Drop handle bars - too low options pls

[howdoesthatwork]

Hi there

New bike seems to fit well apart from when I try to use the drop bars - I get tremendous neckache with being so low. Am I just getting old?

Have inverted the stem to give an extra half inch but still not ideal.

Are there other options out there? Are longer stems available or do I just need to get massaged after every outing?

Cheers for reading!!

 

[daSmirnov]

I'm not on the drops much, usually only when going into a strong headwind. I'm sure if I was on them for too long I'd have neck ache too, and belly-squash pains. Shouldn't really be your default riding position unless you're super-fit, flexible and TTing.

 

[HLaB]

You might find a more upright higher stem angle and/or a shorter stem (bringing the bar closer to you) suits you better. Another thing from my own experience, do you wear a peak on your helmet ? I used to and found that in order to see I'd have lift my head up more, which I think was giving me a sore neck. Overtime however, perhaps my neck muscles have got stronger or perhaps the frequent changing of position on longer rides has been more important.

 

[biggs682]

try riding on the hoods that might help

 

[howdoesthatwork]

Two great reponses so far - great and thanks!!

 

[Manonabike]

It should get better with time and practice. I used to struggle with 5 miles, after 6 months I was up to 20 miles and so on. You have to strengthen your neck muscles and that takes time.

 

[PaulSB]

My first question would be how much do you use the drops? I rarely use mine, can't recall the last time I saw another cyclist on drops other than time-trialers.

On my previous bike I was slightly over reaching for the bars - only discovered this when the latest one proved to be 2cm less to reach!! I use to get a stiff neck on the drops very quickly on that machine but feel nothing now. My guess is your bars are slightly wrong for your riding position or size.

 

[howdoesthatwork]

My first question would be how much do you use the drops? I rarely use mine, can't recall the last time I saw another cyclist on drops other than time-trialers.

On my previous bike I was slightly over reaching for the bars - only discovered this when the latest one proved to be 2cm less to reach!! I use to get a stiff neck on the drops very quickly on that machine but feel nothing now. My guess is your bars are slightly wrong for your riding position or size.

Use them little but hoping to start some duathlons so was hoping to give them a try then instead of rushing to buy some tri bars etc. Currently riding the hoods as above. Got a cyclosportive next week where the hoods again wil be used but be nice to a the (comfortbale) option of dropping down.

Cheers again for all the replies so far

 

[Hacienda71]

I prefer shallow drops. Rarely rode on the drops when I had deep drops. Saying that a good aero position can be achieved without being on the drops.

 

[Alien8]

You don't have to be a boy racer to spend most of your time on the drops but the intensity of your riding will tend to dictate where you spend most of your time.

Its all basically been said above. Shorter stem and raising the bars will push you more upright. How's your core strengh? Maybe you need to work on this to be able to support yourself when lower down. Tension in your neck/shoulders might be a side effect of this. I guess if you really want to know then you need to get yourself properly assessed on your bike.