Originally Posted by archermd
i have gone to lbs and rode a few models but no straight bars recently
will go back and compare a sirrus or trek fx to a drop spec tricross and then decide
fyi i am NOT buying this bike on the net
i AM trying to take in all of the advice to help with making a proper decision
but i realize it is a matter of personal preference
i did notice some upper back and shoulder discomfort riding a drop but holding the flat part
new work for old tired muscles i guess
so i need to ride drops and straight and then decide and pull the trigger
Well, there's also the question of fitting. Discomfort isn't always a matter of "old tired muscles", it can be a sign that a particular configuration is just never going to work for you -- I have a short torso relative to my legs, so if the stem is short or the top tube is long, I'm going to have pain no matter what.
Wherever it is that you're thinking about buying, say, "What about fitting?" If they give you a blank look or say something like, "Well, what do you want to change?" think about shopping around. A good bike fitter will look at you, have you sit on a bike, etc. and figure out what adjustments will make the bike work for you. They won't ask you what you want to change, they'll
look at you and tell you what they think ought to be tweaked.