Getting comfortable on drop bars

[Randochap]

"Maes" bars are supremely more comfortable over the long haul than straight bars.

Of course they offer more positions and are more aerodynamic when in the drops.

They also allow much more power climbing than most upright bars, due to the ability to position hands vertically rather than horizontally.

However, most people have them set too low. Unless you are racing, there's no reason to have them much below saddle height.

Proper bike fit should solve the comfort problem.

 

[garrilla]

I don't know if this will help in your case Helen but I've noticed a lot of people resting on back of the hoods with locked arms, this can hurt the elbows, the hands or both.

I noticed a guy riding lik this the other day, in this position he could not actually use the breaks or change gear, he had to adjust his hand position to do so.

When riding on the hoods the hands should be in position to use the break/shift leaver without adjustment. Also, in this position the riders elbows should be 5-10degrees higher than the hands and bent, this should be a more relaxed position and teh core muscles should be provising the support, not the arms/hands.

 

[Tynan]

mine have been lovely from day one, fratello so quite relaxed i think and a fit at purchase, wider bars for my manly shoulders

 

[HelenD123]

OK, I've tried a few things.

1. The obscured front axle - it's covered or slightly in front of the handle bars. I'm guessing that means the bike isn't too big. Interestingly my hybrid is the opposite - the axle appears behind the bars.

2. I don't lock my elbows but they are at about 45 degrees to my hands. My bike is a tourer so I'm assuming should have a more upright than stretched out position?

3. I made an effort on the way home to use my core muscles a bit more and not put so much weight through my hands. It will take a while for this to feel natural but I'll persevere.

4. My saddle is at the same height as the top of the stem.

Have I covered all the suggestions?

 

[punkypossum]

Are you sure you want to risk your shiny new steed for Amsterdame???

 

[punkypossum]

I've changed the stem for a shorter one and raised up the bars. I haven't actually done that many miles I guess so you are right that I need to persevere. It's just frustrating having gone from doing 106 miles with relative ease on my hybrid to feeling uncomfortable just doing 8 miles to work. I'll use the new bike for my Amsterdam trip then I'll be forced to get some miles in. I can't change my mind once I've set off! (Oh no, just realised I can as we'll be cycling nearly past my house on the way to the ferry. Must banish that thought...)

Does that mean we can all have a coffee and cake stop at your house????

 

[buddha]

Having just got a new, go faster bike I've had a few reach and hand pain/numbness problems:

1) Not enough brake lever reach. Fixed with some slim shims
2) Felt a bit too stretched out. So fitted a slightly shorter stem. Though will probably change back when I get used to things.
3) Conventional drops uncomfortable/too low. So I'm going to try some FSA Omega Compact bars. They only have an 80mm reach and 125mm drop. Though don't appear to be available until July.

A few stretches before and after a ride seem to have helped a bit too, as I never used to do this before

 

[punkypossum]

Slim shims rule!

I got recommended the fsa shallow bars by Paul Hewitt - might be worth looking at buddha as they are available straight away!

 

[jimboalee]

I don't know if this will help in your case Helen but I've noticed a lot of people resting on back of the hoods with locked arms, this can hurt the elbows, the hands or both.

I noticed a guy riding lik this the other day, in this position he could not actually use the breaks or change gear, he had to adjust his hand position to do so.

When riding on the hoods the hands should be in position to use the break/shift leaver without adjustment. Also, in this position the riders elbows should be 5-10degrees higher than the hands and bent, this should be a more relaxed position and teh core muscles should be provising the support, not the arms/hands.

I ride like this all the time. My hands are in a position where my thumbs hover over the Flight Deck buttons ( but I don't have Flight Deck ). The balls of my thumbs are on the bends behind the hoods. Arms straight, as in "Straight arm touring".

 

[HelenD123]

Are you sure you want to risk your shiny new steed for Amsterdame???

Yep. I need to get used to it if I'm to take it round Scotland. I've done virtually all of the route this side and know it will cope with it fine.

 

[HelenD123]

Does that mean we can all have a coffee and cake stop at your house????

I know I like baking but...

 

[punkypossum]

Yep. I need to get used to it if I'm to take it round Scotland. I've done virtually all of the route this side and know it will cope with it fine.

It wasn't the routes I was worried about - more the riders!!!!! But yes, I can see your point of needing it for Scotland.

We do stop at a hellfords on the way - if the worst comes to the worst, I believe there is a lovely £79 full suspension mountain bike on offer - you could always swap to one of them!

 

[HelenD123]

It wasn't the routes I was worried about - more the riders!!!!! But yes, I can see your point of needing it for Scotland.

We do stop at a hellfords on the way - if the worst comes to the worst, I believe there is a lovely £79 full suspension mountain bike on offer - you could always swap to one of them!

I'll just have to learn to sprint out of the way. It will all help improve my handling skills.

 

[punkypossum]

Don't sprint too far - overtaking the ride guides is a MORTAL SIN!

 

[pda]

get someone to take a picture of you riding and pros might see if something is not right