Fifty Plus (50+) - Any 50+ers in normal health have issues going to a road bike?

I'm thinking stongly about getting a CX bike to use as a road hybrid with drop bars if you will. Not quite a year ago when I got my hybrid, my first bike, I had a heck of a time with neck pain after moderately long rides. I ended up putting a stem riser on which fixed things up nicely and neck pain is no longer an issue. So, I'm wondering if getting into the drops is going to cause this problem all over again. I know no one can speak for me and my particular scenario, but I'm wondering if anyone else out there went to their first drop bar bike after 50+ and have any pro or con experiences to share. I'm thinking about dropping a couple of grand on this thing and I'd hate to get something I couldn't ride but for 20 miles without pain :(

I have a road bike. I rarely/ever ride "in the drops". Pretty much always on the brake hoods. Borrowed a friend's cyclocross bike for a century ride and couldn't tell the difference between the two except for the crappy brakes on his bike ;). I completely forgot I was on his bike except when I needed to use the brakes.

I've been riding road bikes since the great Bike Boom so I'm probably the wrong person to reply. But since I've had periods that I let my riding lapse and had to get back in shape, I may be able to respond in a helpful manner.

If you do not have any unusual health or structural problems, you, like most everyone else, should have no problems once you build up the muscles required to hold your neck and head in position. If you want to get a jump on getting in this shape, I'd suggest you do some simple neck exercises.

Good luck on your purchase!

You can probably adjust saddle height and fore/aft position as well as stem drop/rise, reach to take care of your neck problems. It worked well for me.

Bill

Yes. But yoga, spin class with the bars lower than the saddle, lots of riding, rotating off your butt into a flat back position, and the result is my bars keep getting lower and I do ride in the drops comfortably.

It takes time and intention. You learn alot about your fit and fitness along the way. I think the benefits carry over into general health and posture.

If you come from a background of virtually no road bike riding for 40 years it will take time, like years.

That was my experience.

For me, drops are for downhill and fighting winds. Learn to tuck your chin in to your chest and move your whole head back, do not tilt your head up from the chin, straining the neck. My PT taught me this.

We all age at different rates and I don’t think the number is as important as the wear and tear we put our bodies thru getting to whatever age it is we are at. I see guys in their 50’s, 60’s and sometimes 70’s still riding low drops with no pain or issues. That wasn’t the case for me and through a good number of used bikes when getting back into riding around age 50 I learned a lot about self-fitting that’s not in the young guy at the LBS vocabulary. In my case the legs, lungs and heart are all cooperating pretty well still, but like you the neck, back, wrists etc. were my limiting factor. The solution was more upright the problem was the hybrid bikes didn’t seem to fill the needs I had ether. I read a lot on the topic and found for me more of a “French Fit” helped along with figuring out how to move drop bars up and back to counteract the reach problem. The biggest thing I found out that took the most pain away was saddle position front to back. With moving the saddle back against all intuitive reason to move it forward when trying to take strain off the neck and get a slight bit more upright balanced me better on the bike and the core took over much of the support of my upper body. Taking the strain off arms and shoulders allows the neck to work a lot better.

So for me I hated drop bars when I first went back and after figuring out drop bars can be higher than what most people would recommend. I then got the benefits of all the hand positions. The hoods are a most relaxed place now and I find myself in the drops more than half the time now. When I’m riding I take note of where most people have their hands and almost no one older is riding down there most are on the tops or hoods and I see a lot stretching like they are fighting getting upright where their body naturally wants to be. My one friend asked me how can I ride all day in the drops and I pointed out my drops are almost as high as his hoods and he gave me a puzzled look.

Nothing wrong with drop bars but don’t be afraid to experiment with stems and height.

As others already said, you shouldn't have fit problems with the right stem, saddle, and bar adjustments.

My advice is take a good test ride on cyclocross bikes. The brakes just don't work as well as road bikes. I got one for winter riding and occassional trails. It is fun and more useful for me than a mountain bike. But it doesn't stop like I'm used to. I'm going to try different brake pads.

Bacchetta Giro 26 ATT.

For me, drops are for downhill and fighting winds. Learn to tuck your chin in to your chest and move your whole head back, do not tilt your head up from the chin, straining the neck. My PT taught me this.

With 3 discs in my neck screwed up from a car wreck 10 years ago (3 others in my back), I also learned to do this. The worst thing I can do is tilt my head up the wrong way. Also doing stretches for the neck, including when riding, makes a world of difference.

I also use the drops only for the reasons stated in the quoted post.

As with anything, start out S L O W! A few miles and and more miles as you get comfortable. I started back in the Fall of 2010. I rode like 2-3 miles the first time out. Last Summer I did an extremely hilly Metric Century(of which I could only do 32 miles) and by the end of the summer I did a full 'real' century. Don't just jump on the bike and ride 30 miles. Build up slowly.

After a sedentary 49 years followed by one year on a hybrid, I bought a road bike.

I had neck and upper back pain for a while because my neck muscles never had to hold my big fat head up like that for so long. It took a month or two to get those muscles in shape.

I get that still if I haven't been doing long rides and suddenly do 70 or 75 miles.

As for the drops, it was excess pressure from excess middle that interfered with my breathing and kept me out of the drops for several years. I still find the hoods more comfortable, but I can also go miles and miles in the drops.

I have a fitting every year as my strength and flexibility become greater. Over the years my bar height has dropped with every fitting. My stem is now "slammed" (soon to be flipped too) on two of my bikes (the ones with taller headtubes) and on the others I have as many spacers above the stem as below it. Along the way I've also switched from shorter 17° stems to longer 6° ones.

My point being is that it takes time and miles and fitness (and desire) to get comfortable lower on the bars. There's no reason why you can't start out higher--and even stay there if that's what you like. I just hate headwinds and take every step (short of aerobars) to present less of myself to them.

GaryPitts,

Lots of good advice above; I suspect that given the wide availability now of 'slightly relaxed geometry' road bikes (often referred to in marketing-speak as "endurance"), and of 'compact bars' (shorter reach/shallower drop), you can probably adapt. Lots of these kinds of bikes available now, at all price levels: Giant Defy; Spec. Roubaix/Secteur; Trek 'H2' fit, etc.

FWIW, I'm 60, and while in very good overall aerobic shape for my age do have pretty severe osteoarthritis (spine, hands, knees etc.) coupled with mild scoliosis. Even so, I've averaged 6-7000 kms/year since taking up cycling in 2002; most of that has been on the 'road', and the last two years on a 'flat-bar road bike', which bars/controls apart is a road bike for all practical purposes (SRAM Apex group; Conti GP 4000s tires [25c]).

But I've always wanted a 'proper' road bike, and have in fact twice purchased one only to return it after a few weeks ("I can't do this, etc.") -- last time in 2007. I have a very good/understanding LBS! I had pretty much concluded that I just couldn't "do" drop bars.

However ... fast forward to late this past Fall ... I've pasted in below a relevant response I made to another thread. Both bikes fall into the 'endurance' category, and both have 'compact bars':

... I'll relate a very recent experience. I've been riding 'road' for some time now, thinking always that I couldn't ride a full-on road bike (i.e. with drops etc). Currently riding a Sirrus Comp (flat-bar road) w/upgrades. I'm 60, lots of physical issues (back, arthritis, etc.).

Anyway, over the past two weekends I've had the chance to extensively test first a new Giant Defy Composite 1, and then a Specialized Roubaix SL2 -- both Ultegra. Did about a three-hour loop on each.

Shopguys thought I'd go for the more relaxed, slightly less 'aggressive' Roubaix, no question ... "everybody like you does." Not at all an insult ... just an educated prediction on their part. I was prepared to say "I just can't do this" to both, but to prefer the Roubaix. We were both wrong!

I loved the Defy. Riding position felt perfect/balanced out of the box (as did the Roubaix), but (can't believe I'm saying this) I much preferred the slightly more 'planted' feel of the Defy, greater 'road feel', stiffness, etc, all without being harsh.

The Roubaix was great, no question, and certainly more 'plush' (can't avoid using that term, I guess) ... but I just 'liked' the slightly 'racier' feel of the Defy a little more (BTW, we were very careful to equalize for tire pressure etc. as much as possible), so much so that I am seriously considering getting one for next season.

I got back on a road bike this summer after almost 30 years of being almost totally sedentary. I have a hybrid/comfort bike, but once I started riding it seriously, I realized that I was outgrowing it once my fitness improved (I had begun a walking program about 18 months previously, after being diagnosed with T-2 diabetes). I borrowed an older Schwinn Super LeTour off a friend, that was the right size for me. He didn't have enough, uh, "clearance" over the top tube. ;)

It took a couple of days, maybe a week to 10 days, for the muscles to adjust. Once I found that I could adjust to a road bike, I worked out a deal to own it. Road bikes give you 3 options for hand position--the top bar next to the stem, the brake hoods, and the drops. 8 months down the road, I never ride on the top bar any more. Just on the hoods and the drops. On long rides, I alternate between the hoods and the drops, just to change things around.

The key is getting a bike that fits you. And, many bike shops have rental programs. Some will let you rent a bike for a period (up to a week or two) and will apply the rental fee to a purchase if you decide to buy. I would suggest that you look for a shop that has a program like that, before you drop 4 figures on a bike that you'll hate 3 months down the road.

started road riding at 59 after 16 years of MTB's. Of course I had neck problems but a few rides and that lessened greatly. A bit of core training and it improved-- high rise stem to bring the bars up to the saddle and after 40 miles or so and I had backache--More core training and a bike later and everything was fine. My problem was I was too tight in the body so a longer laid out stretched position on the new bike with the bars 4" below the saddle and I was fine.

Back and neck problems will need some adjusting for you but you may even be one like me that found that a road bike suits me better

I'm thinking stongly about getting a CX bike to use as a road hybrid with drop bars if you will. Not quite a year ago when I got my hybrid, my first bike, I had a heck of a time with neck pain after moderately long rides. I ended up putting a stem riser on which fixed things up nicely and neck pain is no longer an issue. So, I'm wondering if getting into the drops is going to cause this problem all over again. I know no one can speak for me and my particular scenario, but I'm wondering if anyone else out there went to their first drop bar bike after 50+ and have any pro or con experiences to share. I'm thinking about dropping a couple of grand on this thing and I'd hate to get something I couldn't ride but for 20 miles without pain :(
If you are in normal health; 3 factors (maybe more) enter the equation of eliminating neck pain in the drops:
1. Proper bike fit
2. Proper rider weight
3. Proper core strength
If any of these conditions are less than ideal; you have something to work on.

The brakes just don't work as well as road bikes. I got one for winter riding and occassional trails. It is fun and more useful for me than a mountain bike. But it doesn't stop like I'm used to. I'm going to try different brake pads.
This one has disc brakes and I suspect it will stop like a boss :)

Yes. But yoga, spin class with the bars lower than the saddle, lots of riding, rotating off your butt into a flat back position, and the result is my bars keep getting lower and I do ride in the drops comfortably.

It takes time and intention. You learn alot about your fit and fitness along the way. I think the benefits carry over into general health and posture.

If you come from a background of virtually no road bike riding for 40 years it will take time, like years.

That was my experience.

My experience also.

I was away from cycling for 30 years. I started cycling again with a Hybrid. I liked the bike, but wanted better performance within 6 months. I went to a professional fitter and purchased a Cyclocross bike. Best thing I could have done. The Cyclocross bike was set up for endurance and I was able to increase my time on the bike from two hours/day to twelve hours/day in a year. I've put 15,000 miles on my Cyclocross bike in 5 years. It's still my favorite bike.

GaryPitts,



I loved the Defy. Riding position felt perfect/balanced out of the box (as did the Roubaix), but (can't believe I'm saying this) I much preferred the slightly more 'planted' feel of the Defy, greater 'road feel', stiffness, etc, all without being harsh.

The Roubaix was great, no question, and certainly more 'plush' (can't avoid using that term, I guess) ... but I just 'liked' the slightly 'racier' feel of the Defy a little more (BTW, we were very careful to equalize for tire pressure etc. as much as possible), so much so that I am seriously considering getting one for next season.

[/B]

This is exactly what I found with my second road bike. First one was just a "Starter" bike in an OCR3 and was a comfort frame and was set up up to conform to an older riders style. The two bikes Badger1 mentioned are two very good examples of very good bikes to think about. Get test rides in and compare the two styles. The Roubaix is one of the favourites on this forum and the defy is a good range to start with on the more competitive feel.

I know I am thinking of a CX for the offroad trails we have round here- but if you are thinking road riding---Then go road.

My experience also.

I was away from cycling for 30 years. I started cycling again with a Hybrid. I liked the bike, but wanted better performance within 6 months. I went to a professional fitter and purchased a Cyclocross bike. Best thing I could have done. The Cyclocross bike was set up for endurance and I was able to increase my time on the bike from two hours/day to twelve hours/day in a year. I've put 15,000 miles on my Cyclocross bike in 5 years. It's still my favorite bike.
You ride your bike for 12 hours a day? :giver::)

Tops of my bars are 10cm below the top of my saddle and I ride in the drops at length. Found that this is the best setup for my back. For me, lower is better. May not work for everybody though.

I've been preferring a road bike my whole life, though having just turned 50 last year, I'm one of the youngsters in this group. I have the bars about an inch below the saddle. I'm not comfortable in the drops at all, but I think that's my spare tire being in the way. Riding on the hoods feels perfect. I suppose if you've been used to a more upright bike, it may take some adjustment and getting used to.

You ride your bike for 12 hours a day? :giver::)

144 miles. Did that just once.

10 wheels rides his bike 12 hours a day ;-).

I started riding road bikes at 64. I'm now 65 and have purchased a second road bike as an upgrade to the first. Coming from a hybrid, I had the same issue as you do, but exercising the neck muscles helped strengthen them to the point where I can do a century and not be bothered by it. It will take some time and you will most likely have some discomfort or even mild pain. Don't give up on it and keep riding. The more you ride, the better it gets.

144 miles. Did that just once.

10 wheels rides his bike 12 hours a day ;-).

LOL! I'm still trying to get my first century in. Longest ride so far was 75 miles in 5 1/2 hrs.

LOL! I'm still trying to get my first century in. Longest ride so far was 75 miles in 5 1/2 hrs.

Nothing wrong with that pace. I bet you could do a 7 hour century at-will and weather-permitting.

I'm thinking stongly about getting a CX bike to use as a road hybrid with drop bars if you will. Not quite a year ago when I got my hybrid, my first bike, I had a heck of a time with neck pain after moderately long rides. I ended up putting a stem riser on which fixed things up nicely and neck pain is no longer an issue. So, I'm wondering if getting into the drops is going to cause this problem all over again. I know no one can speak for me and my particular scenario, but I'm wondering if anyone else out there went to their first drop bar bike after 50+ and have any pro or con experiences to share. I'm thinking about dropping a couple of grand on this thing and I'd hate to get something I couldn't ride but for 20 miles without pain :(

I'd never touched one until I was 49 so I'll chime in. Yes, I did have neck pains and sometimes in the upper back, and still do every once in awhile. But, in my experience, it is exclusively due to poor posture on the bike and not staying relaxed. I don't get pain if I'm not tense in the shoulders and arms, and remember to keep my back straighter, not hunching shoulders and so on.

During the winter I'm in the drops about 95% of the time. I'll still get sore if I'm not paying enough attention to how I'm riding.

I keep telling you people those things are evil!!

I was never comfortable on a road bike. I endured it because I liked riding. A brief experimentation with straight bars turned out even worse. I'm not only way more comfortable now, I'm way faster. They're pretty and they're light, and I hear the siren call once in a while; but I would consider a road bike to be a step backward for me.

Nothing wrong with that pace. I bet you could do a 7 hour century at-will and weather-permitting.
Thanks for the vote of confidence... There are several century events coming in the next few months; I'll get it done.

Check out the info and videos on John Cobb's site on saddle positioning. Adding a slight up tilt to the front of the saddle and length from the saddle tip to stem will add much comfort to your ride. It works on any brand of saddle.

http://cobbcycling.com/positioning-videos.cfm

Stretching before and after is very important ,
and be sure and get your bars into a comfortable position .
I find I have added more upward tilt to my bars, now I'm more in the Touring Position

I started with a hybrid as many have and went to a roadbike mainly for riding into the wind. I realized that the roadbike would take much more core strength. What I didn't know is that having that extra strength would make everyday stuff easier. I will say saddle tilt and fore to aft positioning is more critical on a roadbike. Small changes make a big difference. A good seatpost is worth the money.

Gary, I maybe a poor choice for advice as I've rode drop bar bikes for decades. Currently road bikes look to use compact drop handle bars more often than in the past which makes using the drops a viable position for more riders. Start off with a fairly relaxed position and lower the handle bar stem a bit at a time 'till you find your sweet spot.

Some neck ache can be expected at first until your muscles build up.

Brad

Core strength.

People that brace against the bars with their arms/shoulders and strain to hold their heeds up are a train wreck.

Many people adapt to that dynamic but it's not how 'racing bicycles' are designed to be ridden.

Oh and core strength and the position it allows, will stop the endless search for many trying to find a "comfortable" saddle because now you aren't sitting on it like a bar stool.

Cross bikes and road are slightly different fit. Cross have higher BB. So some ppl do not like the stand over height. Cross bikes usually have the bar higher slightly closer/higher. This has to do with the differences in racing. But, many come with cross brake levers, so you can ride it likes a flat bar and a your fittness, improves you will be able to ride the hoods, drops. Look at the gearing, many come with 46/38

After riding a flat bar hybrid for six months, I decided to build a full carbon road bike. I went on my first ride and had to immediately shorten the seat post. The stem was reversed to raise the bars and I now feel comfortable riding with my hands on the hoods. I still think that I'm too close to the bars and need to adjust the seat rearward. Although I'm not yet comfortable in the drops, I'm used to the crouched position having ridden motorcycles with clip-ons for years. Even though I've had two back surgeries, I've never found this position uncomfortable. I'm 65 years old and recently have undergone rotator cuff surgery due to a fall on my motorcycle. I do think it's time to put those toys away and stick to the road bike. I can't wait until I'm able to ride again.

Tops of my bars are 10cm below the top of my saddle and I ride in the drops at length. Found that this is the best setup for my back. For me, lower is better. May not work for everybody though.

There you go! It's a personal matter. I've found higher handlebars and longer top tubes more comfortable as I've ag..,ag..,ah, matured. But people are different. If your bike has a1 1/8 steerer tube, don't get in a hurry and cut it. Try a lot of positions and miles before you decide on the fit.

Marc

I am 70+, and ONLY ride road bikes. Ditto for motorcycles. On the bicycle, most of the time on the drops. On the motoryclce, full tuck all the time, no exceptions.. ;) Then again, I am not dealing with a full deck either!! ;)

Why would I have trouble "going too" a road bike when I have been on a road bike since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I don't think I understand the question? What other kind of bike is there, you mean like a mountain bike like Mountain Mike rides or something?

A road bike is a bike that is ridden only on roads, like my long wheelbase recumbent.
I've been trying to ride on the drops, but I can't find them.

I am 70+, and ONLY ride road bikes. Ditto for motorcycles. On the bicycle, most of the time on the drops. On the motoryclce, full tuck all the time, no exceptions.. ;) Then again, I am not dealing with a full deck either!! ;)

Yes, and you are a direct descendant of Gumby :)

Beats being a direct descendent of Pokey , I'd guess