Do I need to go back to a hybrid?
#26
Cheerfully low end
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We now have a family membership at the rec center. I expect I’ll continue to go there regularly and probably end up biking a bit less than I have the last few years. That’s ok!
Otto
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#27
Newbie
Maybe just change stem, Nitto DirtDrop quill
https://www.rivbike.com/products/nit...-0-8cm-or-10cm
Or look at a modern bike with more stack height. My solution since I
wanted disc brakes. Salsa Vaya
https://www.rivbike.com/products/nit...-0-8cm-or-10cm
Or look at a modern bike with more stack height. My solution since I
wanted disc brakes. Salsa Vaya
#28
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Top tube length has a huge impact on bike fit and comfort. Drop bars may work fine for you with either a shorter-reach stem or a frame with a shorter top tube.
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Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069
#29
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Don't do it-you'll age faster
I think the hybrid is bad idea. I tried some upright bars to cityfy one of my vintage road bikes and it was quite a revelation:
1. The power output sucked. I never knew how the drop bar position generated so much more power. If you're older, you can't afford to lose output.
2. That more upright posture was good for fewer miles, but too much added sit bone pressure. The drop bar position allowed far more comfort and less weight on the sit bones-longer distances.
3. Leaning your bikes without drop bars is a pain. Storing them also since they stick out and don't blend well with others in tight spaces.
4. As others have stated, use the tops more, get a taller stem, strengthen your core a bit. 68 and 28 miles on a trail for your 1st ride, you got this!
5. Drop bars look better. Period.
1. The power output sucked. I never knew how the drop bar position generated so much more power. If you're older, you can't afford to lose output.
2. That more upright posture was good for fewer miles, but too much added sit bone pressure. The drop bar position allowed far more comfort and less weight on the sit bones-longer distances.
3. Leaning your bikes without drop bars is a pain. Storing them also since they stick out and don't blend well with others in tight spaces.
4. As others have stated, use the tops more, get a taller stem, strengthen your core a bit. 68 and 28 miles on a trail for your 1st ride, you got this!
5. Drop bars look better. Period.
#30
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Dave Moulton's Blog - Dave Moulton's Bike Blog - Riding Position Simplified
Moulton’s second factor in basic fit is the position of arms in relation to legs. He points out the basic physics that when you pedal more than body weight, your arms need to be pulling in opposition to the peak leg force to provide the force to keep you from flying up and back off the saddle while also not pulling you forward on the saddle.
You can accomplish this at varying back angles, but putting the bars high may make it impossible to keep the downward alignment. So you can be more upright but keep good arm alignment by keeping the bars down about saddle height and fairly close. Not aero but still allows the right forces for hard pedaling.
He also echoes your point about weight distribution, as too upright a position puts too much weight on the saddle.
Otto
#31
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At 72 now, my customs road bikes and old cyclocross have had the bars raised with Nitto Technomics or if treadless a 45º stem riser to get the bars up to seat level and life is good. I have more hand positions than on a hybrid with straight bars and use anti vibration gloves which remove some of the road buzz and for fun will actually drop into the drops for the last bit of the ride. Also needed saddle changes. Only issue is the Italian are not getting ridden as I can't bear to put a Technomic on them.
#32
Senior Member
Do some upper body exercises. cycling really isn't good for building strength; it's mostly for cardio. Or you can get a recumbent for NO upper body involvement..
#33
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I’m 67 and have the same thoughts in early April, by mid May they will be gone.
Tim
Tim
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Isn't that just Spring in Ohio?
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I grew up in N.J. and after the first "spring" day and we got the bikes out of the garage, Monday at school was painful sitting at my desk because my butt was sore from the first days on the bike.
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The Univega is a nice bike for sure. Personally, I only ride road bikes now with endurance geometry. Comfort is key, so nothing wrong with going with a hybrid. What ever you decide have fun.
#39
Squirrel
I am an inch shorter now than when I set my bikes up!
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#40
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I have 5 beautiful vintage road bikes that I love. Maybe it's too soon in the season to tell
but yesterday I did my first loner ride of the season. Took a trail 14 miles up had lunch
then 14 miles back .I was on my Univega Gran Turismo. I was whipped and sore when
I was done. Not soo much in the legs but in the upper body. Shoulders ,arms and hands.
I'll give it a chance but am wondering if a hybrid bike would alleviate some of this?
but yesterday I did my first loner ride of the season. Took a trail 14 miles up had lunch
then 14 miles back .I was on my Univega Gran Turismo. I was whipped and sore when
I was done. Not soo much in the legs but in the upper body. Shoulders ,arms and hands.
I'll give it a chance but am wondering if a hybrid bike would alleviate some of this?
Yes - first ride - give it a chance
But what type of riding do you do ?
Spirited / fast road riding ? - a road bike is the way to go
But fit must be good - especially reach / bar height - and not necessarily a vintage road bike that might be a great bike but heavy and lacking in the comfort area
#41
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On my UNIVEGA I lowered the seat just 1.5 cm and brought the bars up just level with the seat and got an immediately better ride for about 8 years. Now at 68 I raised the bars another 1 cm. This getting old stuff is a real challenge. I still find it odd that just small millimeter changes in my bike set up has such big changes in my riding comfort.
Are far as Hybrid is concerned all my bikes have been modified to Frankin status. My only Road Bike set up is my 70s PR-10 and it has been relegated to the status of "Wall Hanger"... Ha
Are far as Hybrid is concerned all my bikes have been modified to Frankin status. My only Road Bike set up is my 70s PR-10 and it has been relegated to the status of "Wall Hanger"... Ha
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Do more ride to get rid of your concern
May you don't need a hybrid,It is common for the very first ride after a while of stopping riding.