Originally Posted by
insignia100
Bike fit is important, but don't forget to work on core strength, too! Especially if riding a bike with race geometry vs endurance geometry, or in my case, switching from a hybrid to my first road bike. I learned not to carry my weight on my arms while motorcycling, and that transferred over to cycling as well. My only issue now is that I tend to get elbow pain if I don't periodically put my elbow through full range of motion every 10-15 minutes or so, but that is improving.
Absolutely, fitness and conditioning play a huge part in comfort on the bike. It is very obvious when I haven't been riding for a while. I get tired more easily and start resting on the bar. It doesn't take long until my hands ache. As you noted, I often take one hand off the bar and do a bit of flexing and ROM, just as part of normal riding, even when my arms and hands feel fine, seems to stave off numbness or tingling.