Just replaced the stem on my Schwinn Voyageur for a longer one, and for the first time I feel comfortable in the drops. I'm delirious with joy! I just wanted to share. IT FEELS SO GOOD!

Bike fit can mean the difference between hellish riding and the fun and ease we're all spoiled by. I've met tourists complaining of debilitating knee issues. Raise their seat two inches, and suddenly, the issues evaporate and 50-70 mile days are a joy.

Check your measurements, or have your LBS do it for you. You might be surprised just how good cycling can feel.

ride for 6 hours in a row and get back to us . Touring fit is for the long days in the saddle .

and I didn't do much of that in the drops. ... as , always YMMV ..

Touring I don't use drop bars at all. After 2-3 hours even the best fitted ones leave me in pain. I prefer a flat bar with bullhorns and ergo grips. I can stretch out if I want to and thats very useful after 12 hours in the saddle.



Thats my concept of a perfect bar.

Don't harsh my buzz. Anyway, four hours, with about thirty pounds of gear front and rear felt pretty good.

My Trek is set up almost the same way. It's very comfortable.

I agree-- the right fit and getting dialed in makes an enormous difference in comfort and enjoyment.

What ever works . I have a 45 stem and trekking bars on my bike Friday .. height, above the seat a couple inches..

Longer stem = Love.

That's what my wife said.