Yet another "what bike should I get" post

[sarahspins]

Still not sure about the neck and shoulders...I still can't imagine leaning over with my neck cranked up will ever be comfortable for a long ride, but I think that's a little bit different problem than "too much weight on my shoulders because I'm stretching too far". Maybe correcting one problem will at least lessen the other...only trying out bikes that fit will tell me.

It is different.. when you're stretched out too far, you really can't rely on your core to help effectively, because it's just asking too much. If you're on a bike that fits, you're not fighting gravity.. and it doesn't feel like you're reaching too far for comfort... if you are, muscles get tired faster, and some joints may hurt.

Since I just swapped out my bars I am finding myself using new muscles in my shoulders/upper back and upper arms.. but it's not in a bad way, if that makes sense. I'm not hurting, but I am aware that some muscles are getting more of a workout than they had been. I actually expect that in just a week or two (it's only been 2 days), I won't even notice.