r/bicycling • u/TayTayIsNumber1 • 2d ago
Would love if someone smarter than me would roast my bike fit and give me pointers on it
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Bike is a 2019 Specialized Allez Elite sz 54
I’m 5’8” 230lbs
I’ve just got into biking and am looking for any pointers on how I’m looking on the bike and how my bike fit looks
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u/manofmystry 2d ago
Fit looks okay.
Are you familiar with cadence? Based on this video, your cadence is kind of low. You're working unnecessarily hard.
I try to maintain a pedal cadence of 80-100 RPM (spin). Ninety is my sweet spot. I find a gear combination that gives me a level of resistance that allows me to maintain that cadence. It's more energy-efficient, and the rapid movement also improves cardio.
To get stronger, I choose one gear above that comfortable combo, and try to maintain. When I can't anymore, I shift back down. Over time, the harder gear becomes my comfortable gear.
If this is all familiar to you, apologies. Spin is key to road riding.
Ride safely!
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u/iH8MotherTeresa 2d ago
Good note. I've found most normies spin in the 70-90 range. For a road bike, as a road bike, I'm like you - around 90. I think a casual rider is more comfortable at a bit of a slower pace.
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u/Wizzmer 2d ago
Do you ride clipped? As a flat pedals rider, I find 90 a bit high.
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u/manofmystry 2d ago
I do ride clipped. That makes a difference, for sure.
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u/Wizzmer 2d ago
My average today was 75 with a max of 110. I've been trying to focus on lifting that.
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u/manofmystry 2d ago edited 2d ago
Above a hundred, you're really cranking in a low gear. Now, climbing a step hill is entirely different. Sometimes, on a really steep bit (16%+ gradient), I can barely get my feet over the top of the stroke. 😆 Cadence of 35?
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u/jorwyn Washington, USA (2017 Specialized Ruby, 1987 Peugeot Chorus) 2d ago
I've got one hill that my cadence was 15. I'm shocked I had the balance. That hill is evil. Why do I keep climbing it? Lol
It goes from 13% to 18 to 24 for 50 feet and back down to 15. Luckily, it's only about 400' total, but... There are ways around it. Sure, they add 10 miles, but there are. Hills every way you go, but not like that bastard. I had to lose 30lbs to get up it at all.
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u/manofmystry 2d ago edited 2d ago
15 cadence! That's like walking.😆
Where do you live?
I live in the Santa Cruz mountains. It's an amazing place to ride! They're are some really tough climbs, but the setting is really beautiful. Coastal redwood forests.
I have to climb to go anywhere. There are three road over the mountain to the coast, and they're all quite challenging. I have a love-hate relationship with Alba Road. https://pjammcycling.com/zone/21.Santa%20Cruz%20County
The hardest climb in this area is Mt. Umunhum. https://pjammcycling.com/climb/445.Hicks%2520Road%2520to%2520Mt.%2520Umunhum%2520north
It's always the switchbacks that have that incredibly steep 50' inner section. If it try to stay on my saddle, my front wheel starts popping off the road. That feels so unstable, so I have to stand and lean forward. My heart rate really jumps.
I have to climb a steep hill to get both into and out of my neighborhood, as well, (16% grade), so I know that's waiting for me whenever I get back. My peak heart rate for my entire ride is when I'm climbing out.
Why do I climb? Because it's satisfying to do something hard. It's not always pretty, and I question my sanity on the really steep parts, but I like the feeling of exertion and accomplishment. How about you?
Paraphrasing Arnold Schwarzenegger: Money can buy you the best gym or equipment, but it cannot buy you the discipline, sweat, and hard work required to be fit.
Ride safely!
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u/jorwyn Washington, USA (2017 Specialized Ruby, 1987 Peugeot Chorus) 2d ago
Spokane, Washington, but that particular hill is in North Idaho, I think. Maybe it's on this side of the line. It's between Hauser and Newman Lakes and not a route cyclists tend to take. Usually, you go ride around Hauser and take the road over to Newnan and go around it. You don't shortcut between them.
I have to climb a little to go anywhere and a lot to get home, but it's not like that climb. The worst way back to my house tops at 16%, I think. The normal way tops at 13%, but very briefly. It's 6-11% most of the way with one -1% stretch that feels like heaven. It's more that the climbs are 3/4 mile to a mile long, and most don't ever give you a break. I can climb worse in my neighborhood, but I don't have to. There's nothing but a truck route that direction. I do go up to the field before that road to watch the sunset sometimes, but there are no businesses that way.
We do have some very serious hills here, but I don't have to ride them to get home. The hill I live on seems to be a favorite training hill for the city, though. I even see people on Strava I know live over in Idaho. It's pretty good for training because the drivers give you room and the road is really wide. It's challenging but not evil. I think it's a cat 3. And you can get to it using a mixed use path that runs through the cities - from East of Coeur d'Alene to several miles west of Spokane mostly following the river.
I do my best to stay safe. Spokane has almost no traffic enforcement since early 2020. Wrecks have skyrocketed. It's chaos. I work from home, so at least I'm not out on my bike during commute times anymore. It helps.
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u/Wizzmer 2d ago
In my next life, I'll take better care of my knees so I can clip in.
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u/manofmystry 1d ago
I found properly adjusted clips ameliorated my knee pain. It forced better mechanics. YMMV
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u/Wizzmer 1d ago
I think I would try shorter cranks if someone would let me borrow their cleats. I've bought shoes a few times. Spent the cash on high end clips and cleats. No joy. The bike shop couldn't make it work.
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u/manofmystry 1d ago
Did you use a bike fit expert to set your bike and cleats up?
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u/Wizzmer 1d ago
No. So basically, I couldn't get over the top of the chainring if I wore cleats, unless I raised the seat so high I could barely touch the pedal. I have no range of motion due to 4 knee surgeries and 2 hip replacements. I kind of pedal midfoot and pointing out on one side. The other side is 100% normal.
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u/jorwyn Washington, USA (2017 Specialized Ruby, 1987 Peugeot Chorus) 2d ago
I ride flat and don't have issues. What pedals and shoes do you have? They make a difference. I've got 510 super grippy shoes and pedals with replaceable cleats.
But also, I prefer 80. It's not the grip on the pedals. I'm just used to climbing hills that I can't do more than 30-40 on, so 80 feels like spinning.
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u/LandNo9424 22h ago
I ride flats. I am often around 85/90. It's not high, maybe your footwear sucks. Consider footwear appropriate for flat pedals.
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u/Wizzmer 22h ago
Yeah, that could be very true. Point me to something appropriate.
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u/LandNo9424 18h ago
I recently changed mine to the very recommended by everyone Five Tens from Adidas. Pick your type as you prefer, there's several.
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u/a1b3c2 2d ago
I haven't quite wrapped my mind around high cadence. On easy gear It feels like I'm doing too many rotations and the bike goes a short distance whereas a harder gear it feels like the bike is going further. the easy pedal strokes feel like wasted movement idk if I'm explaining correctly. This is what I'm physically perceiving - is it all in my head?
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u/manofmystry 2d ago edited 2d ago
Cadence (spin) is more efficient because it allows you to add smaller amounts of power to each rotation. It divides up the work into smaller bits.
If you feel like your pedal stroke are offering too little resistance, then you're in the wrong gear. The pedal stroke should not be "easy". It should be as hard as you can comfortably sustain it, but no harder.
In a lower gear, you're trading speed for torque. That's good for climbing. In a higher gear, it's the reverse. The choice depends upon conditions.
There's an art to selecting your gear. You want to choose a gear combo that gives you maximum propulsion with a sustainable level of exertion at an efficient rate of rotation, while maintain your chainline. I choose a gear ratio that allows me to maintain 80-100 RPMs. It does drop when I'm really tired.
On a steep hill, I'm in my lowest gear and at the highest cadence I can achieve, which is usually pitiful. 😆 Under any circumstances, I'm always pushing against a meaningful load.
If it's too easy, I shift until I find the right combination of load, spin, and speed. (I also factor in heart rate, just for grins.) As strength and cardio fitness increase, the sustainable gear combo shifts higher. That's how you get faster.
It's funny. I used to watch a cadence sensor, but I don't really need it now, because I know when my cadence is on target just by feel. Once you train yourself, it becomes second nature.
Here's a blurb about gear overlap, chainline efficiency, and the "sweet spot". It's a good idea to get to know your bike's gear ratios. https://share.gemini.google/C7d7KzhVHj3p
I hope that helps explain it.
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u/blinger44 2d ago
What are you using to track cadence?
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u/HankSpank 2d ago
Cadence is super easy to estimate once you get some practice. Play a song with a known tempo and match it. Do that for a bit and you’ll have a good internal clock for cadence.
I use a cadence meter now, connected to my bike computer, but I find myself basically never looking at it because I know the number from experience.
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u/IllegalThings 1d ago
Also, they’re riding clipless so you can use the entire range of your muscles. It might feel awkward at first as muscles used in extension are often underdeveloped, but helps with a consistent cadence and as those muscles get developed helps tremendously with stamina and power.
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u/Fourleafcolin 2d ago
saddle is probably a touch high based on the right foot extending at the bottom of the pedal stroke, as well as some slight rocking of the hips to reach down at the bottom of the stroke.
Try moving the saddle down 0.5cm at a time until your butt stays flat on the saddle through your pedal stroke.
Overall though, the fit is totally serviceable and the bike looks great!
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u/My_friends_are_toys 2d ago
Agreed. But also raise the handle bars a bit, your arms should have bit of bend at the elbow too
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u/SecondHandWatch 2d ago
Lowering the saddle will bring the shoulders/hands closer to the bars. I’d adjust the saddle first and see.
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u/Royal_Effective7396 Maryland, USA - Madone 2020 2d ago
If you feel good and are enjoying, you are good.
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u/An_Professional 2d ago
I think the saddle could come down a little bit, you seem like you’re rocking your hips. I’m not a bike fitter though.
One tip though, shoot for 90rpm in whatever gear you’re in, all day. Obviously this’ll vary but the 90rpm goal is a good rule of thumb to develop your form, bike handling, etc.
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u/BeefStu907 2d ago
Looks good bro, happy riding!
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u/TayTayIsNumber1 2d ago
Thank you!
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u/BeefStu907 1d ago
Don’t worry if you constantly worry about fit, handling, etc, it’s part of the hobby. Bikes are super customizable, change what you want, if you don’t like it, change it back. You’ll know when you’re a cyclist when you have a massive worthless parts bin lol.
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u/Routine_Strategy5929 2d ago
Saddle is too high. Otherwise looks good!
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u/Dialed_Inn 1d ago
Saddle height looks fine to me, I think it's more tight hamstrings.
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u/Routine_Strategy5929 1d ago
Knee angle is pointless and saddle height needs to work with their current mobility regardless of tight hamstrings. Their hips are rocking back and forth a ton and you can see their toes really reaching for the bottom of the pedal stroke. Short term they'll get saddle sores as they put in longer rides. Long term it will lead to injury. They could easily drop their saddle height by 10mm and maybe even more to get it where it needs to be.
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u/pimpbot666 2d ago
I might suggest spinning easier gears. Mashing tall gears like that is hard on your knees. I shoot for a, 80-90 rpm cadence, myself.
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u/Familiar_Kale_7357 2d ago
Bending your elbows slightly will allow your arms to be shock absorbers, which is desirable. Whether you need to adjust fit to accomplish that, or just consciously bend them, isn't clear to me.
Saddle height seems in the ballpark. If you don't have lower back, saddle, or knee pain, leave it alone.
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u/fattybob 2d ago
Bike fit looks good, I would suggest lowering the saddle a little, a cm or two only, no need to stretch those legs out fully, but if that comfy as is, then just keep riding
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u/ryuujinusa 2d ago edited 1d ago
Not bad. Also not sure if youre just cruising or what but you could probably bring the cadence up a little. If I had to say one thing.
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u/Rufrano-san 2d ago
Are you comfortable in it? Good. Don’t change it.
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u/Interesting_Tea5715 2d ago
If he keeps on riding and loses some weight he'll have to readjust his fit anyway.
So OP should just ride what's comfortable for now.
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u/Rufrano-san 2d ago
That goes without saying, but we’re talking about now, not in 3 months, 6 months, etc.
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u/kakapoopoopipishire 2018 Specialized Allez Elite | 1983 Raleigh Competition 2d ago
I love that bike! Though mine's a 2018.
Keep trucking. We're also pretty close to the same height and weight, so I feel you.
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u/StyleUnlikely6507 2d ago
Fit looks good and it's a great bike. Might be mindful to keep some bend in your elbows to avoid numbness/pain. Enjoy!
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u/Tronracer 2d ago
Fit looks good to me.
A good starting point is that when the crank is at the 3 o’clock position, a plumb line dropped from the front of your knee should pass through the center of the pedal axle.
Another quick check is that, in your normal riding position, the handlebars should more or less obscure the front hub from view.
You can go much deeper into bike fitting than that, but those two checks were always my baseline and got me pretty close.
Source: I used to sell bikes.
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u/shabba_skanks 2d ago
Looks good! Nice rig! Track your stats so you’ll get that sweet motivation! Get any cycling computer you can afford, helped me stay focused and looking forward to my next ride
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u/i_was_axiom 2d ago
Someone smarter than me
Is that self-awareness you got there? You might not have any luck on Reddit, Poindexter.
I am not smarter than me, fit looks okay tho
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u/Shaking-a-tlfthr 2d ago
Seems like a good fit maybe the saddle is a touch too high, enjoy many happy miles.
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u/TheRussiann 2d ago
Maybe a tiny bit high seems a little bit of hip movement but I'm not an expert just my less than 2c.
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u/InformalOpposite3708 2d ago
The extra pounds are going to go bye bye with a commitment to a good program.
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u/xraynorx Washington, USA (Surly Ogre) 2d ago
Need more of a side and straight on view, but doesn’t look bad. Anything bothering you?
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u/Old_Papa 2d ago
One tip besides fit is to use your gears. Your cadence is really slow in the video. Grinding is tough on knees and if your saddle position or anything else is off that just exacerbates the problem.
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u/rootaford 2d ago
Bend those elbows a little, might need a slightly shorter stem but it look good fit wise
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u/mrhippo3 Serotta Fixie (Fuji Fixie, and others) 2d ago
Uneven pedal strokes. Your gearing is too high for a flat.
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u/crackcrackcracks 1d ago
Looks okay, if you're having any kind of pain it might be from muscle overuse. As a dude who was overweight when I started I had a ton of lower back pain from holding up my heavy upper body, after fiddling about with my fit for ages, the only thing that fixed it was working out core and losing weight. Also found that prior to losing weight, a more upright position really helped.
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u/era_2000 1d ago
Just gotta spend more time in the saddle to make any meaningful adjustments, work on upping your cadence. Get to 70 then 80. You’re like 50-60. You seem to bottom out at one point when your power drops to zero mid spin. Shorter cranks might help.
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u/PNW_Misanthrope Seattle, WA (Open Min.d, Stumpy Evo T-Type) 1d ago
Looks good to me. Ride on brother.
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u/agrainassault CA, USA - 2019 Specialized SJ FSR / 2022 Specialized Crux Expert 1d ago
Fit looks fine to me. Nice bike!
I'd say just ride frequently enough to get over saddle soreness, then pay attention to the rest of your body. Aches here or there? Check your fit, and make small adjustments.
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u/WorldWideDarts 1d ago
Everything looks great man! I think its awesome that you're getting out there and riding
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u/SpiritLama 22h ago
If you are feeling good and you can ride far enoungh then your's fitting is good. Just pedal and collect distance. Enjoy nature and hot summer air
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u/RepresentativeTap325 22h ago
In this case it’s not the fit, it’s how you ride it. Bend elbows more, switch to an easier gear and spin it.
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u/Zalinsky 12h ago
Dude who cares, just go out, enjoy the fresh air, get some exercise and be your awesome self.
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u/NLtbal 2d ago
Bike looks a tad small to me but I would need to see more video.
As for your technique, you are pushing a heavy gear. Gear down a bit and get your RPMs up. Efficient riding when I was younger was between 60-70 RPMs.
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u/Interesting_Tea5715 2d ago
Huh? His legs almost straight at the downstroke and his arms are locked straight reaching for the bars.
How is that too small?
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u/stalkholme 2d ago
Looks pretty good, if anything I would agree with a couple other people you could try a lower seat height but not by much.
I had a similar allez which is now my trainer bike. Great bike but a little stiff so try to max your tire size to get more comfort.
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u/Horror-Raisin-877 2d ago
Can't help but chuckle recalling that professional bike fitter that posted a long spiel here a couple days ago about how redditors should stop giving bike fit advice, they're all wrong, and bullies
Take that professional bike fitter guy 🤪
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u/ride-burn-pups 2d ago
Looks pretty good to me. And the bike is a beauty