Originally Posted by
chuckschreiner
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.
Domane is a great bike.
Basically, if you bike is 15 years old, the frame geometry is probably not set up for "endurance" riding. Not new but this category was added to the road biking community some time ago. It is not race fit geometry but the frame is designed for a more upright position hence the term endurance which translates into more than an hour ride. Older riders fit into that category mostly as I found this out after a long absence from riding. I bought a Secteur Elite Compact from Specialized 6 years ago and the frame was designed for the endurance fit. Cost me 900. Still have it but now ride Carbon. They have a Roubaix that is around 1900 that would work fine too. Not quite as old as you but in my 60's and this just puts you in a more upright position. Since us older guys are not as flexible as we once were, this endurance fit is about halfway between race fit and beach cruiser. Still a road bike though with dropped bars. Don't get a T bar unless all you plan to do is noodle around. Any real road riding and you will regret that. Also, as you get back into shape, your profile will change a bit and the T bar will now feel like training wheels.
If you had these problems with your old bike then you probably were not fit correctly on that bike.
Can't go wrong with a Domane but there are plenty of endurance style bikes out there. You don't have to spend 3k to get a good bike. Do spend the extra few dollars for a quality fit though. Mine cost like 250 dollars but it has been well worth it since I ride pretty painlessly even at my age.
john