u/Remarkable-Road-4

So I am 5’6 with a 29 inseam. I built my bike up with 172.5 cranks based off of my last bike because my new bike and last bike have both similar and reach and stack. However, I did an event last weekend first time taking the newer bike out on a longer ride. I noticed right hand went comnplelty numb. I swapped out my stem to a 80mm stem and the numbing went away but my pinky went numb. And the other thing I noticed is my entire right side of my hip started to hurt which I never experienced before. I was starting to get uncomfortable on my right side. Hip down to my leg. My stroke also feels off compared to my last bike as well. I am curious as to what the fitter will do…but just wanted to see what Reddit had to say.

I am reading a lot about people going with shorter cranks. What does shorter cranks do in terms of fit?

So I ussually have been able to fit myself on my other bikes and got pretty comfortable with no pain. I am going from a medium Lynskey GR300 to a 54cm Trail Donkey. Both have almost the same reach and stack and that was the size rodeo recommended. I am getting numbing in my right hand which I elevated by going 10mm longer stem but now my pinky is going numb. And on top of that my pedling just feels sluggish and my right foot would go numb. I spoke with my LBS and the fitter and I am set for Sunday. Only $100 for the fit. Those that went and saw a fitter did that help get your bike dialed in?

I feel like those that suggest bikes 1 or 2 times down are just trying to push this whole aero is gold without knowing the riders full history and physical build. Sure you can always make a smaller bike bigger but then you are stretching it out and may in a more aggressive position.

I have a few carbon bikes myself…but man there is nothing like steel or Ti. I do also love well made aluminum bikes as well. I been eying building up a Ritchey P 29-er and an aluminum Trek Checkpoint and a Surly Midnight Special.