame on a Norco Fluid, think the geometry is just hectic.As per the bike fit i dont have out of the ordinary length limbs.

 

I doubt i would need a large frame though.

 

But i will see how i feel after i ride this wkend

 

See spez offers setback dropper, but slight setback

 

 

I won’t argue with the bike fit science. I just find it odd that you need a 90mm stem and setback seatpost to fit on a trail bike.

 

That combo will stretch you out on the bike a fair bit.

 

What made you explore the different setup options?

 

Interesting conundrum.

 

My first instinct was the same as DR's, in that the frame may be to small. But going by Norco's sizing guide. 170cm puts you quite firmly in the medium range.

 

That said, the large range seems to kick in at about 173cm (so you're close to the ball park).

 

My biggest concern would be the 90mm stem. That will definitely have adverse affects on the bike's handling characteristics and designed intent.

 

Stock standard most trail and enduro bikes come with a 50mm stem. This isn't to save on materials, or make a rider feel cramped. It's a conscious decision by the engineers to make the bike handle the way they designed it to.

 

My scepticism with bike fit "gurus" (and I know I'll peeve off some that may be on here), is that they are XC and road bike focused.

 

So they use XC and road bike adjustment strategies (like almost doubling the length of a stem), which don't always translate well onto trail or more gravity orientated bikes.

 

It's a tough one. At the end of the day a rider wants to feel comfortable on their bike. No doubt!

But the very reason you bought that bike was because you wanted it to afford you the handling and capability that it was designed to have.

 

So, Engineers (who know that specific bike design better than anyone else) vs. Bike Fitters (trying to use XC and road bike fitting methodologies on a bike designed for a different use).

[DR ◣◢]

These things are a dark science.

 

When I moved from the Morewood to the Evil I noticed no difference in my back even with the 10 year change in geometry.

 

What I did notice was how much core work made a difference to pain. Huge.

[MajG]

It's all relative.

I remember having a chat with Spook Groenewald, (bike fit egend in Somerset West) about it, and he specifically said that I should disregard some of the old stretched out wisdom as it doesn't apply to trail and enduro riding.

 

I'm wondering whether bike fit guy is trying to make that formula fit on a bicycle that isn't part of the raving mould.

 

This was my concern by going to sportscience as my theory was they more focused on road bike fit, but he assured me and few hubbers suggested that they exactly what they doing- I believe they do, to a point.

 

As i am in this for singletrack and lots of downhill/enduro style riding.

 

 

I've always found that working on my core muscles has sorted out back pain.

The theory is that the core then supports your upper body weight better when in the sitting pedaling position and this removes the strain off my lower back.

 

Either way, I hope the pain goes away, and that the 90mm stem didn't screw up your bike's handling that much.

 Thanks man, i hope so too.

 

I come from years of marathon running so I assumed that assisted in building a strong core  , although lockdown did take a toll on my regular running regime 

[MajG]

Interesting conundrum.

 

My first instinct was the same as DR's, in that the frame may be to small. But going by Norco's sizing guide. 170cm puts you quite firmly in the medium range.

 

That said, the large range seems to kick in at about 173cm (so you're close to the ball park).

 

My biggest concern would be the 90mm stem. That will definitely have adverse affects on the bike's handling characteristics and designed intent.

 

Stock standard most trail and enduro bikes come with a 50mm stem. This isn't to save on materials, or make a rider feel cramped. It's a conscious decision by the engineers to make the bike handle the way they designed it to.

 

My scepticism with bike fit "gurus" (and I know I'll peeve off some that may be on here), is that they are XC and road bike focused.

 

So they use XC and road bike adjustment strategies (like almost doubling the length of a stem), which don't always translate well onto trail or more gravity orientated bikes.

 

It's a tough one. At the end of the day a rider wants to feel comfortable on their bike. No doubt!

But the very reason you bought that bike was because you wanted it to afford you the handling and capability that it was designed to have.

 

So, Engineers (who know that specific bike design better than anyone else) vs. Bike Fitters (trying to use XC and road bike fitting methodologies on a bike designed for a different use).

 

This is something that I never considered and you raise a valid point, bike was designed in a particular way, but i am certain they allow for some room for adjustment due to people body variations - i hope!

 

Im sure we can make up a list of qualified&experienced downhill/enduro folks who are more experienced in the bike fitting dept .

 

Sports science was thorough and have a free follow up aswell, so take nothing away from them just that too many people suggested that 90mm stem and 2 to 5cm setback is abit way too much adjustments.

 

I will see how it goes after this wknds ride and if i can still throw the bike around like I did with the normal stem

[DR ◣◢]

Before the 90mm stem did you play around with bar height and bar roll?

 

Where in your back does it hurt and what type of pain is it?

[MajG]

Before the 90mm stem did you play around with bar height and bar roll?

 

Where in your back does it hurt and what type of pain is it?

 

across the lower back just above hip bone if im explaining correctly, pain was more dull ache that lasted 2 days.

 

I lowered the bar by placing spacers above instead of below the bar, but didnt roll the bar

 

what do you suggest?

[DR ◣◢]

Some might disagree with me but I found a certain level of conditioning is needed with a new bike. It's not always a case of get up and go. At least what I found with my new bike. First 5 rides or so I had some discomfort on the right side of my lower back around 10km into a trail ride. 

 

It's completely gone now. 

 

See what the 90mm stem does but take it easy in the first couple of corners. You might find that your steering is slower than before and the bike might not pop as easily for drops and manuals.

[MajG]

Some might disagree with me but I found a certain level of conditioning is needed with a new bike. It's not always a case of get up and go. At least what I found with my new bike. First 5 rides or so I had some discomfort on the right side of my lower back around 10km into a trail ride. 

 

It's completely gone now. 

 

See what the 90mm stem does but take it easy in the first couple of corners. You might find that your steering is slower than before and the bike might not pop as easily for drops and manuals.

 

Yeah my first few rides on the bike did feel weird and uncumfy- you def are right in that regard where you need to adapt to the new ride/feel.

 

That is a real fear now, the bike isnt as agile and im going to see my gat on turn or jump 

[ChrisF]

across the lower back just above hip bone if im explaining correctly, pain was more dull ache that lasted 2 days.

 

I lowered the bar by placing spacers above instead of below the bar, but didnt roll the bar

 

what do you suggest?

 

After my second fitment I developed a slight pain, similar to what you are describing.

 

Turns out we took it just that little bit too far ... dropped the saddle by maybe 5mm, and that was the SWEET spot.  

 

 

But as I have said previously .... VERY easy to start fiddling and end up chasing your own tail ....

 

 

Keep riding, and keep track of the aches and pains .... then stay in touch with the fitter .... with the correct feedback they can then do that final tweaking that works for you.