Flat bar or drops?

[sundial]

Basically, I think people are saying, don't be afraid to get a road bike w/ a drop bar and also w/ an easy riding geometry that puts you more upright. More of a "plush bike" is the industry term. The drops could just be an additional option for you to use whenever you felt comfortable. I see the drop bars as nothing but providing options.

My thoughts also. Specialized cornered the market with "plush bikes"--the Sequoia, Roubaix, and the Dolce. These are lightweight zippy bikes but have a less aggressive geometry than the other road bikes.

Besides the handlebars, you might want to consider a taller stem. Nitto makes one. Also, Specialized has stems that adjust to different angles.

[NbyNW]

I know this is a very individual decision, but I can't help but wonder whether a recumbent might also be worth looking into. There are a few people on this message board who ride 'bents, and they are beautiful! (both the riders and the bikes)

[SportySam]

I would ask your lbs. I spoke to mine because my trainer did not want me to get a racing road bike since I am new to road biking and wanted me to sit a bit upright. I bought the Specialized Dolce and love it and that is what the lbs suggested. Tell him/her about your neck issues and test ride to see how you feel. I know that I feel more upright on my dolce and love it!

[FlyingScot]

Well, I did it! I bought the Specialized Sequoia Elite. What a difference!!!!!! Compared to my Globe this bike is a rocket. I even found myself naturally getting into the drops and it felt fine (the drops on this bike are very shallow). I'm taking it out on it's maiden voyage tomorrow. 28 mile ride with a group of friends. I can't believe how comfortable this bike is. I just wish she was as pretty as the Dolce which unfortunately did not fit me at all!!

[HillSlugger]

Well, I did it! I bought the Specialized Sequoia Elite. What a difference!!!!!! Compared to my Globe this bike is a rocket. I even found myself naturally getting into the drops and it felt fine (the drops on this bike are very shallow). I'm taking it out on it's maiden voyage tomorrow. 28 mile ride with a group of friends. I can't believe how comfortable this bike is. I just wish she was as pretty as the Dolce which unfortunately did not fit me at all!!

Congrats! I loved my Sequoia. I remember thinking that the tires were so narrow and being a bit shaky on my maiden ride. Have fun together!

[uforgot]

Well, I did it! I bought the Specialized Sequoia Elite. What a difference!!!!!! Compared to my Globe this bike is a rocket. I even found myself naturally getting into the drops and it felt fine (the drops on this bike are very shallow). I'm taking it out on it's maiden voyage tomorrow. 28 mile ride with a group of friends. I can't believe how comfortable this bike is. I just wish she was as pretty as the Dolce which unfortunately did not fit me at all!!

Did you get the 2009? The black and silver? Just think, you can add anything you want to it, accessorize accessorize! I think those bikes look great when people add color.

Congrats! We want pics.

[FlyingScot]

Yep! The 2009 Grey and black. I was thinking it needed some bling. Maybe I should post a new thread..."Decorate my bike"! I took it on our first real ride. Had some cable tension issues that put a damper on it but that's all fixed now. Can't wait for the next one. Unfortunately sanding an polyurethaning my sunroom floor is first on the docket for me.

[FlyingScot]

So I took my shiny new bike on its first outing since getting adjusted. It rides beautifully!!! I'm very comfortable on it even in the drops. I did however make a discovery. I'm riding along climbing hills, going really fast on the flats and it's so easy I feel like a cycling goddess!!! I'm not even feeling the headwind (20mph-storm rolling in) because I'm on my super fast new bike. I even look really cute in my new Sheila Moon Bippie Tank and Shebeast SSS shorts. Until I looked down and realized I'm riding in my stupid GRANNY GEAR!!!!!! Man what a let down. Back to reality. I'm really a middle-aged human who could stand to lose about 10 pounds just like most everybody else. Oh well, it was sweet while it lasted