New To riding Question

shrubby32 said:

I just started riding and got my first bike, a trek 1500. My question is when I am riding, should my arms be fully extended when riding on the hoods or should they be slightly bent. When I get home, the inside of my elbows kill me and are pretty sore. What is your advice?

You want your position on the bike to be such that there is little need for pressure, your arms should not be holding you up. It sounds as if you are locking your elbows. I warm up usually with my arms straight, and gradually they become bent as my position becomes more aero. I do not lock them. Now when I am in the drops, my arms definately support my upper body. (I hope I am explaining this correctly)

shrubby32 said:

I just started riding and got my first bike, a trek 1500. My question is when I am riding, should my arms be fully extended when riding on the hoods or should they be slightly bent. When I get home, the inside of my elbows kill me and are pretty sore. What is your advice?

Were you fit proper by the bike shop? If not spend the cash to be set up. Saddle height, Saddle position (fore or aft), Stem length, stem height, Bar width and cleat position will determine how comfortable you will be. When I bought my road bike I got the "that looks about right, off you go". I shelled out $125 and they spent about 1 1/2 hours getting me straightened out. Have fun and be safe out there. Keep your head on a swivel.

I had the same problems when I first started it takes awhile to get the muscles required to hold you up properly. Your arms should be inline with the bars and bent at zero degrees or out to 20 degrees at the most. If your arms are straight to the hoods this would be 45 degrees. Your back should be straight not curved like a C .. you should be able to open your lungs deep into your stomach. It takes time to develop the core muscles to hold your self in this position but it is the optimal position for riding it helps with breathing, aero positioning and shock absorption, if your arms are straight (no bends) all the bumps are going into your back.

your bike should have been fit when you bought it but many times in a fitting like that they dont show you too much. If you pay to have a full fitting done which is a good idea they should help correct your form.

Markz said:

Were you fit proper by the bike shop? If not spend the cash to be set up. Saddle height, Saddle position (fore or aft), Stem length, stem height, Bar width and cleat position will determine how comfortable you will be. When I bought my road bike I got the "that looks about right, off you go". I shelled out $125 and they spent about 1 1/2 hours getting me straightened out. Have fun and be safe out there. Keep your head on a swivel.

I did get a fitting and it does feel alot better now. After a couple of rides, I got used to riding in this position and my body now leans forward a lot easier! Thanks for the advice!!!

Nice! Now ride it till the wheels fall off.