yncs50

I'm 63 yo and my arms are taking a beating this year. The flat bars on my Fixie and the drops on my Benoto both seem to be killing my arms and shoulders.

Is it time for a new style bike? Any suggestions? Most of my riding is in town, errands and to work.

I'm 5'11", 185.

chasm54

You need to tell us more. Have you just returned to these bikes after a break? Has there been some change in your riding position? Or your health/ fitness?

BlazingPedals

You could move the seat back a bit, to see if that relieved some weight on your arms. If you're looking for an excuse for a new bike, get a recumbent.

overthehillmedi

As I was reading the opening post I wondered how long it would take somebody to chrip up about getting a n+1 or a 'bent. It only took 'til the 2nd reply.

Timtruro

I try to remember not to 'Lean' on my arms, put weight on my sit bones and grip the bars somewhat loosely. Putting weight on the arms may cause wrist, elbow, or shoulder problems.

JanMM

A 'bent is not the only solution to the problem but it is pretty much guaranteed to make those kinds of arm/shoulder/wrist/hand issues become non-issues.

n+1 is always an appropriate direction to consider. Hey! How about a crank forward bike?

DnvrFox

Elbows bent slightly and relaxed.

billydonn

Go to gym to make arms stronger. How much do you ride? Possibly ride more often?

stapfam

So it is not wrist or elbow? That is the good sign and just shows that you have a problem with strength or set-up.

You could try the usual of raising/lowering the bars or shortening/lengthening the reach. helps for some but as billydonn said- ride more to get muscle condition back as the first try--It's cheaper.

NOS88

First, welcome.

Can you tell us more? Where in the arms & shoulders is the pain? Have you had a layoff... And all the other questions Chasm54 asked?

yncs50

Thanks for all the replies.
First, there has been a layoff, but I never quit the gym. Also I sold my VW van and my VW Golf and am relying on the pedals. So a few more miles.
What is an n+1?
Have bent in the back of my mind.
Will post my progress/digress.

chasm54

Ancient cyclists' joke. Or, to put it more correctly, Cyclists' ancient joke. N+1 is the number of bikes one needs, with N being the number one currently owns.

qcpmsame 

All the advice is pretty well spot on. Just make sure your fit for the cockpit is right. Stem length, seat position and stem height all will effect the arm, shoulder, wrist stability.

Bill

Retro Grouch 

Yup, it took 12 minutes. That's 'cause this is 50+.

DnvrFox

Before spending $$ or doing a lot of adjusting, PLEASE be sure you are riding with you hands open and relaxed (not hanging on for dear life), and, as I previously mentioned, elbows slightly bent, shoulders relaxed.

Nightshade

I agree that your cockpit needs to be set up to your body and riding style before you swap out parts.

However, it you do need to swap parts then a more upright riding position is in your future.

You may need a new saddle but these bars WILL get your weight off your hands,wrist and arms.

I use these bars and can't recommend them highly enough for upright riding.

https://www.amazon.com/Nirve-Cruiser-...cle+handlebars

gforeman 

Maybe a good fitting would be money well spent. I spent $200 for a fit last year. Best money I have ever spent. And with the printout, when I got my n+1, I set it up to the exact settings and all is well.

Fitting took a few hours, but my rides are longer, and MUCH more comfortable.

dbg

+1 on the elbows bent. It's too easy to get tired and lock your elbows and lean forward in a kind of resting position. That sends road shock up into your shoulders. I've had shoulder issues numerous times in the last 6 or 7 yrs. Mine are irritations in the shoulder joint but manifest as a strong ache (as opposed to a sharp sting) down my arm. I get a cortisone (or some type of slurry) injection into the top of my shoulder and the ache goes away quickly. I've had several in the last 6 yrs and am fine with that.

yncs50

I want to thank everyone for their input.
My son has a Schwin well kinda cruiser. I'm going to borrow it and see what hqppens. I also have an old Rebike I will cleanup.
I'll also try different settings on my bikes.


keep ya posted
Charlie

oldbobcat

Slide the saddle back and lower it a bit (to keep from over-extending the legs). You need to shift your center of gravity back so you can support your upper body using mainly the lower back muscles, not the arms. Think "center of gravity over the feet." The arms are for steering, pulling up on the bar when going hard, and just minimal support of the upper body, not doing push-ups.