since I think leaning so much on the bars I have is going to be an issue (pic of bike below). I have the Hardrock that I bought 2nd hand, and love it. I rode and rode some more yesterday, but noticed some sort of arthritic type pain in my arms last night. Just thinking taking some pressure off my arms will be a good idea.

I don't know how I'll change out those bars, but I'm sure there's a way First I'll wait for some feedback, if anyone would like to chime in, always appreciated denise

Having multiple hand positions usually relieves hand and wrist pain. Your Hardrock has typical flat bars with only one hand position. Using a pair of bar end extensions with flat bars allows the rider have a more comfortable grip. See: https://www.universalcycles.com/shop...p?category=344

Kind of hard to tell from that picture...
Not sure if you will need to change the bars...
but it would be nice if you had someone in the area that understood fit and checked it for you to make sure of the correct fit... not the size of the bike but if it is set up for you...
saddle height, fore and aft position... stem length and angle as well as width of the bar.
Do you know anyone with a trainer that you could put the bike in and have them take pictures of you on the bike in the stand?
If all else fails, check which bike shops in your area do "fits" and talk to them about fitting the bike for you.

Please don't take offense here, but you're not supposed to lean on the bars.
You should support yourself with core muscles, use the bars for balance, bend your elbows, and keep your wrists straight.

I'm using Ahearne Map bars on an upright I built, and find they have a very natural hand position.
Map bars with an 80mm stem place the grips even with the top of the steerer tube (back of stem).
You can adjust your reach forward or back from there with a longer or shorter stem.
A shorter reach stem will make the bike steer a bit faster, but taking your weight off of the bar will make everything more stable and give you more control.
Ahearne+Map Handlebar ? Ahearne Cycles
Another variant on the same bar is the Nitto Jitensha touring bar
Nitto Jitensha B2522 Touring Handlebar 26.0 - Black
here's a good article on "Alt" mountain bars, and you'll see most of them kind of follow this same shape.
Alternative or "Alt" Mountain Bike Handlebar Round Up Not suggesting you buy any of these, but get some ideas for bar shape options.


The next thing to consider are swept-back bar options, Albatross, Northroad or cruiser type bars - these work best with a longer stem.
Take a look at how Rivendell sets up bikes
Bikes

Nice thing about all these bars, they will be able to use your same brakes and controls.

I use Orgin8 Citi Classic handlebars (Product Description | Origin8). They have quite a bit of back-sweep and some rise too, bringing the bars closer to your body and giving a more upright stance. That usually takes some load off your arms, but it does transfer some to the seat and may require some adjustment there.

Google "north road handlebars" and you will see a lot of handlebars in this style. The Origin8 bars were less expensive than most. You may have to lengthen some cables when getting into handlebar changes from a flat bar. Getting the grips off in usable condition is the other mechanical challenge. I went to "lock on" grips at the same time, which made any handlebar changes easier.

Ergonomic grips with bar ends (Produkte ? ERGON BIKE) may do the trick too. They will be lock on style as well. The ones with bar ends do not work well with handlebars that have a lot of back sweep. Other than the more ergonomic grip, the bar ends give an alternate hand position so your arms aren't in the same position throughout your ride.

Wow, I like this idea!! I was thinking I would have to completely remove the old bars, changed the shifters etc. I like these types, or something like them, what do you think Barrett?? And thank you sooooo much!!

Oh, I just noticed those are facing front of bike, I can get them to face in as well right??

Try a google search on ergo bar ends. Plenty of options there.

K, here's what I have now, and I will do the search as well:

They rotate and then are tightened. In theory you could have them set back, but you would not find this to be comfortable or safe. Just combine these with a shorter stem for an easier reach.

You could also install trekking bars which will move the controls towards you and provide several hand positions.

I want some type that will take the weight off my arms, so I am thinking I may have to go all the way with a new set. I don't know anything for sure. With continued work "again' on my arm, I may overcome it. I think the more upright I can sit and still reach the handles/brakes, the better off I'll be. Just a gut feeling. I did do my usual push-ups the other day, so may that, and the combo of the bikeride yesterday, maybe a little over-worked my arms. We'll see I'll try again today, shorter ride.

Thank you much for your suggestions, good to know about all my options! abby

Thanks for the new post of the other style. I have a different braking system so I don't want to change all that out unless it comes to that. I think the extensions you first pointed out are what I will try first.

I always liked the old gear shifter levers you have on that red bike. But if you get bar ends, or multi position handlebars you need to determine where the brake levers go and how accessible they are.
Make sure they are "very". . .North road bars are great for town. Easyrider style, real cool for an ole dude like me. .

Thank you Peter! I am getting used to the gear shifters, and would like to leave it as much as it is, and just add on some extensions. Try that first, at least Older maybe, but bolder too, I always say

These looks pretty comfortable. They come in different sizes and a bunch of other vendors make these also so pricing may vary... You get the idea...

https://www.amazon.com/Ergon-GR9574-...G5GWRTSCEHKN9X

Thanks so much Rockiesdad! I will see what I can "settle on" trying, and then order them. I like ordering online, done it with a few other types of things. Not much here in my town either, so the internet opens a lot of opportunity for finding what I need for my bike!!

Are you riding with a backpack? The straps can put pressure on the nerves and vasculature of the arms, which might feel arthritic. Maybe a rack and pannier or cargo bag or a handlebar bag would improve the situation.

You didn't mention if you are having problems with pressure on your hands/palms, but I noticed you aren't wearing cycling gloves. They can relieve most of the discomfort (if you have any discomfort) in the your hands and palms.

I'm all in favor of gloves 100% of the time- to be something between palms and the pavement, but for me, padding in gloves is a source of added circulation/nerve pinch with resulting discomfort or numbness.
I'd still vote for the Northwoods or Map bar and look at this as an exercise in correct riding position.
Either bar will use all your same controls. The first thing you have to look at closely is the bar diameter at the stem, which has to match the stem. Common sizes here are 25.4, 26mm (usually not on mountain bikes), and 31.4mm.

Yes, and only because I didn't buy a handlebar bag yet, which is what I'll get next I think there were some issues with that as well, even though I put very little in it, I had to include the wrench & pliers I took which were small, but did add to the weight.

I did have my hands get sore, so I have some gym-gloves (fingers cut out) that I can wear for a time. I'll do that and thank you much Ron, Abby

Hmm, I'll have to research the handlebars/extensions further to make sure I get those right BD. Also, my gloves don't have padding, they aren't riding gloves for cycles. But they might at least help with the rubbing for now. I will look online and see what I can order. My helmet (cheapy from Walmart) sits back to far, I mean up. I can see it in the photo, and also, I am constantly pulling it down. I'll need to replace that too.

I see some small "tool" ideas for bikes as well at Amazon. I need to carry something other than my household tools, LOL! Too heavy I found gloves, and all kinds of accessories. Oh, forgot to look at a handlebar bag, but best wait until I get the handlebars the way (turned into) I need them

Nice bike, looks to be in Primo shape.

CPSC approved helmets have an arrangement of straps & movable buckles/doo-dads to allow for adjustment fore/aft etc. Before you spend a $ see if you can adjust your current lid to eliminate that annoyance.
Here's a blurb for a W_M helmet:

"Rapid Dial easily adjusts for a custom fit
Easily adjust straps with tri-glides & buckles
Meets US CPSC safety standards for bike helmets"



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Thanks Bandera! I will examine the helmet before I change. It has a dial in the back but adjusting just that didn't do the trick. I will see if there are any that might somehow pull it down in front, and keep it there Thank for the link too, I'll take a look Abby

here's a good price on my favorite helmet
Bell Muni
and another (your size)
What I like about it are good adjustments, the sun-visor bill, a snap-in rear view mirror, and snap-in Blackburn flea lights front and rear
it's also one of the best-vented helmets made