How does my bike fit me?

[Heifzilla]

They're drop bars for my road bike, but they're these:

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/135...-Handlebar.htm

Niiiice! I've seen those type when looking online and think they are really cool looking. I bet they feel like silk to the touch or something, too. Very nice

[Cataboo]

They've got comfortable positions for my wrists.... And they look sleek

I can't say that I've really researched flat bars - I'm really not on my flat bar bikes long enough to notice a lot of wrists problems with them, but I've heard a lot of good things about the ergon bar trips.

If you think vibrations are contributing to your wrist issues - you can maybe look at getting some of the specialized flat bars that have the "zertz" inserts, they're supposed to dampen vibrations. I have 'em on my commuter... no idea whether they're doing anything. but they don't sell for all that much when they appear on ebay. (but I think they're oversized, so you might have a problem with your quill stem)

You can also get bar end plugs that are supposed to kill vibrations.

[papaver]

I have this type of bike:



Those handlebars are really great. Especially when you're having wrist or neckpains...

[tantrumbean]

I'm not a fitting expert, but you look VERY upright, even considering the type of bike. If it was me, I would be experimenting with putting on a stem with less rise and - if it was about the same length as your current one, having less of an angle would lower your handlebars and make your reach longer, which should put you in a better position overall....just my two-pennies-worth...

Also, just noticed your tyres look a bit flat - do you pump them up to the pressure given on the sidewall? It makes riding so much easier and more efficient...

[Grog]

I was thinking about this thread as I cycled to work this morning on my hybrid. I looked at my wrists: they were in straight line with my arms and hands, not bent at all.

I think anything else would be quite painful...

[Heifzilla]

I have this type of bike:



Those handlebars are really great. Especially when you're having wrist or neckpains...

What type of bars are those?

tantrum: DH says my tires are at the pressure they are supposed to be. I will check again, though.

I tweaked my grips so that my wrists are straight when I ride but I still feel like I am leaning on them too much. So I made conscious efforts to not lean on them so much and I realized how weak my core is. It's pretty hard for me to hold myself up like that without leaning forward a lot. So I need to start working on that. I brought my seat up juuuuust a tiny bit (maybe 1/4", if that) because when my leg was at full extension I was pushing hard into the pedals. That seemed to help, too. I also very consciously brought my elbows in and down (instead of elbows locked and pointed outwards) and relaxed my shoulders. This also helped to show me how weak my core is because I could only do it for a few minutes at a time before I had to lean into the handlebars again.

So, I think I have some good ideas now where my issues lie. You have all been very helpful.

Now if the weather would cooperate. I'm sick of rainy, chilly days! Spring is coming so late this year

[Triskeliongirl]

If you feel like your weight is pushing your hands onto the bars, try sliding your saddle further back on the rails. If its all the way back, try a more laid back seat post.

Learn how to use a pump and pressure gauage, its not very hard. You need to put air in every couple of days. I agree, at least in the pics your tire pressure looks low, or perhaps you need higher pressure tires.

[papaver]

@ heifzilla: they are called butterfly bars... just google them.

[Heifzilla]

Learn how to use a pump and pressure gauage, its not very hard. You need to put air in every couple of days. I agree, at least in the pics your tire pressure looks low, or perhaps you need higher pressure tires.

I know how to use a pump and pressure gauge, DH was just the last person to check them.

[Heifzilla]

@ heifzilla: they are called butterfly bars... just google them.

Probably can't use a gripshift with those, though?

[Heifzilla]

I wanted to say that I think I have solved my hand numbness issue. I picked up a set of those butterfly bars (and only $15 at the lbs, score!) that papaver recommended, and what a difference. I love these bars! The moment I started riding with them I could feel the difference. My hands are light on the bars, my elbows bent and not poking outwards like they were, and I am not leaning into the bars anywhere the way I was. I had to jury rig the shifters and my ergon grips, and my brake levers are on the outside far side of the bars because they wouldn't fit with my grips and shifters, which is not great. So I ordered some dual shifters so I will have enough room for my shifters, brakes and grips where I want them. Right now the bars kind of look like a hack job, but I'm not going for The Look, I am going for comfort so I will enjoy riding my bike. Once I get the new shifters, that will take care of that. So again, thanks to everyone who came up with suggestions and tips. I really do appreciate it.