Jaz123

A couple months ago I strained my back really badly and has since made riding my bike very uncomfortable. I went to a bike shop to see what they recommend in terms of modifying my bike to relieve the lower back pain and one of the modifications is to change the drop handlebars into an h bar. I use this bike to commute and do longer rides. While I would be totally fine with that change if my bike was more commuter like but it is very much a road bike and I still want to use it for recreational rides. Not to mention costs lots of money to swap out parts.

I know in the long run it would be better for my back but would you take the leap or find another solution? Has anyone done it before on a road bike? I am planning on getting physical therapy as well knowing that a lot of it is due to inflexibility and muscle weakness.

fietsbob

Numerous threads on replacing drop bars with straight or pull back bars .. so it is done..

and it involves replacing brake levers, cables, and if drop bar brifters,
you need different shifters as well , stem raisers, etc.. essentially making your bike a Hybrid.

you might sell your bike and just buy another that better suits your current needs ..


or N+1 just buy an additional bike.



..

RubeRad

I swapped my mtb bars from flat to Jones H Loop, and it has been great for me. But that's a simple swap because I can keep using the same shifters and brake levers (and therefore derailleurs and brakes).

For a drop bar bike, switching to any kind of flatbar requires swapping out your entire cockpit, and maybe derailleurs and brakes with it.

Best option probably sell that bike and buy a flatbar bike to put a H bar on.

Otherwise, look in the direction of steerer-tube extensions and shorter or adjustable-angle stems, to put the bars higher up and further back, so you can sit up straighter.

Korina

Fib! Tried putting my shiny new Jones loop bar on my flat bar yesterday, only to discover the hoses on the hydraulic disc brakes are too short!

RubeRad

lol! If I tightened the bars in place first and then tried to put the levers on my hoses were also too short. But leaving the bars loose and sliding them sideways I was able to get the levers on, and then when the bars were centered, the hoses were (for me) still long enough to reach, although I think they're further than they were before

fietsbob

Actual H bar from Bike friday , separates to 2 T sections for packing in their suitcase size travel convenience..

wnylogo

When I hurt my back last Fall I swapped my stem for one with a 40 degree rise and bought the Specialized Hover bars which added an additional 15mm in height. I considered the Soma Condor handlebar with a 25mm rise, but the flat section angle worried me. This allowed me to ride again with less pain as it did put me more upright. However, it shifted my position so that there was more pressure at the seat. Moved the saddle back a wiggle or two and it's working out better.

Korina

Lucky you. :-)

exile

I put Jones Loop Bars on my Surly LHT and do not plan on going back. I didn't change bars due to an injury though. I never felt comfortable with drop bars even after doing different modifications.