Flat bar vs. dropped bar

[sfa]

I think flat bars give you a bit more control, and since you're more upright you have an easier time checking out your surroundings. Dropped bars give you many more hand positions and are more comfortable for longer rides.

I prefer dropped bars because they seem much more friendly to my wrists and elbows, but I think if I was doing much riding on city streets I'd want flat bars.

Sarah

[tulip]

Try out bikes of both types and see which ones you like better. The key is fit--sounds like your old bike was too stretched out for you. You may also have ridden with your elbows locked. Whichever bike you get, be sure that the fit is right for you and that you ride with your elbows slightly bent all the time. Strengthening your core through Pilates or planks and the like will help with being able to hold yourself up with our core instead of leaning on your elbows and wrists.

I have bikes of both types. My flat bar bike has bar ends that add a few more hand positions. As the years have gone on, I prefer my drop bar bikes, though.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

When I switched from a friend's borrowed hybrid with straight bars to my own bike with drop bars, it felt really weird and kind of scary at first. But after a couple weeks of getting used to it, I loved the drops bars way more than the straight bars. And yes if you plan on doing 50 mile+ rides, drop bars are great- I can ride with my hands in about 6 different positions, so I never get tried hands from holding the bar in one position.

[AnnieBikes]

I switched about five years ago from straight bars (on a Mountain bike) to dropped on a road bike. I thought I would be sooooo uncomfortable but I wasn't. However, I recently bought a new woman's specific bike and it is even more comfortable. The drops are not so far away from the top bar and I can easily change positions. My old drops made me lean way over and I was somewhat uncomfortable. After buying a Woman's bike, I am really happy with the feel of the drops and ride in them more often than the other road bike I had.

Definitely listen to the advice which is to ride both kinds of bikes before you decide!!

[wackyjacky1]

My hybrid bike (Trek 7.2 FX) came with a flat bar. I hated it -- my wrists would ache after just a few minutes on the bike. I swapped it out for moustache bars with bar-end shifters. My new bars are very comfortable and all-purpose, and I am super happy with the switch. Might be another option for you to consider.

[bikerHen]

. . . and just because they are "drop" bars, you don't have to ride them in the drops. Most of my bikes have drop bars but I never drop. bikerHen

[Zen]

My hybrid bike (Trek 7.2 FX) came with a flat bar. I hated

I like mine. But I added ergonomic grips and bar ends.

[Blueberry]

My hybrid bike (Trek 7.2 FX) came with a flat bar. I hated it -- my wrists would ache after just a few minutes on the bike. I swapped it out for moustache bars with bar-end shifters. My new bars are very comfortable and all-purpose, and I am super happy with the switch. Might be another option for you to consider.

I still LOVE your bike. It's SO purdy with all the modifications. If only I could justify another bike....

[redrhodie]

I got ganglionic cysts in my wrists when I rode a flat bar mtb (granted, it was too big for me). I find drops very comfortable. I change hand positions a lot, and like having all the options.

[Aquila]

I ride drop bars, have since, well forever. But I tried flat bars when the bike shop lent me a bike to play on while mine were in the shop. My initial impression was that I felt less stable because my weight was less focused on the center of the bike, and more out on the handlebars. And my wrists got more sore. But I may be an anomoly (sp?).

[wackyjacky1]

I still LOVE your bike. It's SO purdy with all the modifications. If only I could justify another bike....

Thanks!