Changing Your Bike Fit: It's All Connected! 

Yeah...I need to sort through all this first, and the miles and hours are the proof yet to come. You know...as long as I (or you) have been doing this cycling thing, we can still learn and refine and improve. I love that! gg

Funny how the numbers on paper can feel different then expected. gg

Hah! Yeah, but I think I am changing the tape. I hate the way that the bar tape separates on the Lizard Skins...last time I spend 50 bucks on that tape. Wow. Love the color though. Been using a cheaper Cinelli cork tape on another bike and that stuff is great. gg

​@@oldguyandabike Yeah, my Lizard Skins looked great but when it disintegrated I couldn't bring myself to look at it or touch it, lol.

I was planning to but the stem is a hard to find item in the US and the AliExpress order was taking forever...lowering was free and fast. And I am glad I tried it! gg

I think it takes being able to feel what you want to change, then researching how to effect said change, and implementing it. I would think it does require some sensitivity, but also numbness or something like that is not good. I think some changes also develop from trying to make changes for speed, like narrower bars, or turning in your levers. Then after you make the 1 change, you may need to change other things to compensate. Again research/ knowledge would be key here. Its also the type of thing that could get sorted out in a good fitting. A bike fitter may suggest multiple changes based off measuring you on your bike. I feel its still best to implement them one at a time. And support your fitter if you use them, help them out and buy at least one thing from them. If their prices seem non competitive, ask them if they price match. The other thing about shopping with them, is you can discuss your upgrades as you do them with the fitter, potentially dialing in a better fit. The two things that have increased my comfort on my bike the most. Are upgrading the seat and upgrading to butt pads from elastic interface. Elastic interface works with many top brands. I chose giro based on availability. Their tripple density pad is dreamy, i can put down 30 miles without getting off and my tail bone doesnt hurt when i sit in a chair! Im still somewhat new to being a cyclist, ive got 4 months under my belt of regular riding. The seat i hunted down based off youtube recommendations and ergons fit guide which asked how regularly I ride as well as my sit bone width. The bibs i hunted down based off recommendations for an italian shammy, and elastic interfaces website which lists who they do business with, giro was my 4th choice. The 1st 2 didnt ship to the US, the 3rd was Fox racing which only had a $200 bib, and then i found giro. Their bibs are/were on sale 50% off 170 for $85 out the door, SOLD! Edit: I have a broken back, and comfort on the bike is important for my back. Riding 30 miles feels better than walking 3 blocks.

Yes! I agree that it takes a bit of a sense of 'right' when you make a change. Yeah...seems like most riders just run the bikes the way they were sold. And many folks buy a bike that is not a good fit to begin with ie flipped stems and rotated controls on road bikes with low stack and steep angles. That can really mess up the handling. gg