I have a confession. I bought a bent because I hadn't figured out how to be comfortable on an upright yet. I have since managed to make my upright bikes comfortable.

I don't ride the 'bent as much as I used to but I still love that bike. My Surly has become my commuting and touring ride, but there will always be a place for the 'bent.

That said, I have shoulder arthritis, but a diet change and physical therapy helped that tremendously. I'll probably need the 'bent as I age, but for now I can ride pretty much any bike.