Originally Posted by
Thulsadoom
I have a Trek 520 that I've converted with Wald 867
bars, an adjustable stem, and a Bontrager Boulevard saddle.....
Upright is simply not as powerful of a position......
Thanks. I was contemplating something similar. I got a 30 deg. Redshift stem and was thinking of VO Left Bank bars that are very similar to the 867's. Since I already have drop bars, I might try them first and see if I get used to them.
Originally Posted by
fishboat
...Pick a bike(crusier, or hybrid, or drop bar road bike..bike shops rent them..start with an upright bike) and a 200 mile route. .....
That's my strategy. Got a drop-bar road bike, raised the bars, and put luggage on it. Aiming to tour next week maybe, probably more like 150 miles but I won't be counting.
Originally Posted by
fishboat
...
Two items pop up quickly with new riders:.................
In both cases the "...with time goes away.." it takes more interest by the rider than a couple rides. People that are sincerely looking to get into and enjoy cycling get beyond both of these issues.
Neck and shoulder pain would be a concern if it persisted. I think I've learned that the advantages in power with an inclined riding position, being able to use the hamstrings and the glutes and not just the quads makes it worth trying for some time. What I'm not so sure goes away with time is the affect on one's view. When you're upright and look around, your head stays level with the horizon. When you're leaned forward, as you pivot to look to the sides, your head is tilted substantially from level. You can pick your head up and look around every once in a while. That's what I dislike about auto and motorcycle touring -- you're going so fast that you can only look around every once in a while.
