Quote Originally Posted by FlyingScot View Post
I broke my neck in 2001 and have chronic issues with nerve pain and radiculopathy in my left arm and hand. I have to use a towel roll to support my head on long car drives or the pain becomes unbearable. I'm concerned about getting a bike with drop handles and having to hold my head up in a stretched out position for riding( I ride between 20 and 36 miles a day when the weather allows). Specialized makes a flat-bar road bike (the Vita) that intrigues me. I'm looking at the Dolce as well. I'm not a racer. Any words of advice or caution regarding choice of handle bars? Would adjusting the stem higher even with drop handles make a difference? Any help will be appreciated.
Perhaps it may be worth renting a bike to try it out for a few hrs. Don't know what options in terms of LBS in your area. Given that type of serious injury you did have and your chronic pain in relation to head positioning (which sounds serious), you really need to try certain bikes before purchasing.

Have you recently seen a physiotherapist for their advice/exercises? I know for myself, I must do all over stretching for back and neck on a regular basis, to relax my neck muscles, back, etc. No, I never had dropped handlebars and I've been riding for last 17 yrs.

At this time, I have no interest.