rbkb921

I'm new to biking, other then when I was a kid, but when I'm in the down position on my drop bars it feels like I have to strain a little to look up is there a quick fix for this??? I also notice a bit of pressure on my hands slash wrist area.

Garfield Cat

Without seeing how you ride, its difficult to zero in on the problem. I am an older rider and the longer head tube really helps me. I end up riding in a more upright position. Therefore looking up is less of a problem. Most of my riding time is not in the drops. Occasionally it is.

I found that getting a pro bike fit is valuable, especially because I was older when I got my first road bike. I intentionally chose a fitter who is not affiliated with any bike shop.

SourDieseL

Now I'm not a bike fitting expert but I found that neck strain from looking up may mean you have bad posture. I know because my poster sucks and I too find it hard to "look up" while riding. What i've been doing to rectify this is to practice pinning my shoulders back, flexing at the hip to try and keep your back as horizontal as possible when riding. This may also mean you need to stretch some more, enough to touch your toes or put your hands flat on the floor without bending your knees.

I've been practicing in spin classes by coming into a resting tri position off my hands and more on my forearms. flexing my shoulders back and pulling in my core and taking some weight off my shoulders/forearms. That's the best I can really describe it, once you pull your core in and pin your shoulders back, your neck shoulder be relieved from some of the pain keeping your head up and your eyes forward.

stapfam

I rode mountain bikes for 16 years before going road. It took me 6 months before I got into the drop position for more than 20 seconds without it hurting the back- the neck- the thighs---- So I practised getting into the drops. Took a while and I still do not ride in the drops very much on a ride- but into a headwind- if I want a bit more speed- or downhills and I can use that position without discomfort.

So get out on the bike and practice. May take a while before the muscles build up but train that weak neck to work properly. Or do most of your riding on the hoods like the rest of us.

JanMM

This is premature, but if all else fails, maybe Greg LeMond will let you try this bike when he is through with it:

MichaelW

Firstly, the drops are not generally regarded as a normal cycling position, they are for riding into headwinds, steep descents etc. Most riders (inc racers) use the brake hoods for most of the time.
You can position your drop bars where they feel most comfortable, they dont need to be low or a long distance from the saddle. There is no rule for positioning bars. An adjustable stem can be useful to find your favourite position.
There are several different styles of drop bar, some have deeper dops and some have shallower ones. The shallow ones are coming back into favour and are a useful option.