Hm! I was wondering about switching out the fork! That sounds like a good bet! AND, it looks like a lot of the more current handlebars seems shorter, maybe that would help with the reach issue.

What happens is that I do end up locking my elbows because I'm trying to reach for the "knobby" part of the handlebars.

And Tulip, I totally hear you about the core strength. It's something I definitely want to be working on. Unfortunately, I find that I have to get off the bike and do something else in order to get my middle in shape.

The other day I rode for awhile on the lowest loop part of the handle bars, and it was SO uncomfortable with my thighs hitting my belly. HA!! i guess that one snuck up on me!

I think I will end up getting a new bike, but the little blue Jamis is definitely going to stay! I am thinking about switching her back to regular pedals, adding some grocery panniers and turning her into my grocery store bike! :-)