yosh01

In the summer I commute 10 miles each way to work. On the weekends I'll ride some trails for 20 miles or so. I've had my Masi drop bar bike for about ten years. My problem is that after about 30 minutes my wrists and butt begin to get sore and after an hour or so I need to stop. I've been to the bike shop and I believe they've done whatever they can to get my bike adjusted to me and i've tried a few different seat designs but it hasn't helped. I've also recently turned 67 and I'm getting more concerned about the ramifications of falling over which I seem to do for one embarrassing reason or the other every summer.

This has got me to thinking that maybe I need a new bike, something with a more upright riding position and more stability. My bike shop is recommending the Cannondale Quick Carbon 2 or the Quick 1 which have a flat bar.

My question is am I on the right track with "downsizing" from a dropbar bike to flat bar in order to gain comfort and stability? Is the Quick Carbon 2 worth consideration and what other bikes should I look at?

Thanks,
Tom

Brian25

Ask the sales people at the store if you could be allowed to try out the the Cannondale for enough time for you to find out if it would actually make a difference in regards to wrist issues.. I do not understand your terminology about "downsizing" maybe you meant downgrading??? A new bike will definately not help in regards to butt hurting, unless you buy a whole other bike just for a different seat. I suggest more time standing while riding, less in the seat. Sore butt; could even be some sort of shorts issue?? Sore butt; could something that someone else on this forum may chime in on.

fietsbob

Recumbent bikes need mentioning, here.. like a lounge lawn chair with pedals..

Carbonfiberboy 

Photos. Can't give advice blind. You on bike, pedals up and down, normal position. You on bike, pedals horizontal, hands on hoods, forearms horizontal.

McBTC

An aluminum bike with 23 tires doesn't offer a lot of forgiveness even if it has a CF fork and seat post. You'd probably appreciate the greater comfort afforded by the new endurance/comfort bikes with wider rims for bigger tires and taller headtubes for more upright seating. Double wrap handlebar tape, gel pads, gloves and frequently changing hand positions helps. Going from aluminum to a CF frame works too and before you know it, you'll be looking at getting a new $2,500 bike (and, of course, you can always spend a lot more that than-- call it a retirement present.)

GeneO 

Could be the bike and fit. Could be you need to ride a bit longer distance, What saddle do you have (picture?). You may have tried a few different saddle designs, but it can take some time for your butt to get adjusted to a new saddle.

Stormsedge

fietsbob

Depends on shop owner choice, here the rentals are cruisers, nothing fancy that needs maintenance.

Oneder

I'd get a mountain bike with full suspension and riser handlebars. Sore hands is probably from leaning forward too much. Sore butt is probably largely due to age, but for me it is much more comfortable to be upright as much as possible on a seat with springs and lots of padding including a gel pad over the seat. Being heavier and riding daily dealing with sore butt is my biggest challenge, but upright riding and heavy padding has helped me a lot.