What a difference an inch makes!

[FitnessPhotos]

After my last ride that ended in a crash, I was told I should go to Trienergy and get myself measured for my bike; a rider though I was seated too low. Well, I must admit, I just had the bike set where it came when I bought it and never have it much thought.

When I went to Trienergy, they adjusted my seat up just over an inch and moved it forward about a quarter inch! When I got on it in the parking lot, it certainly felt like I was riding a different bike, I wasn't used to being that high up.

Well, today was my first chance to get out on the new setup (which included a new seat). I didn't have big expectations, figuring I'd have to get used to the new seat.

All I can say is, WOW! What a difference an inch makes.

Not only did I set a new time record for the 40 mile ride I usually do; but I felt stronger, rode at a higher heart rate, remained seated virtually the whole time and learned what "wiping gum off your shoe" really meant - I discovered a whole new set of muscle groups while riding! (Pulling versus pushing).

Sections of the ride where I used to stand, I could do while seated comfortably. It was quite the experience.

Last year, on my rides I averaged 16.20 mph and a 2:29:37 time. This ride I averaged 16.76 mph and made it in 2:24:07! And that's with a head wind that slowed down my return time; my ride out to the 20 mile mark put me 6 minutes faster than my average time to the halfway mark!

I was also happy to see my heart rate back up - that experiment with Clenbuterol/Cytomel was a bad thing; trust me. I averaged 153 (my AT at last testing), but was mostly in the 160s. Last year my average was 146 on the 40 mile rides. I'll also point out that I am riding much leaner this year, but weight-wise, I am still 240 pounds. I also made sure I was properly hydrated and had a nice trail mix at the halfway point.

So, lesson learned, if you've never been professionally measured for your bike - I highly recommend it! It cost me about $40, but I consider it well worth the money.

[JoeBAR]

It does indeed! I'm surprised you found comfort in moving the seat forward, they are so often too far forward! But the height sure makes a lot of difference. I remember setting my seat too far forward coz the T on my handle bar is a bit longer than I liked it (my dad built the bike and set it to himself, he's shorter, but rides more ). After 2 or 3 months getting used to ride again, I pushed it back and moved it up, to re-align the seat centre with the tube, and up so that I get a good stretch. Initially I lowered it on purpose coz beside having a problem with feeling the handle bar was too far, it also felt too low, but there is little to gain/loose on the handle bar T. All in all, it's very much a question of feeling. When I started, I couldn't have ridden with the 'pro' settings my dad guesstimated from my size and his own knowledge, but now I find it a damn sight easier to ride up, and having the handle bar low and away is no longer a problem (maybe there was some guts gtting on the way of bending that far down, who noz! )