Road Bike question.

[Jonny00GT]

Based on the lack of taint pain or shoulder tightness, I think I'm close on my set up, and the upward rotation of my handlebars relieved my wrist pain, however, my thumb and 2 end fingers on my left hand started going numb about 8mi into my ride on Sat. I wear some cheap Bell riding gloves from Wal-Mart and I had to keep adjusting hand position to get the feeling back. I didn't think I was putting too much pressure on my hands, but...maybe? I tend to ride with my hands vertically for ease of changing gears.
The bike is a Specialized Allez I bought from Matt/Strychnine http://m95.photobucket.com/albumview...ke005.jpg.html a while back. I love it! I've only been on a handful of rides on it, and just trying to sort it out.
I know I could go pay a tri or bike shop to set it up for me, but I'm more of a hands on kinda guy(learned to true the wheels myself). Any help would be great! Maybe better gloves, re wrap the handlebars, etc?
Thanks!
-Jonny

[Vertnut]

Riding position is everything. It's the key to comfort, speed, efficiency, and durability. Some of what you feel is just "newness" to the bike and cycling. Saddle time will help a lot of things, but when you get into 4-5 hours of saddle time (i.e. a century ride), your position is the most important factor. Be sure your arms have a slight bend on the hoods so you're not constantly "reaching". Be sure your hips aren't "rocking" as you pedal, and have about a 5 degree angle when your foot hits the bottom of the down-stroke. You don't want to lock your knee's. Be sure the nose of the saddle is level or slightly lower to avoid taint numbness. Buy some really nice high-end gloves that fit really well with gel in the right areas for your favorite hand positions. I used to change hand positions constantly on long rides to help circulation and avoid numbness.

[black2002ls]

I need to get my bike adjusted. I haven't been able to get comfortable on it. Only weighing a buck twenty five I don't have much cushion in the saddle. Now that I am working days, I have time to ride consistently I just need to get into the habit and get comfortable

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[Jonny00GT]

Thanks, Vert! I'll look into some good gloves and pay more attention to my hand movements. I also think I need to rewrap the handlebars. It may be that most of my gear changes are on the right side, so my left stayed "planted" too long.

[Vertnut]

Thanks, Vert! I'll look into some good gloves and pay more attention to my hand movements. I also think I need to rewrap the handlebars. It may be that most of my gear changes are on the right side, so my left stayed "planted" too long.

$18-$20 handle-bar wrap is worth every penny and can really help pad your hands.

[Jonny00GT]

Vert, what do you recommend for tire flat? Do you have special tubes or a spare tube and CO2 inflater?

[motoman]

Just as a recommendation, if you haven't done it already, take your bike to the local shop and have them fit it to you. You'd be surprised what a couple a couple millimeters can do for comfort if you're not properly fit. When I first started riding I had a problem with my hands going numb after about a half hour of riding. This was due to 3 things:
1) vibration from the road and not being used to it.
2) wasn't properly fit to my bike when starting off
3) had a really cheap pair of gloves with no padding.

Even after a nicer pair of Pearl Izumi gloves, i still had some numbness but not till over an hour of riding, which went away with time spent on the bike.

[Vertnut]

Vert, what do you recommend for tire flat? Do you have special tubes or a spare tube and CO2 inflater?

I carry CO2, tire tools, and a tube at all times. Try to run 120psi in road tires to prevent "snake-bite" flats (when you hit a pot hole or bump. I air my tires every ride even if it's the next day.

[motoman]

I carry CO2, tire tools, and a tube at all times. Try to run 120psi in road tires to prevent "snake-bite" flats (when you hit a pot hole or bump. I air my tires every ride even if it's the next day.

x2 on this, and I recommend 2 tubes if you can fit it. I've had a couple days where I had 2 flats.

[Shorty]

I carry a spare tube and a frame pump capable of high psi. I bring a patch kit too in case I need to repair
a second flat.

For gloves, go to a store and try a few different ones on. Get on a bike at the store and see how they feel in riding positions. Gloves can feel great on your hand but pinch or feel bad when you're on the handlebars.

[black2002ls]

Just as a recommendation, if you haven't done it already, take your bike to the local shop and have them fit it to you. You'd be surprised what a couple a couple millimeters can do for comfort if you're not properly fit. When I first started riding I had a problem with my hands going numb after about a half hour of riding. This was due to 3 things:
1) vibration from the road and not being used to it.
2) wasn't properly fit to my bike when starting off
3) had a really cheap pair of gloves with no padding.

Even after a nicer pair of Pearl Izumi gloves, i still had some numbness but not till over an hour of riding, which went away with time spent on the bike.

I need to get mine to RBM to get fitted. Any solutions for transporting my bike in the bed of my s-10 without just tossing it back there?

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[motoman]

I need to get mine to RBM to get fitted. Any solutions for transporting my bike in the bed of my s-10 without just tossing it back there?

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Pull off the front wheel, set a piece of wood or foam under the front fork, tie down strap over the frame and cinch down.

[Jonny00GT]

Thanks guys! All good stuff!

[HarrisonTX]

I registered for a 70 miler this month. Anyone recommend a good shop for a tune up?

[motoman]

I registered for a 70 miler this month. Anyone recommend a good shop for a tune up?

It's a little bit of a trip for you but I'd recommend Performance Bike in FT. Worth. I always went between their Dallas store and Plano Cycle & Fitness when I was cycling.