you'll probably do better with raised handlebars for upper body woes. i suffer similarly because i'm not in fit condition. but i notice improvement with each ride. i don't know if you ride a lot or not. constant bending elbows really wipes out my arms because my muscles suck.

i'm not sure what you mean by 'rubber bands' but if riding is hard on your thighs, again, could just be out of shape.. saddle may need to be raised to make pedaling easier and more efficient.. that means you would *really* have to raise your handlebars.

hope some of this helped.