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I hate my bike
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 2016-08-05 4:39 PM |
Member 166   Bismarck, ND |  Subject: I hate my bikeOK, I have posted lots of questions over the years regarding bike fit and soreness. I have had numerous fittings, changed saddles and spent lots of money trying to figure out how to get comfortable. At the beginning of July, I drove to a major city 7 hours away and had another bike fitting done. I ended up buying a new Cervelo P3 (I had been riding a Felt B16). I am just sick because I still can not get comfortable on that bike. I am much better than I was before. My arms and neck are better but I have so much saddle soreness. We reposition the saddle and I have tried a couple different ones. But, I still can only make it a few miles before I want off that bike. Now, I have only been dealing with this bike for a month but I have been dealing with the bike issues for 5 years. Is there hope for me? Or are there just some people who can never get comfortable on a TT bike? I am a heavier female at 165#. Is this the reason or only reason? I don't know if I should just give up on the TT bike and buy a nice road bike. At least I would be comfortable and not dread every single bike workout. |
| 2016-08-05 5:27 PM in reply to: brreems |
Coach 9167  Stairway to Seven | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems OK, I have posted lots of questions over the years regarding bike fit and soreness. I have had numerous fittings, changed saddles and spent lots of money trying to figure out how to get comfortable. At the beginning of July, I drove to a major city 7 hours away and had another bike fitting done. I ended up buying a new Cervelo P3 (I had been riding a Felt B16). I am just sick because I still can not get comfortable on that bike. I am much better than I was before. My arms and neck are better but I have so much saddle soreness. We reposition the saddle and I have tried a couple different ones. But, I still can only make it a few miles before I want off that bike. Now, I have only been dealing with this bike for a month but I have been dealing with the bike issues for 5 years. Is there hope for me? Or are there just some people who can never get comfortable on a TT bike? I am a heavier female at 165#. Is this the reason or only reason? I don't know if I should just give up on the TT bike and buy a nice road bike. At least I would be comfortable and not dread every single bike workout. this makes me very sad to read! no one should hate their bike. it'd be way better to have a hybrid cruiser that you loved...then you'd love every ride! What fun is the sport if you hate part of it or hate a piece of equipement used for part of it? I'd have given it up. I never bought a TT bike...I bought a road bike b/c it was more comfortable and I thought I'd use it more...and I used it a ton for general ridign and criterium racing as well as triathlons. it just made sense to me at the time I bought it. Finally my boyfriend built me a custom sized 29" single speed mountain bike and that's pretty much all I ride any more. My road bike is set up for "comfort". torso & arm length can have a big influence on wehter or not a stock bike will be adjusted well. 165# isn't "heavy"...maybe if you're 4'6" tall it is. But your weight is a lot of factors added together ,and height is improtant as well. Aside from that, your weight has little to nothign to do with bike fit...your bone length doesn't change at all. Just curious how tall you are? avg bike speed? the benefits of a TT bike increase the faster you are. And while I could really care less about how much you weigh, if a TT bike increases speed due to decreased drag, you can improve theother side of the equation a lot (ie the power to weight ration) by losing a few pounds. I'm not being judgemental in anyway...I know how challenging weight loss is, especially when endurance training. I'm just wondering if based on your 5 year history of bike-hate, and considering yourself "heavier", if it doesn't make a whole lot more sense to just get a fun bike and not worry about speed for now. You'll ride your bike more, enjoy it more, burn more calories, build more fitness and maybe at some point in the future it will make sense to revisit a TT bike. I'd just go ride a bunch of bikes and buy the one that feels good off the floor and that the shop can close fit...but don't pay for it unless you really enjoy riding it. |
| 2016-08-05 6:15 PM in reply to: #5194202 |
| Member 166 Bismarck, ND | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I am 5'3". In my HIM a couple weeks ago, I averaged 16.4 mph. In my oly's last year, I averaged 17.5. My training rides have been slower. When I am racing, I can "block out" a lot of the discomfort. But, when I am training, it is very difficult. I have tried different shorts, different creams, different saddles, different bike fitters....I daydream about just riding a commuter bike in my next HIM ?? But, in reality, I wonder if a road bike is what I need. If I could be comfortable, I would be more likely to ride it and build up my bike fitness. I do not ride at all when I don't "have to" for training. I would maybe even be faster because I'm not sitting up and adjusting myself constantly. As I write, I have discomfort in my saddle area from yesterday's 30 minute ride. I guess, body image is an issue. But, this is a concern a couple people have talked to me about regarding comfort on the bike. so, I guess, it has just stuck with me that the weight may be an issue with comfort. In the triathlon world, 165#s is heavier than the majority of triathletes. |
| 2016-08-05 7:00 PM in reply to: brreems |
Elite 3683  Whispering Pines, North Carolina | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems I am 5'3". In my HIM a couple weeks ago, I averaged 16.4 mph. In my oly's last year, I averaged 17.5. My training rides have been slower. When I am racing, I can "block out" a lot of the discomfort. But, when I am training, it is very difficult. I have tried different shorts, different creams, different saddles, different bike fitters....I daydream about just riding a commuter bike in my next HIM ?? But, in reality, I wonder if a road bike is what I need. If I could be comfortable, I would be more likely to ride it and build up my bike fitness. I do not ride at all when I don't "have to" for training. I would maybe even be faster because I'm not sitting up and adjusting myself constantly. As I write, I have discomfort in my saddle area from yesterday's 30 minute ride. I guess, body image is an issue. But, this is a concern a couple people have talked to me about regarding comfort on the bike. so, I guess, it has just stuck with me that the weight may be an issue with comfort. In the triathlon world, 165#s is heavier than the majority of triathletes. If you don't mind me asking, how much do you ride per week? I looked at your logs and they're blank. Also, how long have you been riding? When I first started to ride, I was fairly uncomfortable. As I increased volume and toughened up the "hide" a bit, it went away. Now, it's my favorite discipline.  I don't necessarily think weight is all that much of an issue (for comfort). I know a lot of people way heavier than you that ride. Yes, they had to tinker with different factors until they got it right, but once they did, they were fine. I hope you figure it out! Riding a bike is a pleasure (unless I'm hammering it up a hill, but that's just a different, sick kind of fun) and it's the workout that I most look forward to these days....oh, and this coming from a runner. |
| 2016-08-05 8:54 PM in reply to: d00d |
| Member 166 Bismarck, ND | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by d00d Originally posted by brreems I am 5'3". In my HIM a couple weeks ago, I averaged 16.4 mph. In my oly's last year, I averaged 17.5. My training rides have been slower. When I am racing, I can "block out" a lot of the discomfort. But, when I am training, it is very difficult. I have tried different shorts, different creams, different saddles, different bike fitters....I daydream about just riding a commuter bike in my next HIM ?? But, in reality, I wonder if a road bike is what I need. If I could be comfortable, I would be more likely to ride it and build up my bike fitness. I do not ride at all when I don't "have to" for training. I would maybe even be faster because I'm not sitting up and adjusting myself constantly. As I write, I have discomfort in my saddle area from yesterday's 30 minute ride. I guess, body image is an issue. But, this is a concern a couple people have talked to me about regarding comfort on the bike. so, I guess, it has just stuck with me that the weight may be an issue with comfort. In the triathlon world, 165#s is heavier than the majority of triathletes. If you don't mind me asking, how much do you ride per week? I looked at your logs and they're blank. Also, how long have you been riding? When I first started to ride, I was fairly uncomfortable. As I increased volume and toughened up the "hide" a bit, it went away. Now, it's my favorite discipline. I don't necessarily think weight is all that much of an issue (for comfort). I know a lot of people way heavier than you that ride. Yes, they had to tinker with different factors until they got it right, but once they did, they were fine. I hope you figure it out! Riding a bike is a pleasure (unless I'm hammering it up a hill, but that's just a different, sick kind of fun) and it's the workout that I most look forward to these days....oh, and this coming from a runner. I don't ride at all except for training and short rides with my kids. I complete a HIM a couple weeks ago so was averaging about 80 miles for the last couple months. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I chalked the discomfort right away with the new bike to just needing to "toughen up the hide" but we are going on a month now and still having problems. I want to like to ride but I dread getting on that bike every time I have to do it. It has every thing to do with my "area" hurting so bad. |
| 2016-08-06 3:52 AM in reply to: brreems |
Extreme Veteran 5722 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems At the beginning of July, I drove to a major city 7 hours away and had another bike fitting done. I ended up buying a new Cervelo P3 (I had been riding a Felt B16). What size B16 did you go from and what size P3 did you go to ? I would go to the Cobb website and get in touch with their women's specialist. They may even have recommendations such as slightly tiling the saddle. |
| 2016-08-06 1:56 PM in reply to: marcag |
| Member 166 Bismarck, ND | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by marcag Originally posted by brreems At the beginning of July, I drove to a major city 7 hours away and had another bike fitting done. I ended up buying a new Cervelo P3 (I had been riding a Felt B16). What size B16 did you go from and what size P3 did you go to ? I would go to the Cobb website and get in touch with their women's specialist. They may even have recommendations such as slightly tiling the saddle. I went from a, either 50 or 51 B16. The number is worn off so not sure which one it is. I just bought a 48 P3. I had tried the Cobb saddles with my B16 but just couldn't find a good fit. I don't remember working with a womens specialist. I loved working with them though. |
| 2016-08-06 4:47 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 265 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Have you tried different bike shorts? I will run tri shorts for sprints but did full on bike shorts for my HIM this year and I was glad I did. |
| 2016-08-06 8:51 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 261 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike That really stinks. I have a friend who has had saddle issues and tried many many saddles. Only recently he's she found a saddle that's a little better. Have you had a comfortable road bike before? If so, I'd say just get a road bike. If not, I would hesitate to make a statement that a road bike would automatically be more comfortable for you. I'm actually more comfortable on my TT bike. Leaning forward I really don't have that much pressure from the saddle. Good luck to you. |
| 2016-08-06 9:21 PM in reply to: HaydenHunter |
| Member 166 Bismarck, ND | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by HaydenHunter Have you tried different bike shorts? I will run tri shorts for sprints but did full on bike shorts for my HIM this year and I was glad I did. Yes, I have tried different shorts and different creams. It doesn't seem that the bike shorts are that much better. I haven't worn them since the last adjustment. I just feel like if I could find the right saddle, things would be good. But, either I have pressure or numbness or rubbing. Pressure and numbness all in my frontal area. Or rubbing in the groins. I'm not sure if I am slipping or just need to constantly adjust myself because I am uncomfortable? |
| 2016-08-06 10:12 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 319 Sarasota, Florida | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I'm a guy but I think this is the main reason the bike is my least favorite. I only have 2 mountain bikes and a road and have been fitted for my mtb's but I am never 100% comfortable after 20 minutes in. Not any real pain just feels awkward. I have tried 2 saddles and like you, it's either rubbing or numbing somewhere. There are so many variables to play with but I have found the optimal is having perfect fitting shorts for riding (haven't tried bibs) with good padding and having the saddle nose point down a mm or 2 but I have to be careful with this or else I will start sliding or shift too much weight forward. Adding time on the bike has helped in the past. I think I prefer the harder saddles but they make my butt hurt unless l shift around every 20 minutes or so. I wouldn't say I hate my bike. I love my bikes, but it's not the most comfortable time spent. Would rather be running or swimming. |
| 2016-08-07 5:37 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 467 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: I hate my bike It's a shame you haven't been able to get more comfortable on the bike. FWIW, I'm very comfortable on either of my road bikes when set up as road bikes. However, when I put he aero bars on, and slam the seat forward and ride that position, it takes me 100s of miles to get sort of comfortable. One thing that helps me is tilting the nose of the saddle slightly. I also went to a Cobb Plus saddle over my stock Bontrager and that made a significant improvement. Still, as soon as I do my last tri of the season those aero bars will be off and I'll re-adjust everything to road bike position and be far more comfortable, but not as fast. Now that I've said all that, I have not ridden a true tri-bike, but I think it would have to be significantly better than the "converted-compromised" road bike I use. |
| 2016-08-07 7:18 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 1055 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems Originally posted by d00d Originally posted by brreems I am 5'3". In my HIM a couple weeks ago, I averaged 16.4 mph. In my oly's last year, I averaged 17.5. My training rides have been slower. When I am racing, I can "block out" a lot of the discomfort. But, when I am training, it is very difficult. I have tried different shorts, different creams, different saddles, different bike fitters....I daydream about just riding a commuter bike in my next HIM ?? But, in reality, I wonder if a road bike is what I need. If I could be comfortable, I would be more likely to ride it and build up my bike fitness. I do not ride at all when I don't "have to" for training. I would maybe even be faster because I'm not sitting up and adjusting myself constantly. As I write, I have discomfort in my saddle area from yesterday's 30 minute ride. I guess, body image is an issue. But, this is a concern a couple people have talked to me about regarding comfort on the bike. so, I guess, it has just stuck with me that the weight may be an issue with comfort. In the triathlon world, 165#s is heavier than the majority of triathletes. If you don't mind me asking, how much do you ride per week? I looked at your logs and they're blank. Also, how long have you been riding? When I first started to ride, I was fairly uncomfortable. As I increased volume and toughened up the "hide" a bit, it went away. Now, it's my favorite discipline. I don't necessarily think weight is all that much of an issue (for comfort). I know a lot of people way heavier than you that ride. Yes, they had to tinker with different factors until they got it right, but once they did, they were fine. I hope you figure it out! Riding a bike is a pleasure (unless I'm hammering it up a hill, but that's just a different, sick kind of fun) and it's the workout that I most look forward to these days....oh, and this coming from a runner. I don't ride at all except for training and short rides with my kids. I complete a HIM a couple weeks ago so was averaging about 80 miles for the last couple months. Sometimes more, sometimes less. I chalked the discomfort right away with the new bike to just needing to "toughen up the hide" but we are going on a month now and still having problems. I want to like to ride but I dread getting on that bike every time I have to do it. It has every thing to do with my "area" hurting so bad. 80 miles per week or over two months? What is that coming out to time wise per week? You won't be any more comfortable on a road bike than you will be on the horns on a TT bike unless your TT position is super aggressive which a LBS won't do unless you really really push them to. I'm sorry but this sounds like it's a time in saddle issue or you should just give up biking and find something that works for you. |
| 2016-08-08 3:41 AM in reply to: ziggie204 |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I agree with the above. I don't know how you'd know if your fit was right or not with no more time in the saddle than you've had. I bought a road bike a couple months ago. I'm not comfortable on it, at all, yet. I suppose I just need to ride it, more. Why did you decide on a P3 in lieu of a P2? I love the P3, but it didn't work, for me. However, the P2 is like putting on an old pair of jean, for me. The geometry fits me, great. I'm WAY more comfortable on my tri bike than I am my road bike. At 51, comfort is king. I wish you luck. |
| 2016-08-08 7:25 AM in reply to: #5194211 |
| Member 166 Bismarck, ND | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I've been riding about 80 miles per week. I went with a P3 because that's what the bike shop people suggested. I did the fit on a "retul type" (I can't remember the actual name) machine. It seemed comfortable when I did the fit. But, after I got the bike set up, it was a different story. |
| 2016-08-08 7:46 AM in reply to: brreems |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems I've been riding about 80 miles per week. I went with a P3 because that's what the bike shop people suggested. I did the fit on a "retul type" (I can't remember the actual name) machine. It seemed comfortable when I did the fit. But, after I got the bike set up, it was a different story. Re-read your response above. You made it sound like you only rode 80 miles per month. 80 miles per week? Yeah.....you've had enough time in the saddle where you should be comfortable, if your fit was right. Good luck. |
| 2016-08-08 9:37 AM in reply to: nc452010 |
Veteran 1900 Southampton, Ontario | Subject: RE: I hate my bike My first impression was "ride more" but at 80miles per week I dont think that is the issue. If you have had multiple fits done by competent professionals you fit should be fine. Too me it sounds like an issue with the actual seat or seat you have used. I have seen some bike shops that do bike seat fitting. I havent looked into it at all but it seems that they take some measurements and can account for the type of riding you do. Buying seat after seat looking for the right one sounds frustrating and expensive! |
| 2016-08-08 10:26 AM in reply to: brreems |
Master 6595 Rio Rancho, NM | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I too am more comfortable on my TT. I have a Felt B16 TT and recently bought a Specialized Ruby. I've used an Adamo saddle on my TT for years. When I got the roadie I tried the stock saddle for a while but couldn't get comfortable. Once I put an Adamo on it those issues went away. I know the Adamo is a love it or hate it. I love it. |
| 2016-08-08 10:47 AM in reply to: rrrunner |
Expert 2852 Pfafftown, NC | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by rrrunner I too am more comfortable on my TT. I have a Felt B16 TT and recently bought a Specialized Ruby. I've used an Adamo saddle on my TT for years. When I got the roadie I tried the stock saddle for a while but couldn't get comfortable. Once I put an Adamo on it those issues went away. I know the Adamo is a love it or hate it. I love it. Well, this won't make the OP feel any better......lol I too just bought a Specialized Roubaix (SL-4 Expert). I too ride with an ISM on my Tri bike (Prologue). I too put the Prologue on my Roubaix. I am STILL not comfortable on the road bike (compared to the tri bike). |
| 2016-08-08 10:51 AM in reply to: brreems |
Master 7712 Orlando | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems Originally posted by marcag I went from a, either 50 or 51 B16. The number is worn off so not sure which one it is. I just bought a 48 P3. I had tried the Cobb saddles with my B16 but just couldn't find a good fit. I don't remember working with a womens specialist. I loved working with them though. Originally posted by brreems At the beginning of July, I drove to a major city 7 hours away and had another bike fitting done. I ended up buying a new Cervelo P3 (I had been riding a Felt B16). What size B16 did you go from and what size P3 did you go to ? I would go to the Cobb website and get in touch with their women's specialist. They may even have recommendations such as slightly tiling the saddle. Perhaps now that you are on, presumably, the right sized bike you would have better luck with the Cobb. Also, if that doesn't work, I'd try one of the Adamo's . I use the prologue on my TT (48 P2). Good luck! |
| 2016-08-08 3:07 PM in reply to: 0 |
| Pennsylvania | Subject: RE: I hate my bike I felt the need to add my 2 cents, so here goes. I, too, am in the middle of trying to improve saddle comfort. Currently I am working with the fitter at my LBS to keep trying seats that may work. The best thing he did so far is used a memory foam type thing to find out how wide my sit bones are to know how wide a seat I may need. One sits on it, heavily, and it leaves measurable indents where your bones are. Once he did that I felt a night and day difference with numbness/pain. I had tried Adamo (2 styles) and Cobb, but it turns out they were both too narrow for my sit bones. The first seat he tried was great for a while (I think I was blinded by the bliss of my azz not being in major pain) but then caused 'frontal' pain, so we are now working on 'frontal' comfort and not having other rubbing issues on the inside of my leg. I'm on the third seat, I think, from working with him and my 6th overall and I know we are getting closer each time. He has another one on order for me to try so here's hoping we'll find the glass slipper soon! My point was it may be a good idea to find a LBS that is able to measure your sit bones and is willing to work with you to find the correct saddle to make you happy. Perhaps a Specialized dealer, as I think the sit bone measuring thing was from Specialized. Best of luck to you! Edited by melbo55 2016-08-08 3:08 PM |
| 2016-08-08 7:23 PM in reply to: 0 |
| Master 5557 , California | Subject: RE: I hate my bike From what I read here, I don't think the sitbones are the problem. I'd suggest finding a female fitter so you can talk comfortably with her about exactly where things are going wrong and experiment with some different saddles and adjustments in the shop on the trainer. For me, some saddles I know within 30 seconds that they're a no-go. Others might require a longer ride to evaluate. But if you can rule out several saddles early on, the fitter can get a better idea of what might work for you. The fit itself -- *minor* changes can sometimes make a big difference. On my road bike, if I'm stretched out too much (if the stem is too long), I'll slide forward on my saddle which creates problems. Same thing if it's tilted just a couple degrees off. The fitter can help you figure this out. And a last note, lots of us have been through this. I know I have a couple extra saddles around that I will never use (including an Adamo Road). Send me a PM if you want. I can ship one out if it's something you haven't tried before. Edited by spudone 2016-08-08 7:26 PM |
| 2016-08-08 8:03 PM in reply to: brreems |
| 1055 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by brreems I've been riding about 80 miles per week. I went with a P3 because that's what the bike shop people suggested. I did the fit on a "retul type" (I can't remember the actual name) machine. It seemed comfortable when I did the fit. But, after I got the bike set up, it was a different story. Hmm. . . I'm at a bit of a loss then. You said there is no other discomfort now other than your rear end? Do you have a nice pair of bib shorts? IMO, a saddle is a saddle. . . but one bib short does not equal another. A quality bib short is worth every single penny. The only suggestion I could give you at this point is to buy a nice pair of shorts if you don't already have a pair, go out and ride 150+ miles for a few weeks and quit if it doesn't get better. Sounds like you'd been struggling with this for quite some time. . . maybe cycling just ain't your thing. |
| 2016-08-09 8:35 AM in reply to: brreems |
Extreme Veteran 959 Greenwood, South Carolina | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Some suggestions in case it hasn't been mentioned already. Call Cobb saddles and discuss with them the issues you are having. They will work with you on a good saddle fit and let you exchange or refund if you don't like the saddle. Have you checked the level of your saddle? I put a book on my saddle and a small level. Position of the saddle can impact comfort of the bike. Hope you find the trick to the issue. |
| 2016-08-09 9:47 AM in reply to: GODAWGS |
Extreme Veteran 5722 | Subject: RE: I hate my bike Originally posted by GODAWGS Some suggestions in case it hasn't been mentioned already. Call Cobb saddles and discuss with them the issues you are having. They will work with you on a good saddle fit and let you exchange or refund if you don't like the saddle. Have you checked the level of your saddle? I put a book on my saddle and a small level. Position of the saddle can impact comfort of the bike. Hope you find the trick to the issue. this is exactly the advice I gave the OP above. Tilt of the saddle can make a big difference. I use a little "level" app on my iPhone. Tilting the saddle down 5degrees can make a big difference. Too much tilt is when you find yourself sliding down. Too much tilt is bad. Saddle comfort is right fit, right shorts, right cream, right saddle and right tilt on saddle AND spending the time getting used to any changes you made. Get one of those wrong and it can make you uncomfortable. |
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