Quote Originally Posted by SouthernBelle View Post
Most companies have a bike line that has a more relaxed set up. I ride a Giant OCR which has a more upright set up than a racing road bike.
+1 to this...

My bike I use for road purposes is a women's specific Giant OCR1. It's their top of the line "sport" bike, mostly aluminum and some carbon. She's more upright, but can still go pretty fast. The next jump is to the all carbon beauties. I really love her.

FWIW, here's my story...
First, I was torn what to buy. My last bike was 25+yrs ago before I had a DL (she was shaped like a road bike). I developed some back issues and impactive exercise was no longer an option for me per doc's orders. Biking was one of my few options. I was an indoor spinner first. Then my gym roadie friends said I should try riding outside. I went to the lbs with the intention of getting an all carbon beauty like my cycle pals. One very nice and honest lbs rep told me that might be too much bike for me as a newbie. Lightness meaning more twitchy, needs better handling skills etc. Which I had none of. He was right. My OCR1 was less than half the cost of the carbons, but not cheap.

Initially, it was hard getting used to traffic. I ride rual roads with no berm, and speed limits for cars 45-55 mph. Which means they go faster than that. Trying to find my balance, I felt more secure riding in the drops all the time with the handlebar death grip. I thought maybe I made a mistake. But, I improved, and now ride confidently more upright on the hoods, but can still pick up my speed in the drops etc.

I also have a hard trail mtb. She came first. I tried to road ride that, but it was just not good. The fitness hybrid was strongly suggested to me as the "in-between" bike to buy. I just couldn't get over my deep heart desire that I knew I wanted to ride far, and remembered I loved fast. So... I just went for it and got my OCR1. In the future I would like an all carbon beauty, but for today it's good.

Lastly, on the back and riding positon...
Learning some technique tips helped too. I keep my abs/torso as strong as possible with exercise to help support my back. A strong core is good for cycling. I vary my positions: hoods, drops, stand up periodically, and dismount/stretch at intersections for a longer drink break etc. One thing that shocked me on fatique was my neck/trap/upper back muscles. I bought a light helmet (Giro pnemo) and my doc (also cyclist) showed me some specific exercises to strengthen this area (bent single lat rows w/dumbells for one thing). Getting things stronger makes your posture better on the road bike, less fatigue, and ultimately more enjoyable to ride.

Good Luck!

Miranda