Thanks...I got a max 5 posts in one day message...and could not reply until today. Also, I can't post pics until 10 posts. To top things off, after I deleted pics from reply to CliffordK, I still get msg I can't post with pics until 10 posts. I'm not only a bike newbie, but a newbie to this forum's rules... Current bike is Specialize Robaix Elite. 54.8 cm horizontal bar, 54 cm seat post.

I went to a bike store recommended to me by a senior triathlete (world class at age 78!). The guy there was great - knew his stuff, or so it seemed to me. Very high end, small shop. He started me out by talking about a $2800 Trek Domane SL 5. More than I had in mind, but not a 100% deal killer. (maybe 90% deal killer!)

The most interesting thing he said was he thinks the flat bar isn't the best solution - but that the overall frame geometry is. He likes drop down that fit overall because of more hand positions and more natural hand/wrist position. (While I am guessing I get a new bike, I was wondering if a longer handle bar stem -raise the handle bar, keep the drop down - would solve anything?) The other point he made was you need to use the core more to hold your posture and take pressure off the hands. As to the saddle, like others are saying, some trial and error, but that seats are now make to fit body/butt shapes.

The main takeway was I left completely energized for a great bike. $3K is more than I really want to spend (unless it just blows me flat-out away above something half that price) but still it was total fun. Later at a REI (went there for totally different reason) a guy was leaving with a new bike for his 10 year old. His excitement for his son, and mine for the boy, too - a bike is freedom - this is also how I felt. Excited.