davoice

Hello,
I easily suffer from tennis/golf elbow. I need a road bike and I wonder if a flat bar would be a better bike for me.
- Does a flat bar offer less tension on elbows?
- Can a drop bar be adjusted so, it will lessen elbow tension? and would this be ok geometrically, meaning wont compromise any other body parts?

Basically, i will need this bike for leisure runs on pavents but, would like to take it for touring as well about 2-3 times year.
would also appreciate any recommendations for an 700-900 budget, maybe 1k.

thanks!

shelbyfv

Multiple hand positions with a drop bar so your odds of finding comfort are increased. Flat bar gives you only one position, you may like it or not.

reverborama

You can put ends on the flat bars to supply different hand positions. I think you'll need to explore is the height of the bars. You may find that higher bars, regardless of type, put less stress on your elbow.

big john

You can set the bar on a drop bar set up so the top is in the same position it would be on a flat bar bike, then you could have the best of both.

You shouldn't ride with your elbows locked or your arms straight. You should be able to ride with light pressure on the bar and your elbows relaxed. This requires core strength and isn't as easy when you get tired, but it's worth working on.

For some of us conventional fit doesn't work and we may have to spend time finding our position.

dennis336

Several years ago, as I was increasing my cycling mileage, I starting have pain in one of my elbows. I ended up going to my LBS for a complete bike fit. One of the adjustments was to swap out the stock (drop) handlebars with a narrower setup. That, and trying to keep mindful of not keeping my arms stiff while riding helped a lot.

Carbonfiberboy 

Less elbow tension is a matter of bike fit, getting the weight off your hands. Drop bar does offer more hand positions among them positions with more or less reach, which is good. Get a bike fit and emphasize to the fitter than you want less weight on your hands. I've found the most hand/arm comfort from more reach and lower bars.

BobbyG

Recumbent?

big john

Good point. Drop bars come in different widths and depths and different reaches, as well as different shapes. I've tried different bars , maybe six, on the last two road bikes I bought. Lucky for me my LBS let me try them.

Bob S

the front stem can also be changed to raise or lower the bars or bring them closer to you or farther away. A good bicycle fitter can help with these issues

philbob57

Elbow pain often comes from keeping your arms straight. If that's what you're doing, try out keeping your elbows bent. Too much weight on your hands could also cause elbow pain. That usually comes from a weak core,

StanSeven

This is what experts all over the place keep saying over and over again.

CyclingBK

I also wonder if too much forearm tension/tight grip pressure on the grips can be an issue. I have flat bar and noticed elbow pain when I started but definitely worked on bent elbows, less weight on my arms and not gripping tight. And the issue has resolved.

But I think Ill get some bar ends eventually. Be ideal to switch hand positions. I have been switching it up by placing my fists, pinkie side down on the bars on some flats/uphill to switch it up in The meantime.