We now require Pics. One of the rules of this forum.

That riding in the drops- I went road 5 years ago after many years of MTB's. Have to admit that the drop position was not comfortable. 6 months in and it still wasn't so I practiced. clear road and 20 secs in the drop position. did this 5 or 6 times a ride and increased the time aswell. Still don't use the drops much but downhill- into a headwind or IF I need that extra bit of speed to catch riders in front and that drop position is used. So get used to the bike amd practice- before you need it.

I was like this, only riding in the drops on downhills, or strong headwinds. But I changed to narrower FSA Omega bars. These have a shorter reach and a shallow drop with a nice curve on the drop section. With the shorter reach, I put back the original stem, 10 mm longer than the one I had been using. Now I use the drops quite often, I'm guessing 70% hoods, 20% drops, 10% top.

http://www.competitivecyclist.com/im...1/8766_i_1.jpg

I was gonna suggest you should just ride somewhere else, someplace where those danged roadies aren't so plentiful. Now that you have a bike, you'll simply have to pedal harder!

Let me say first that I didn't get a fitting on the new bike because the road shoes that I selected were on back order, which meant that the new road pedals were not installed. They installed my hybrids pedals in the interim. Anyway, went on rides on Tuesday and Thursday last week. My back was a bit sore after Thursday's ride, so I took two days off. After the Tour telecast today, I set off on another ride. After 11k, I could feel that my back was not happy, so I turned around. I could barely get off the bike when I got home. My lower back has been in spasm ever since. Because I had not had any back issues with the hybrid, I measured the differences between the two bikes. The top of the handlebar on the road bike is 1/2" lower. The distance between the handlebar and the front of the saddle is 1" longer on the road bike. I know that I need a proper fitting, but what do you think is causing my back problems?

Wasn't hit by a media car on the ride.....so that's a good thing.

You might be a candidate for a recumbent.

Hi indycar,

The first thing I want to emphsize is, don't panic. When your new bike shoes come in, get a proper fitting at the bike shop which sold you your bike. Small adjustments can make a big difference in the how the bike feels.

Secondly, as you ride your new bike, your body will change over time. You will get fitter. Your core muscles will get stronger, and these initial aches and pains will go away. My back has definitely gotten stronger since I got my new bicycle in April of this year. My form on the bike gets better every week. I am able to keep my back straighter for longer periods of time, taking weight off my hands.

Finally, as you gain experience on the bike, you will learn how to ride it comfortably. You will learn to vary your position on the handlebars so as not to tire a particular part of your body prematurely. As for right now, take some ibuprofen and get some rest. Take a couple of days off riding. In a day or so, do some gentle stretching exercises.

I am trying not to panic! I love the new bike and it is not returnable. An avid roadie friend who has forgotten more about cycling than I know thinks that the increased reach (saddle to handlebar) is the cause of my back issue (still in spasm, but better after a massage). This makes sense to me as I am pulling more on the lower back muscles, and my back is about as flexible as a brick. He suggested that I re-create the geometry I have on the hybrid (no back issues at all) through adjustments and or new parts. Makes sense to me. And I need to work on my core as well.

Laying in a hot bath help my back.
I have a collapsed herniated L4-L5 disc. With a second one up about 12 inches.

Short from practicing yoga each and everyday for the next 5 years to improve your flexibility (I am two years in). I agree with the other posters go to a bike shop and try the Specializes Allez or the Sectuer they are road bikes with an upright posture. While a ride a full one race Cervelo there are a couple of guys in my group with the Specialized and they really like them they are comfortable.

fwiw: my most comfortable bike is also my fastest. a roadified hybrid ...:

Sectuer, yes. It has the same geometry as the Roubaix The Allez is the racing geometry road bike, similar to the Tarmac.

Take a serious look at the Specialized Roubaix. It's what I bought and I'm very happy with it for some of the same issues you deal with.