Adjusting to a new bike... how long's it take?



AmpedCycle

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Dec 29, 2004
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I'm getting a new bike next week, and I was a little curious about the adjustment time I'd need before I struck out on one of my 70 mile journeys or a race team ride. Since I've only had one road bike, and when I make small adjustments to stem positions, seat positions, and even cleat positions, I know that these little things can make big differences. I'm most worried about some kind of pain or fatigue developing, to tell you the truth. Or in a worst case scenario, not being adjusted to the position and getting dumped or crashing on the race ride. Who knows?
 
AmpedCycle said:
I'm getting a new bike next week, and I was a little curious about the adjustment time I'd need before I struck out on one of my 70 mile journeys or a race team ride. Since I've only had one road bike, and when I make small adjustments to stem positions, seat positions, and even cleat positions, I know that these little things can make big differences. I'm most worried about some kind of pain or fatigue developing, to tell you the truth. Or in a worst case scenario, not being adjusted to the position and getting dumped or crashing on the race ride. Who knows?
If you're comfortable on your current bike, suggest you carefully measure it and set up the new one with matching dimensions (seat post, seat setback, reach and drop to bars). From this start point, with maybe a little fine tuning of saddle and bar tilt on the first ride, believe you'll be good to go.
 
I wouldn't be too worried.

If you measure everything out, you shouldn't have to deal with any significant issues. However you probably will find yourself tweaking for a while.

The things I would imagine could make the biggest difference would be more to do with the components. A Change in pedal systems could affect things like your knees and a change in saddle could clearly affect your contact area. But, this probably goes without saying.
 
AmpedCycle said:
I'm getting a new bike next week, and I was a little curious about the adjustment time I'd need before I struck out on one of my 70 mile journeys or a race team ride. Since I've only had one road bike, and when I make small adjustments to stem positions, seat positions, and even cleat positions, I know that these little things can make big differences. I'm most worried about some kind of pain or fatigue developing, to tell you the truth. Or in a worst case scenario, not being adjusted to the position and getting dumped or crashing on the race ride. Who knows?

I had a custom bike that was set for my body shape and physical condition (52 at the time). I put over 1K miles in six months on it before it was stolen from me (that's a different story). I got a replacement bike, custom, but slightly different geometry (slacker head tube angle to eliminate toe overlap I had on my previous bike). Because the cockpit is the same size it was like I had my old bike again, my legs going where they always did before, my hands dropping into the exact same place on the bars. The bottom line is if a bike is set up properly to fit you, you shouldn't have to, "adjust," to a new bike.

You break-in shoes because they don't fit perfectly and it takes time for the leather to stretch and change shape. You should have no concern in changing bikes. If there is a difference that causes any issue, the fit just could not have been the same.
 
Insight Driver said:
I had a custom bike that was set for my body shape and physical condition (52 at the time). I put over 1K miles in six months on it before it was stolen from me (that's a different story). I got a replacement bike, custom, but slightly different geometry (slacker head tube angle to eliminate toe overlap I had on my previous bike). Because the cockpit is the same size it was like I had my old bike again, my legs going where they always did before, my hands dropping into the exact same place on the bars. The bottom line is if a bike is set up properly to fit you, you shouldn't have to, "adjust," to a new bike.

You break-in shoes because they don't fit perfectly and it takes time for the leather to stretch and change shape. You should have no concern in changing bikes. If there is a difference that causes any issue, the fit just could not have been the same.
You might be right about this... if the fit's good, I shouldn't really have to adjust, a few minor things aside. Maybe I should have my cleats lined up/measured so that I can make a smooth transition.
You're in Sacramento, too? Well, I'm in Davis. I've seen a couple of local people on this forum. Any good rides you'd recommend outside of town, like folsom area? I've been trying to get out of Davis, more.