After my bike fit... {UPDATED FITMENT}

[shaper]

You sit in a much forward position when on a tri bike to that of a road bike, so you do feel like you sit on the nose and push back. It is exaggerated by the fact that you feel like you are way over the front wheel.  It is a more upright position and is not really designed for climbing where you sit up out of the tri position

 

Yo have noted a number of us discussing on the EL70.3 whether to use the tri bike or the road bike due to the climbing.

 

It takes a lot of getting use to.  Google difference between tri bikes and road bikes and you will see that with the saddle seat tube angle being more upright the saddle will be higher and further forward accordingly.

 

Personally I would ride it as it is and not mess with the set up, let your body adjust to the tri position and worry more about the pain in your shoulders and neck that you will get as you develop those muscles from craning your neck like a turtle as you ride.

[_David_]

 

 

I did ask him if I could come back and he noted that I should just tilt the saddle upward as that will be fine and that he is fully booked

 

 

You paid him he must accommodate you, your aero position has to be comfortable.

[Oufy MTB (Roadie)]

I did ask him if I could come back and he noted that I should just tilt the saddle upward as that will be fine and that he is fully booked

Up to post 15 I was cool, but this one tilted me the wrong way. How can the fitter not make time for after care service?

 

When I went for bike fit with Debbie Stopforth, She told me to go ride 3 rides in excess of 40km and then come back to her for adjustments. I had to go for 2 follow up sessions to adjust my cleats (due to knee problems). The 2 follow up sessions was at no charge and she didn't charge close to R1000 for the initial setup

[Garfield2010]

An initial setup should never be your final setup - it is a work in progress.  Tri setups differ mainly due to the following:-

 

1.  Race distance (the longer the training rides and race the more comfortable the position normally) 

2.  Fitness level 

3.  Equipment (certain bikes, tribars and saddles for example will force you into certain positions

4.  Personal preference (in triathlon looking cool is more important than anything else  )

 

From what you say  it sounds like you have an aggressive setup.  Shoulders taking strain means you are very low and aero and forward.  It also sounds that they almost got you "running" on the bike which is very aggressive

 

My initial setup done middle last year varies very much from the current position.  As my shoulders and neck got stronger I have made small changes to my setup.  I have adjusted my saddle height 5 times already.  A good rule of thumb is 90 degree elbow angle but this varies.  Just don't go full retard (aka Superman).  Also play around with the tribar width to maybe ease some shoulder pressure

 

The reason and science for a tri-bike is to go faster by way of aero and also to utilize the correct muscles which in the end will ensure a better run.  However one very important aspect is comfort.  Maybe the guy gave you the perfect setup should you be fit already and did not take into account you are only starting out now.

 

I never ride without my tool(s).  For met the initial setup is only to ensure I am in the ballpark.  There is no exact science in terms if the exact setup for each individual.  Go to Slowtwitch and check out the different setups by the top 15 Kona men - some big differences especially in saddle heights.

 

Just before making any changes take a few side-on pics and make a few measurements of all the variables so you have a point of reference to go back to.  Chances are in a few months you will be close to the initial setup.

 

There are some cool apps as well which can help you with setups (BFF Elite)

 

Best is ride a 10km circuit, make adjustments and ride another 10km.  Did it feel better?  Did you lose a lot of time?  Maybe Kayalami? 

[shaper]

If you want to do some checking on numbers, saddle height, angles etc http://www.slowtwitch.com/mainheadings/techctr/bikefit.html

 

But as I said earlier, ride some long distances (2hrs or more) and get use to the position.  If you still feel is not right then arrange to go back to the fitter and discuss your issues so that can make changes if necessary.

[Wheelsuck]

You paid him he must accommodate you, your aero position has to be comfortable.

Is he nuts to tilt it upwards, that nose is going to dig into you like crazy...I have never heard of tilting the nose up. 

[shaper]

Did you not say in another thread that you were going to fit and Adamo saddle?  

 

If that is the case, it also take a bit more getting use to as it sits higher and further back which adds to the feeling of you sitting on the nose and being pushed forward

[Eldron]

You should never be sitting on the point of the saddle! You should be sitting in the normal part of the saddle and the saddle should be far enough forward that you are in the right position. The saddle forward position saves your legs for the run.

 

Sliding around trying to find the right position is crazy. Tilt the saddle depends on your pelvic structure.

 

Tri positions are a lot more complicated than road/mtb and normally take a few goes to get perfect.

[Eldron]

Is he nuts to tilt it upwards, that nose is going to dig into you like crazy...I have never heard of tilting the nose up. 

 

I ride with my saddle tilted up. It's unusual but it all depends on your pelvic structure.

 

I've fitted people who are comfy with saddle tip up, down and flat...

[Wheelsuck]

I ride with my saddle tilted up. It's unusual but it all depends on your pelvic structure.

 

I've fitted people who are comfy with saddle tip up, down and flat...

Well you learn something new every day..quite surprised but good to know -thanks Eldron

[Cycling Major]

Did you not say in another thread that you were going to fit and Adamo saddle?  

 

If that is the case, it also take a bit more getting use to as it sits higher and further back which adds to the feeling of you sitting on the nose and being pushed forward

 

Yes I fitted an Adamo and I am very happy with the fit of the saddle and that I should sit on the nose.

 

But the tilt is literally making me slide off the saddle, thus me pushing back constantly.  I am going to tilt the saddle tonight, making it level and then see what it looks like tomorrow morning.

 

Then will probably visit Troisport on Thursday

[shaper]

Yes I fitted an Adamo and I am very happy with the fit of the saddle and that I should sit on the nose.

 

But the tilt is literally making me slide off the saddle, thus me pushing back constantly.  I am going to tilt the saddle tonight, making it level and then see what it looks like tomorrow morning.

 

Then will probably visit Troisport on Thursday

My Adamo is level on the nose part of it (FYI) and do not feel like am sliding. 

[Cycling Major]

My Adamo is level on the nose part of it (FYI) and do not feel like am sliding. 

Cool will do the same with mine tonight, my nose is pointing downwards quite heavily

 

Thanks for the input

[shaper]

Cool will do the same with mine tonight, my nose is pointing downwards quite heavily

 

Thanks for the input

instructions and video which might help http://www.ismseat.com/setup-guide/

[Theunissa]

I did ask him if I could come back and he noted that I should just tilt the saddle upward as that will be fine and that he is fully booked

my 2c if i do a job for a client i dont tell him adjust and there himself when i just did the job igs unprofessional. I go back and fix it myself. And i dont make a R1000 an hour.

 

 

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[FlyingScot]

Yes I fitted an Adamo and I am very happy with the fit of the saddle and that I should sit on the nose.

 

But the tilt is literally making me slide off the saddle, thus me pushing back constantly.  I am going to tilt the saddle tonight, making it level and then see what it looks like tomorrow morning.

 

Then will probably visit Troisport on Thursday

 

I would definitely recommend Troisport - they were my first option when I got my fitting done. Marc knows his stuff when it comes to bike fitting and I would say he is the go-to guy for tri fittings.