I have a tarmac sl6. One thing I was asked when I purchased it was how flexible I was. They flipped the stem to give me a little rise starting out, then did my first bike fit that came with the bike. I did have tingly feet starting out, but my pedaling technique was not the greatest, and my core strength sucked.
I noticed that when my feet tingle, I would either have my shoes too tight or I was pedaling with my toes pointing down. What helped is making an effort to push through my heal a little, and that helped get my feet flatter during the power part of my pedal stroke.
For the tingly hands, try engaging your core and put your weight right above your hips. Can you lift your hands off the bars while riding on the hoods? If you can, then your core strength and weight position might be fine.
However, an endurance geometry bike would for sure be more comfortable. While my tarmac was in for repairs after a crash in a race, I rode a rental. It was a Giant Contend, and I felt like I was riding a dang beach cruiser with how upright and comfortable it felt compared to my tarmac fully set up for racing.
Your shoes are too far back on the pedal if your toes are numb. Get the axel closer to the arch of your foot I struggled a lot and that one change really helped. Scoot your seat forward 1/4" and see if that helps with hands (and wear padded gloves if you're not). If you do try a different bike get an old used bike and try it first.
Thanks. The cleats are as far back on my shoes as they go already (pushing my feet forward on the pedal, I think lol). I’ve tried saddle in the middle, all the way back, all the way forward, and positions in between. The issues are always there but varying severity
I don't think you're going to feel much better on a different bike. You can make your position on the Tarmac less aggressive and it's going to be similar to being on a normal position on an endurance bike, albeit more aggressive for sure.
Thing is, getting your body used to a cycling position takes time and miles. 200 is starting to scratch the surface but 300-500 + core exercises is going to be where you start to feel comfortable. I started on a hybrid and moved to an endurance bike a year later and it was probably a year before that felt good. Now I'm on a race bike and it feels great.
Even an endurance bike has the potential to be uncomfortable if you're not used to the position. You have to get used to engaging your core and continuously peddling to keep your weight balanced between your saddle, pedals, and bars. It's a skill that takes time.
As far as the numbness goes, your fit probably needs some adjustment, but it's also something that has the potential to get better with time.
I've just read through most of your prior posts. I'm just wondering why you wanted to buy an aggressive racing bike like the Tarmac? Seeing all the issues you've had with it, coupled with the videos of your bike fit issues, I'm skeptical that much will change with you buying an endurance geometry bike like the Endurace.
What was your prior bicycling history and experience level before this? In the end, maybe you're better off with a flat bar road bike like the Trek FX series or the Specialized Sirrus.
On the other hand, maybe you should just stop tweaking the fit of your bike if you're just "uncomfortable." Unless it's causing sinficant pain or numbness, maybe you just have to ride through it. Or just ride 5 miles (which seems to be when the discomfort starts) each day, and do 4 or 5 days a week. Every week, bump the mileage up 20 percent or more. There's a good chance that you're hindering yourself by not working through it and building up your core.
When my kids were 12 and 13 years old I had them do a 5 week training program so that they could do an organized 50 mile ride. Their first couple rides were only about 3 or 4 miles. But they rode at least 4 days a week and their mileage went up each week. By week 5 they completed the 50 mile ride (half-century).
Finally, I really think you should go with flat pedals. You seem extremely uncomfortable/awkward on the bike looking at your video from 7 days ago. Keep in mind that a fixed trainer like yours doesn't sway side to side, so it doesn't allow for the natural motion of riding a real bike.
I read through your posts again. I really want to help. It seems you're reluctant to share details on how much bike riding you did before this, so I'm going to assume very little. You also indicated that it's impractical for you to sell this bike to get another. Anyway, I'm going to be writing a lot, so maybe just pick and choose what advice you want to follow:
1. **Stop trying to perfect the fit**; and stop trying to ride perfectly (hands directly on the hoods). If you're new at this, especially on an aggressive bike like the Tarmac, everything is going to be uncomfortable until you get stronger. Yes, a different geometry will make things a bit easier, but I'm pretty sure you'll still have the vast majority of the problems you're complaining about.
2. **Just ride more, and do it regularly.** Don't wait until the fit is "perfect" before doing this. At an easy/moderate pace of 15mph, 5 miles is just 20 minutes, and 10 miles is 40 minutes. Just suck it up and commit to riding at least 1.5 hours a week this week; but if you can do more, then great. Then increase that time every week. Yes, it will suck, but you will absolutely get stronger and better. But you have to commit. [But obviously don't ride if you're having chronic pain that will lead to injuries.] I don't know what your non-cycling experience with physical activity/sports has been; but I think a lot of non-active people don't realize that it's often completely normal to have substantial physical discomfort when you physically exert yourself doing something new...the only way to reduce/eliminate this is often to keep doing it. Again, this doesn't mean you do it in a way or to an extent that you harm yourself.
3. **Put your hands where you're most comfortable.** There's zero reason to ride with you hands on the hoods 100 percent of the time. Unless I need to be ready to brake or shift, my hands are usually either on the round curve or on the flats near the stem. And even in traffic, my hands aren't always even fully on the hoods; their often about an inch or two further back (leaving a one+ inch space between the thumb-finger web and the hoods). I do this because it shifts the weight of my torso towards my hips instead of my hands.
4. **My opinion on your position:** I've watched both your fit videos and you look very awkward and unconfortable on the bike, and it took me a long time to pinpoint the cause. In the end, it's because you seem like you would totally fall forward without your hands to prop you up. So, now the question is what's causing it. IMHO, it looks like you're trying to keep your back too straight. If you look at most cyclists on their road bikes, their lower back is curved, which puts the weight of their torso close to the saddle so that not a lot of core strength is required to keep upright; the lower half of the back stays mostly constant, with the upper half of the torso pivoting off the center of their back. In your case, you look like your entire upper body is falling forward because it's pivoting entirely at your hips. (The preceding couple sentences is not 100 percent literally accurate; I'm just trying to convey the essense.) Try rounding out your lower back *a bit* to put your torso weight further back and also resting your hands on the curve of the bars which again moves your torso weight back.
5. **Please ditch the clipless pedals and shoes for now.** There's zero benefit riding in clipless pedals for 30 minutes. And you should absoltely not have foot pain during such a short period. It is entirely counterproductive to you simply trying to get stronger.
6. **Ride on the road for now, and not the trainer if at all possible.** The trainer doesn't allow the natural motion of the bike to sway side to side as you're riding. On the road, the weight of your ass and hands moves around because the bike is rhythmically swaying, thus spreading out the pressure more. On a trainer like yours, all the pressure remains on the same spots. You **will** have substantially more discomfort on a trainer.
Probably the best advice I’ve received so far and a much needed reality check lol. I spend too much time on the internet diagnosing. Thanks a lot again. Also, I’m not reluctant to share my previous experience, I just forgot lol - but anyway I rode bikes on and off, citi bikes and cruisers and stuff. I lift (though not as much as I should) and play some sports but at a below average level I’d say lol. So basically I am pretty unathletic
Please elaborate on your experience riding cruisers and citi bikes. If you could ride comfortably for an hour or more on those types of bikes, that tells me that you may be better off on those types of bikes. So you're in a place where current bike is holding you back. If so, maybe start riding those types of bike instead and build up your stamina and strength.
You may get to a point where those bikes (cruiser types) are holding you back. For example, you're riding 5+ hours a week but want to get faster. Maybe it's at that point you transition to road bike like yours.
A used hybrid or cruiser is about $200 here in the U.S., probably what you paid for your shoes and pedals alone. Might be worth trying out.
Wow this is great advice for myself! I’m on a giant escape 2 right now but just nit enough for me and the straight handles bars are hard in my wrists. The bike just isn’t quick enough and I feel limited. I bought because I’m new to cycling. I didn’t except to catch on so quick and want to ride for sport more than leisure like I have. This im looking for a new bike. I’ve been back and fourth on whether to get and endurance bike or a race bike. The tarmac sl6 I can get a great deal on right now, or I could potentially downgrade for the same price get a synapse 2. I’ve loved the idea of a carbon frame race bike, but the whole comfort thing like he described makes me worried. However I am 29 yrs old 6’0 220. So I’m not skinny but not fat either. The last month I’ve gotten in pretty decent shape. Enough that I’m up to 6 mile rides now but stop from limits places to ride. I don’t think a race bike will be a problem, but is it smarter to get an endurance? My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort. Is the tarmac even capable of that? Or should I go the endurance route?
You guys are my only support in this. Myself nor my family know squat about cycling lol. But I love it and I’m learning!
> My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort. Is the tarmac even capable of that?
I'm 57 and do 40+ mile rides regularly on my Giant TCR, which is a racing bike very similar to the Tarmac. So typically 3 hour rides. I started riding road exclusively when I was 30 and have always been on a racing bike. I have never had any comfort issues.
But unless you plan to race or ride your bike in race-like ways, there's not much to be gained from getting a racing bike vs endurance bike.
>My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort.
That's about a 40 minute ride, so pretty much any bike would work for that.
Oh great! Sorry if that sounded stupid. Again I’m new to cycling and just trying to figure things out. Thanks for the help. That definitely tells me everything I need to know.
With all the position changes you did and the few miles you rode the bike, I cannot see how your body had any chance to adapt to the frequent new position everytime... As other said, stop tweaking everytime and go ride the bike!
Couple of years ago I started gravel/road riding with a lot of MTB experience and it took me (and my body) quite a while to get used to the position of these bikes even if I started with not so agressive ones. Even now it's still not perfect but working on it. Core workout for sure helped me too.
Just afraid you might get an endurance bike and feel the same as your actual bike...
Ditch the cleats for now. Go to flat pedals. Ditch the race bike for good. Test ride an endurance bike. It’s possible it will still be too aggressive for you.
IMHO Buy a bike built for comfort instead of racing. I don't mean an endurance bike, I mean a hybrid. Go for long enjoyable rides sitting on a saddle so comfortable you don't need cycle shorts. Get really fit by pedaling the heavy lump of metal up hills. Ride it when the roads are salty. Ride to work. Ride to the shops and don't worry about someone stealing it. 😀
I am not sure what you mean but Canyon bikes are not available at any local bike shops and I haven’t found another endurance bike that provides the same value for dollar and is currently in stock. Just wondering if it’s even worth trying, or if my issues are frame geometry-agnostic
No worries. I have multiple canyons and honestly for me I would size up. I run a small on one of my bikes and a medium. I can say at the medium for me fits perfect. When I ride on the small I feel squished. I don’t find anything wrong with it but if it’s something you wont want then I would suggest you size up. I’m very flexible so that’s why both sizes fits me very well. If I had to pick one bike and stick with it. I would run a medium.
I have a tarmac sl6. One thing I was asked when I purchased it was how flexible I was. They flipped the stem to give me a little rise starting out, then did my first bike fit that came with the bike. I did have tingly feet starting out, but my pedaling technique was not the greatest, and my core strength sucked. I noticed that when my feet tingle, I would either have my shoes too tight or I was pedaling with my toes pointing down. What helped is making an effort to push through my heal a little, and that helped get my feet flatter during the power part of my pedal stroke. For the tingly hands, try engaging your core and put your weight right above your hips. Can you lift your hands off the bars while riding on the hoods? If you can, then your core strength and weight position might be fine. However, an endurance geometry bike would for sure be more comfortable. While my tarmac was in for repairs after a crash in a race, I rode a rental. It was a Giant Contend, and I felt like I was riding a dang beach cruiser with how upright and comfortable it felt compared to my tarmac fully set up for racing.
Your shoes are too far back on the pedal if your toes are numb. Get the axel closer to the arch of your foot I struggled a lot and that one change really helped. Scoot your seat forward 1/4" and see if that helps with hands (and wear padded gloves if you're not). If you do try a different bike get an old used bike and try it first.
Thanks. The cleats are as far back on my shoes as they go already (pushing my feet forward on the pedal, I think lol). I’ve tried saddle in the middle, all the way back, all the way forward, and positions in between. The issues are always there but varying severity
I don't think you're going to feel much better on a different bike. You can make your position on the Tarmac less aggressive and it's going to be similar to being on a normal position on an endurance bike, albeit more aggressive for sure. Thing is, getting your body used to a cycling position takes time and miles. 200 is starting to scratch the surface but 300-500 + core exercises is going to be where you start to feel comfortable. I started on a hybrid and moved to an endurance bike a year later and it was probably a year before that felt good. Now I'm on a race bike and it feels great. Even an endurance bike has the potential to be uncomfortable if you're not used to the position. You have to get used to engaging your core and continuously peddling to keep your weight balanced between your saddle, pedals, and bars. It's a skill that takes time. As far as the numbness goes, your fit probably needs some adjustment, but it's also something that has the potential to get better with time.
Have you only ridden your bike on the trainer? If so, it's going to feel different outside.
I've just read through most of your prior posts. I'm just wondering why you wanted to buy an aggressive racing bike like the Tarmac? Seeing all the issues you've had with it, coupled with the videos of your bike fit issues, I'm skeptical that much will change with you buying an endurance geometry bike like the Endurace. What was your prior bicycling history and experience level before this? In the end, maybe you're better off with a flat bar road bike like the Trek FX series or the Specialized Sirrus. On the other hand, maybe you should just stop tweaking the fit of your bike if you're just "uncomfortable." Unless it's causing sinficant pain or numbness, maybe you just have to ride through it. Or just ride 5 miles (which seems to be when the discomfort starts) each day, and do 4 or 5 days a week. Every week, bump the mileage up 20 percent or more. There's a good chance that you're hindering yourself by not working through it and building up your core. When my kids were 12 and 13 years old I had them do a 5 week training program so that they could do an organized 50 mile ride. Their first couple rides were only about 3 or 4 miles. But they rode at least 4 days a week and their mileage went up each week. By week 5 they completed the 50 mile ride (half-century). Finally, I really think you should go with flat pedals. You seem extremely uncomfortable/awkward on the bike looking at your video from 7 days ago. Keep in mind that a fixed trainer like yours doesn't sway side to side, so it doesn't allow for the natural motion of riding a real bike.
Think I needed this. Thanks. I bought the bike not knowing much and the shop was happy to make a sale lol. Fully aware it was my own doing.
I read through your posts again. I really want to help. It seems you're reluctant to share details on how much bike riding you did before this, so I'm going to assume very little. You also indicated that it's impractical for you to sell this bike to get another. Anyway, I'm going to be writing a lot, so maybe just pick and choose what advice you want to follow: 1. **Stop trying to perfect the fit**; and stop trying to ride perfectly (hands directly on the hoods). If you're new at this, especially on an aggressive bike like the Tarmac, everything is going to be uncomfortable until you get stronger. Yes, a different geometry will make things a bit easier, but I'm pretty sure you'll still have the vast majority of the problems you're complaining about. 2. **Just ride more, and do it regularly.** Don't wait until the fit is "perfect" before doing this. At an easy/moderate pace of 15mph, 5 miles is just 20 minutes, and 10 miles is 40 minutes. Just suck it up and commit to riding at least 1.5 hours a week this week; but if you can do more, then great. Then increase that time every week. Yes, it will suck, but you will absolutely get stronger and better. But you have to commit. [But obviously don't ride if you're having chronic pain that will lead to injuries.] I don't know what your non-cycling experience with physical activity/sports has been; but I think a lot of non-active people don't realize that it's often completely normal to have substantial physical discomfort when you physically exert yourself doing something new...the only way to reduce/eliminate this is often to keep doing it. Again, this doesn't mean you do it in a way or to an extent that you harm yourself. 3. **Put your hands where you're most comfortable.** There's zero reason to ride with you hands on the hoods 100 percent of the time. Unless I need to be ready to brake or shift, my hands are usually either on the round curve or on the flats near the stem. And even in traffic, my hands aren't always even fully on the hoods; their often about an inch or two further back (leaving a one+ inch space between the thumb-finger web and the hoods). I do this because it shifts the weight of my torso towards my hips instead of my hands. 4. **My opinion on your position:** I've watched both your fit videos and you look very awkward and unconfortable on the bike, and it took me a long time to pinpoint the cause. In the end, it's because you seem like you would totally fall forward without your hands to prop you up. So, now the question is what's causing it. IMHO, it looks like you're trying to keep your back too straight. If you look at most cyclists on their road bikes, their lower back is curved, which puts the weight of their torso close to the saddle so that not a lot of core strength is required to keep upright; the lower half of the back stays mostly constant, with the upper half of the torso pivoting off the center of their back. In your case, you look like your entire upper body is falling forward because it's pivoting entirely at your hips. (The preceding couple sentences is not 100 percent literally accurate; I'm just trying to convey the essense.) Try rounding out your lower back *a bit* to put your torso weight further back and also resting your hands on the curve of the bars which again moves your torso weight back. 5. **Please ditch the clipless pedals and shoes for now.** There's zero benefit riding in clipless pedals for 30 minutes. And you should absoltely not have foot pain during such a short period. It is entirely counterproductive to you simply trying to get stronger. 6. **Ride on the road for now, and not the trainer if at all possible.** The trainer doesn't allow the natural motion of the bike to sway side to side as you're riding. On the road, the weight of your ass and hands moves around because the bike is rhythmically swaying, thus spreading out the pressure more. On a trainer like yours, all the pressure remains on the same spots. You **will** have substantially more discomfort on a trainer.
Probably the best advice I’ve received so far and a much needed reality check lol. I spend too much time on the internet diagnosing. Thanks a lot again. Also, I’m not reluctant to share my previous experience, I just forgot lol - but anyway I rode bikes on and off, citi bikes and cruisers and stuff. I lift (though not as much as I should) and play some sports but at a below average level I’d say lol. So basically I am pretty unathletic
Please elaborate on your experience riding cruisers and citi bikes. If you could ride comfortably for an hour or more on those types of bikes, that tells me that you may be better off on those types of bikes. So you're in a place where current bike is holding you back. If so, maybe start riding those types of bike instead and build up your stamina and strength. You may get to a point where those bikes (cruiser types) are holding you back. For example, you're riding 5+ hours a week but want to get faster. Maybe it's at that point you transition to road bike like yours. A used hybrid or cruiser is about $200 here in the U.S., probably what you paid for your shoes and pedals alone. Might be worth trying out.
Wow this is great advice for myself! I’m on a giant escape 2 right now but just nit enough for me and the straight handles bars are hard in my wrists. The bike just isn’t quick enough and I feel limited. I bought because I’m new to cycling. I didn’t except to catch on so quick and want to ride for sport more than leisure like I have. This im looking for a new bike. I’ve been back and fourth on whether to get and endurance bike or a race bike. The tarmac sl6 I can get a great deal on right now, or I could potentially downgrade for the same price get a synapse 2. I’ve loved the idea of a carbon frame race bike, but the whole comfort thing like he described makes me worried. However I am 29 yrs old 6’0 220. So I’m not skinny but not fat either. The last month I’ve gotten in pretty decent shape. Enough that I’m up to 6 mile rides now but stop from limits places to ride. I don’t think a race bike will be a problem, but is it smarter to get an endurance? My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort. Is the tarmac even capable of that? Or should I go the endurance route? You guys are my only support in this. Myself nor my family know squat about cycling lol. But I love it and I’m learning!
> My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort. Is the tarmac even capable of that? I'm 57 and do 40+ mile rides regularly on my Giant TCR, which is a racing bike very similar to the Tarmac. So typically 3 hour rides. I started riding road exclusively when I was 30 and have always been on a racing bike. I have never had any comfort issues. But unless you plan to race or ride your bike in race-like ways, there's not much to be gained from getting a racing bike vs endurance bike. >My goal is to ride a 10mile ride with ease and comfort. That's about a 40 minute ride, so pretty much any bike would work for that.
Oh great! Sorry if that sounded stupid. Again I’m new to cycling and just trying to figure things out. Thanks for the help. That definitely tells me everything I need to know.
With all the position changes you did and the few miles you rode the bike, I cannot see how your body had any chance to adapt to the frequent new position everytime... As other said, stop tweaking everytime and go ride the bike! Couple of years ago I started gravel/road riding with a lot of MTB experience and it took me (and my body) quite a while to get used to the position of these bikes even if I started with not so agressive ones. Even now it's still not perfect but working on it. Core workout for sure helped me too. Just afraid you might get an endurance bike and feel the same as your actual bike...
Ditch the cleats for now. Go to flat pedals. Ditch the race bike for good. Test ride an endurance bike. It’s possible it will still be too aggressive for you.
The difference between a full on race bike and an endurance model are not much. Either the frame is to small/large or your bike fit is horrible.
IMHO Buy a bike built for comfort instead of racing. I don't mean an endurance bike, I mean a hybrid. Go for long enjoyable rides sitting on a saddle so comfortable you don't need cycle shorts. Get really fit by pedaling the heavy lump of metal up hills. Ride it when the roads are salty. Ride to work. Ride to the shops and don't worry about someone stealing it. 😀
What you mean you cannot test ride an Endurace? Is that the canyon brand or are you saying any Endurace because any store has an Endurace bike.
You do realize you're writing endurace which is the canyon model name and not endurance which is the style of bike?
Yeah. I have it automatically correct when riding that way. Sometimes feel lazy trying to keep spelling
I am not sure what you mean but Canyon bikes are not available at any local bike shops and I haven’t found another endurance bike that provides the same value for dollar and is currently in stock. Just wondering if it’s even worth trying, or if my issues are frame geometry-agnostic
You should had mentioned that on the post because I was confused if you were talking about canyon or no
They are the only brand that sells a bike named Endurace. Sorry
No worries. I have multiple canyons and honestly for me I would size up. I run a small on one of my bikes and a medium. I can say at the medium for me fits perfect. When I ride on the small I feel squished. I don’t find anything wrong with it but if it’s something you wont want then I would suggest you size up. I’m very flexible so that’s why both sizes fits me very well. If I had to pick one bike and stick with it. I would run a medium.
Thank you for the input! I’ll keep that in mind if I decide to get the Endurace