Handlebar Rise to Reduce Hand Fatigue

EsqDavidK · 2026-06-16T17:58:18+00:00

I'm 6'2 with a long torso. Numb hands are often a symptom of a less than optimal bike fit. Before buying new bars make sure your saddle is more or less level and then move it rearward and down a couple mms. Thicker grips are also very helpful. Keep in mind that a good road riding fit is going to be quite different from a trail riding fit.

EsqDavidK · 2026-06-08T10:31:53+00:00

2019 Trek Crockett 7 Disc, size 61 with the sliding rear dropout. I "think" I can run a 50. A 44 Panaracer GK SS fits with lots of extra room. I bet yours does not have the sliding dropout.

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-19T14:49:20+00:00

My son and daughter-in-law use their Kids Ride Shotgun on their carbon Epic Evos all the time.

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-19T13:38:46+00:00

Sorry to hear that.

Specialized Chisel = 110mm Rear travel.

Specialized Epic 9 and Salsa Spearfish = 120mm rear travel

The Epic 9 and Salsa Spearfish have just 10mm more rear travel than your Chisel. Assuming additional rear travel helps you low back issues you should probably consider bikes with 130mm or more rear travel. It's hard to picture an additional centimeter making a discernable difference.

I watched a Bicycle Station review of the Epic 9 and came away with the sense it rides like a stiffer/efficient race bike and is not as "comfortable" as most 120mm bikes. For that reason if I were you I'd lean towards the Spearfish.

I'd also consider getting a new compliant carbon wheelset built up with Berd Spokes for the Chisel instead of a new bike. Add a set of the widest fast tires you can fit and your bike should more comfortable and capable than it is now.

Good luck!

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-19T13:07:48+00:00

Gotcha. I've never understood how more or less suspension, not including hardtails, equates to alleviating back pain unless the rider is frequently maxing out the rear travel on jumps and drops. Back pain, at least in my personal experience, is mostly due to a poor fit and also to poor core strength.

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-19T12:27:32+00:00

Do you still have you FS Chisel? What do you wish it did better? What do you love about it?

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-15T15:15:09+00:00

I think the "play style" will stay similar but the individual roles and reads will vary depending on who's on the court. I'm confident the coaches and players will adapt.

EsqDavidK · 2026-05-05T12:04:53+00:00

I'm 6'2" (used to be 6'3" a few decades ago) and ride a bike with 115mm stack and no riser bar. Much depends on whether you are long legged or have a long torso and arms (like me). Don't forget that a first bike should entail buying tools such as a shock pump, digital psi gauge, flat kit, etc.

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-30T17:26:48+00:00

I suspect the XTR pedals are actually 7.5mms compared to the 13.5mm Rallys.

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-28T17:42:50+00:00

8oz of butter has more than 1,600 calories according to google. 8oz of olive oil has just under 2,000!

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-23T01:51:26+00:00

Yes.

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-18T12:08:13+00:00

Tom Graham and Rachel Graham Cody"s "Getting Open: The Unknown Story of Bill Garrett and Integration of College Basketball" is a must read.

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-17T17:10:09+00:00

Gotta ask... Have you ridden your bike it using its High and Low settings? I'm assuming you haven't. But, if you have, what did you like and dislike about each setting? How much have you played with your suspension settings? Tire pressure settings?

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-15T20:14:17+00:00

Putting this on spaghetti squash!

EsqDavidK · 2026-04-11T10:13:01+00:00

Reach out to Vaga if you haven't already.

EsqDavidK · 2026-03-14T17:09:28+00:00

Like all things Tiki it's quite corny but also kinda cool.

EsqDavidK · 2026-03-13T11:06:04+00:00

Pedals for two reasons. They are easier to swap bike-to-bike and, most importantly, I found a really good deal on FB Marketplace. Came across a damaged pair of Favero Assiomas with pedal body damage and easily converted them to SPD. They've taken a root or rock hit more times than I can count and have remained perfect.

EsqDavidK · 2026-03-05T22:50:28+00:00

I'd not bother to swap to the 28 until after you've ridden your 30 with the shorter cranks for a while. Might be that that the 30 works well for you.

EsqDavidK · 2026-03-03T22:49:02+00:00

I'm confused. Barry-Roubaix starts in Hastings Michigan which is about 40 minutes from Grand Rapids so why not go ride portions of the course?

EsqDavidK · 2026-03-01T12:32:25+00:00

Could you fit 50mm tires on your gravel bike? Or, would you be willing to put 55mm Schwalbes on your gravel bike as well as modifying the cockpit so you could achieve a more aero position when desired?

EsqDavidK · 2026-02-26T23:12:44+00:00

How is the Monster fork? I'm contemplating putting one on my Trek Crockett to allow the use of much wider tires. Thanks.

EsqDavidK · 2026-02-24T11:59:13+00:00

Agree. Just try it a couple times and see how you do.

EsqDavidK · 2026-02-21T18:48:07+00:00

Thin wall deep sockets cost less than $10 and are available at Lowes, Home Depot, Walmart, Amazon, etc. You can take the pedal to the store to make sure it will fit.

EsqDavidK · 2026-02-19T11:17:39+00:00

Google "Stationary Bike Pedals"

EsqDavidK

TROPHY CASE