Any 50+ers in normal health have issues going to a road bike?
02-03-12, 03:29 PM
#26
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Nothing wrong with that pace. I bet you could do a 7 hour century at-will and weather-permitting.
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02-03-12, 03:40 PM
#27
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I'm thinking stongly about getting a CX bike to use as a road hybrid with drop bars if you will. Not quite a year ago when I got my hybrid, my first bike, I had a heck of a time with neck pain after moderately long rides. I ended up putting a stem riser on which fixed things up nicely and neck pain is no longer an issue. So, I'm wondering if getting into the drops is going to cause this problem all over again. I know no one can speak for me and my particular scenario, but I'm wondering if anyone else out there went to their first drop bar bike after 50+ and have any pro or con experiences to share. I'm thinking about dropping a couple of grand on this thing and I'd hate to get something I couldn't ride but for 20 miles without pain 
During the winter I'm in the drops about 95% of the time. I'll still get sore if I'm not paying enough attention to how I'm riding.
02-03-12, 07:47 PM
#29
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I was never comfortable on a road bike. I endured it because I liked riding. A brief experimentation with straight bars turned out even worse. I'm not only way more comfortable now, I'm way faster. They're pretty and they're light, and I hear the siren call once in a while; but I would consider a road bike to be a step backward for me.
02-03-12, 09:37 PM
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Check out the info and videos on John Cobb's site on saddle positioning. Adding a slight up tilt to the front of the saddle and length from the saddle tip to stem will add much comfort to your ride. It works on any brand of saddle.
https://cobbcycling.com/positioning-videos.cfm
https://cobbcycling.com/positioning-videos.cfm
02-04-12, 06:39 AM
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Stretching before and after is very important ,
and be sure and get your bars into a comfortable position .
I find I have added more upward tilt to my bars, now I'm more in the Touring Position
and be sure and get your bars into a comfortable position .
I find I have added more upward tilt to my bars, now I'm more in the Touring Position
02-04-12, 07:06 AM
#33
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I started with a hybrid as many have and went to a roadbike mainly for riding into the wind. I realized that the roadbike would take much more core strength. What I didn't know is that having that extra strength would make everyday stuff easier. I will say saddle tilt and fore to aft positioning is more critical on a roadbike. Small changes make a big difference. A good seatpost is worth the money.
Last edited by jethro56; 02-04-12 at 07:09 AM.
02-04-12, 07:13 AM
#34
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Gary, I maybe a poor choice for advice as I've rode drop bar bikes for decades. Currently road bikes look to use compact drop handle bars more often than in the past which makes using the drops a viable position for more riders. Start off with a fairly relaxed position and lower the handle bar stem a bit at a time 'till you find your sweet spot.
Some neck ache can be expected at first until your muscles build up.
Brad
Some neck ache can be expected at first until your muscles build up.
Brad
02-04-12, 07:56 AM
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Core strength.
People that brace against the bars with their arms/shoulders and strain to hold their heeds up are a train wreck.
Many people adapt to that dynamic but it's not how 'racing bicycles' are designed to be ridden.
Oh and core strength and the position it allows, will stop the endless search for many trying to find a "comfortable" saddle because now you aren't sitting on it like a bar stool.
People that brace against the bars with their arms/shoulders and strain to hold their heeds up are a train wreck.
Many people adapt to that dynamic but it's not how 'racing bicycles' are designed to be ridden.
Oh and core strength and the position it allows, will stop the endless search for many trying to find a "comfortable" saddle because now you aren't sitting on it like a bar stool.
02-04-12, 09:35 AM
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Cross bikes and road are slightly different fit. Cross have higher BB. So some ppl do not like the stand over height. Cross bikes usually have the bar higher slightly closer/higher. This has to do with the differences in racing. But, many come with cross brake levers, so you can ride it likes a flat bar and a your fittness, improves you will be able to ride the hoods, drops. Look at the gearing, many come with 46/38
02-04-12, 10:06 AM
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After riding a flat bar hybrid for six months, I decided to build a full carbon road bike. I went on my first ride and had to immediately shorten the seat post. The stem was reversed to raise the bars and I now feel comfortable riding with my hands on the hoods. I still think that I'm too close to the bars and need to adjust the seat rearward. Although I'm not yet comfortable in the drops, I'm used to the crouched position having ridden motorcycles with clip-ons for years. Even though I've had two back surgeries, I've never found this position uncomfortable. I'm 65 years old and recently have undergone rotator cuff surgery due to a fall on my motorcycle. I do think it's time to put those toys away and stick to the road bike. I can't wait until I'm able to ride again.
02-04-12, 10:24 AM
#38
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Marc
02-04-12, 07:00 PM
#39
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I am 70+, and ONLY ride road bikes. Ditto for motorcycles. On the bicycle, most of the time on the drops. On the motoryclce, full tuck all the time, no exceptions.. 
Then again, I am not dealing with a full deck either!!
Then again, I am not dealing with a full deck either!!
02-04-12, 07:48 PM
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Why would I have trouble "going too" a road bike when I have been on a road bike since I was knee high to a grasshopper. I don't think I understand the question? What other kind of bike is there, you mean like a mountain bike like Mountain Mike rides or something?
02-04-12, 07:53 PM
#41
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A road bike is a bike that is ridden only on roads, like my long wheelbase recumbent.
I've been trying to ride on the drops, but I can't find them.
I've been trying to ride on the drops, but I can't find them.
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02-05-12, 05:54 AM
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Beats being a direct descendent of Pokey , I'd guess
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