Originally Posted by
Dave Cutter
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I find the [correct] road cycling position to be the most comfortable. As the weight is distributed between the three points of contact. Feet, saddle, and hands. So nothing gets stressed. I do prefer a "less aggressive" cycling position... with the handlebars/hoods about the same height as the saddle. And of course the bicycle being the correct size and properly fitted.
Working on position finesse... with bent elbows, lifted butt, and hips tilted as needed for optimum force/comfort are all part of being comfortable. Once the right saddle along with the positioning mentioned is found.... riding the bike is as comfy as sitting in an easy chair.
+1
One thing I've found very important for long term comfort is, ironically, short term discomfort: I don't put my shifters anyplace that's so convenient that I'm tempted to leave my hands in the same place all the time. Down tube shifters, or bar end, are close enough. The advantage of down tube shifters is that they force me to move my hands around a lot, and this moves my whole upper body, and this keeps me comfortable in a long day in the saddle.