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Uncomfortable - bars or going soft?

(11 posts)
  • Started 2 years ago by steveo
  • Latest reply from steveo
  • This topic is resolved

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  1. steveo
    Member

    Took the cdf out last night for a quick ride. I really can't get comfortable on it. Since the refit I've done 200 uncomfortable km with stuff in various positions.

    Not sure if I'm just not used to the more aggressive riding position (vs mtb) or if something is not quite right. I took it off the road in 2020 and striped it back to the frame and replaced everything.

    Before that it was my commuter and apart from the components being run into the ground it was fine.

    Before I refurbished it I fitted Sonder Bomber flared gravel bars which were fine on my 30 minute commute but now I'm only using it for longer rides I wonder if it's thats the issue. Only other contact point change is the hoods for sram apex hydraulics should the hoods make that much difference?

    Suppose first thing I should do is fit the old drops and try that.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  2. acsimpson
    Member

    Is the discomfort in a particular place?

    Are the bars wider on the top as well as flared?

    Is it uncomfortable from the moment you start to ride or does it come on over time?

    Posted 2 years ago #

  3. steveo
    Member

    Wrists mainly.

    Not sure how wide they are at the hood vs the original drops (which were comfortable)

    Don't really notice at first but say 45 minutes in I'm feeling it. Makes it really hard to diagnose!

    Posted 2 years ago #

  4. acsimpson
    Member

    I'm not expert but would guess you have more weight on your arms then you are used to? Hydraulic hoods are often larger than cable hoods so it's entirely possible that your hand position is 10 or 20mm further forwards than you are used to. The flared bars might also be longer than the originals.

    if you have a shorter stem available then you could switch it onto the CdF as an easier change than changing the hoods.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  5. steveo
    Member

    Its already a pretty short stem, I tried that after the first ride. Great minds :)

    It gets a bit twitchy on loose surfaces I think much shorter would make me nervous.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  6. steveo
    Member

    Dug out the old bars (bit of an expedition).

    Used to ride a 110mm stem with compact drops. Now got a 90mm with the flared bars.

    Its hard to tell but putting the top of both sets of bars in line I'd say that I'm still about 20mm further out than I would be on the flared bars. The width (until the flare) is about the same.

    So... Risk the steering getting twitchy and get a shorter stem or go back to the old bars and faff around retaping the bars.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  7. stiltskin
    Member

    I find my flared bars seem to put strain on my wrists if I ride for any distance. I also found that my hydraulic 105s extended how far I was reaching compared to cable due to the space needed for the cylinder, so I really wouldn’t be surprised if the bars are the issue.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  8. steveo
    Member

    Should probably stop just randomly changing bits and apply a bit of scientific method.

    I think I'll put the old bars and stem on with the new hoods and see how I get on. I may even forgo wrapping them until I've had a few rides.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  9. Dave
    Member

    FWIW the amount of time I spent on the bike collapsed when the pandemic appeared. I'm fine to kick around with the kids, but now I started doing slightly longer efforts I've found that my MTB grips really hurt my hands. Think it's just an extreme lack of conditioning as it was perfectly comfortable even on the Glentress 7 back in the day. Just in case you felt like persevering!

    Posted 2 years ago #

  10. steveo
    Member

    I know what you mean but these are hurting my wrists so probably better to replace than cripple my self. :D

    Fitted the old bars at the weekend, instantly more comfortable but I've not had time to take them on a longer ride so I'll reserve judgement until I've got a few hours on them again.

    Posted 2 years ago #

  11. steveo
    Member

    Put the old bars back on, just did 90 minutes with no acute pain, so while the bars didn't agree with me there is still an element of going soft because I was still a bit uncomfortable.

    Posted 2 years ago #

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