More Upright = Less Neck Strain?

[Jay]

In your personal experience, have you suffered with neck pain and found that sitting more upright on the bike has alleviated the pain?

Prior to getting a Roadini over two years ago, my road bikes had 5-10cm of drop from saddle to handlebar, and after years of this plus bad posture at work, I had an unnatural bend in my cervical spine that sometimes causes neck pain (that general area).  My current chiro helped me mostly resolve this so that it's only sore after really long rides, when it's really windy, or after a lot of riding.  Drop handlebars on my Roadini are about level with the saddle, and I can usually ride with little to no pain in the neck area.  

I rode a lot in May, and that pain came back in a big way in the last 45 minutes of today's long ride with my friend.  I think the increased volume in May was the main contributor.  However, this year, both the Roadini and Fargo have drop bars.  Last year, I had Velo Orange Granola bars on the Fargo.  Last year, I cannot recall that pain in my neck showing up once with any severe or prolonged discomfort.  I'm now wondering if that's because a 1/3rd of the rides were on the Fargo with the more upright (and just, different) position, so it was less repetitive strain to my neck.  I'm thinking of putting the Granola bars back on the Fargo.  It could also be other factors (age - one year older, stress, or perhaps my position on either bike has deteriorated somewhat).

Thanks!

[Chris Lang]

Don’t forget about the width of the bars.   I find too wide of bars cause me neck and shoulder pain as well. 

--
You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/65d4bdb0-bd11-4058-b6f9-7a181275ecc0n%40googlegroups.com.

[Jason Noonievut]

I was going to add that bit of information but decided to keep it short.

What I like about drop bars are the multiple hand positions and width (40cm, straight line from my shoulders).  Granola bars are 650mm wide, but I had them set up more upright and it felt okay (neck area anyway).

On May 31, 2026, at 7:44 PM, Chris Lang <clan...@gmail.com> wrote:



You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/RPrjIT95_-0/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/CAN3G8jQjxQ-LtMzFZoVTt6nnzgT7YwKBrQwZSpHY9w1RvSVw3g%40mail.gmail.com.

[Gabe]

Hey Jay,

I've definitely experienced neck pain (and upper back pain) on long road rides (two to eight hours) and it did improve some by raising the handlers a couple inches. Interestingly, however, depending on how often I rode that road bike, my activity tolerance increased. So how used I was to that bike and that set-up and how time I spent in that position definitely affected how much I could comfortably tolerate. So two hours after being off the road bike for a few months hurt more than six or eight hours when I was using it more often. 

Perhaps also talk to a PT about how you hold your head when looking forward (like using your eyes more and keeping your chin down rather than kinking your neck). 

Generally all these things exist as a system so tweaking one thing could put more strain somewhere else. But in my experience high handlebars, on avg, were more comfy. 

- gabe 

Sent from my BlackBerry, the smartphone with the little keyboard and a big heart.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1B282642-D131-47A6-94AD-2533D35E035B%40gmail.com.

[Ron Mc]

My thought is you don't strain cervical muscles/ vertebrae unless you lean on your hands/ wrists.  

If you support yourself with core muscles, all that should be relaxed.  

You'll also discover new spin you didn't know you had when you lean into your core muscles - if you need more, bend your elbows more.  

[Ryan Mulcahy]

One thing I like about alt bars is the variety among bikes: 3 bikes with diff alt bar setups feel different (to me) much more so than 3 bikes with diff drops. Which means in practice that though I really prefer drops -- the hand positions -- I need only one drop-bar bike because I'm always going to choose the one I like most. 2 alt-bar setups and I'll switch it up.

[Chris Halasz]

I can't say I earlier suffered with neck pain, but I would have discomfort after a long (40 mile+) ride with drop bars anywhere from even with to one inch (1") above saddle height. I'm about six foot (6') tall, beginning to annually shrink, with an 89cm PBH, however that may proportionately translate to others. 

The first time I rode what to me was a 'properly' configured upright bike was with one of Grant's at RBW, with (IIRC) Bosco bars or something just like them. While a 'I've been doing this all wrong' revelation, I went back to drop bars for a bit on my 'go-fast' bike, with its minor discomforts. 

After hearing how sitting more upright also benefits the pelvic floor, I migrated to Bosco-type bars, first three inches (3") higher than the saddle, and now six inches (6") higher, placing me bolt upright on the Brooks B68 (wider surface area, less pressure - physics). 

Being more upright, I am more visible to others, and my surroundings are more visible to me. 

I wonder if the upright position isn't less prone to accidents. Nevertheless, I now ride with a group that averages 13mph (with 1,200' average climbing on an average 25mi ride), rather than the 16mph average I was riding with the drop bar bike and faster groups. Seriously, I don't notice the difference, and like the idea of a 50% reduction in energy in the event of a fall. 

Finally, yes, the neck experiences none of the during-and-after-ride discomfort now with the Bosco-ish bars anywhere from three to six inches (3-6") above saddle height. Likewise for saddle comfort. 

You may want the frame geometry nicely stretched out to accommodate the more upright and thereby elevated center of mass. My current very large (31cm head tube) bike is good with a 69 degree head tube angle and 47cm chainstays, YMMV - on all of this! 

- Chris 

[stephen cowdrey]

 Hey bunchers 

I find that the most upright with no pressure on hands puts a lot of strain on the lower back… what’s the balance because I also suffer with bad neck pain.

Stephen Cowdrey

Tallahassee Fl. 

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/7211d01f-bd00-4696-b149-ddb9abc527f7n%40googlegroups.com.

[J J]

For me, an upright position is necessary, as it’s the only way I can minimize neck, shoulder, and wrist pain. I ride Boscomoose bars (54cm and 58cm) for that reason. I’ve tried PT and chiropractic care, and I've done a lot of core and upper body strengthening work, which have been helpful. But my issues are more nerve- and joint-related than purely muscular. As Gabe noted, all those systems interact, so bars with little rise or back sweep are a nonstarter for me. My last ride on drop bars (48cm Noodles on my Toyo Atlantis) a couple of years ago was excruciating and belied the whole point of being out on the bike. Since I don’t race or chase personal bests, I optimize for comfort. This setup makes riding joyful, relaxing, and energizing, which is exactly what I need.

Jim

On Sunday, May 31, 2026 at 9:38:28 PM UTC-4 Ron Mc wrote:

[Roberta]

I rode a Specialized Hard Rock for 30 years but was about to stop riding altogether because of excruciating neck pain after every ride, even a sort one.  The handlebars were straight and wide-ish and I had to reach quite forward for them.   At the time, I did not know you could change components like the stem. But this bike, I think it was the long reach that was the worst culprit.   Along with too wide handlebars in an non-ergonomic hand possession

I rode a Speciaized Crossroad step through model (more upright than Hard Rock) and that became more comfortable when the bike shop shortened the handlebar width. 

I then found Rivendell. The handlebars are higher, I’m a bit more upright with less weight on my arms and shoulders, and the handlebars (Albatross mostly) are more ergonomic and are placed for proper reach.  

So, for me, it is a combination, but I think it’s the more upright position, with less pressure on my arms and shoulders because of the proper handlebar placement, width, and shape that helped most.   

Ultimately, the above fixes that helped me put less pressure on my arm and neck, which helped my neck issues.  Chiro and massage helps a lot too. 

Good luck to you

Roberta

[Jason Noonievut]

I feel like I’m not alone, thanks ;-)

I like what you said, Roberta, the handlebars are placed for proper reach.  It’s like at work (desk job), I have a sit-stand desk with the keyboard and mouse, and monitor, placed “for me”.  That was the single biggest improvement for me.  I spend way more hours working then I do riding bikes (unfortunately); if I didn’t ride, only did strength training and regular stretching, I would still suffer if I had poor posture at a work computer 30-40 hours a week.

Jason

On Jun 2, 2026, at 3:00 AM, Roberta <rcha...@gmail.com> wrote:

I rode a Specialized Hard Rock for 30 years but was about to stop riding altogether because of excruciating neck pain after every ride, even a sort one.  The handlebars were straight and wide-ish and I had to reach quite forward for them.   At the time, I did not know you could change components like the stem. But this bike, I think it was the long reach that was the worst culprit.   Along with too wide handlebars in an non-ergonomic hand possession

--

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/RPrjIT95_-0/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/ec45959f-0e6e-4c69-8a90-a49f1c491551n%40googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Moore]

I’ve found that getting your saddle sufficiently behind the bottom bracket, so that there’s a minimally sufficient bend between hips and torso, takes strain off the shoulders + arms + hands, is more comfortable for the neck, and perhaps takes pressure off the lower back too. The odd thing is that this seems to help relax the neck as well as shoulders, etc. This despite the fact that my bars are, for my road bikes, 3-4 cm below saddle nose, and on the dirt road bike, ~1 cm below ditto.

I haven’t worked out the mechanics of why this is so, but empirical evidence proves it sufficiently for my own case.

But bar above or below saddle: I think that the principle works in either case.

[Mackenzy Albright]

I've found for myself and neck issues it's not exclusively about being upright, it's about minimizing my body's instinct to pull on the bars. Even when upright if my bars are too wide or high I find myself pulling to leverage which ends up making my lower back and neck sore. My most successful setups allow a Graeme Obree type position where I can lean forward, hinging at the hip and engaging my core to leverage, without the use of my upper body except for stability. Swept back bars have been a game changer as it allows a for and aft adjustment and allowing me to keep my upper body relaxed no matter how upright or forward I want to ride. 

[michael stallman]

I was curious about Riv's evolution on this topic over the years, so I went and looked through the archives. 

The Moustache was designed on a napkin on a plane in 1990, and pitched as a drop bar alternative. 

In 2003 Rivendell Reader, the Albatross was the third favourite:

 "If I had one bike, I'd put drops or Moustache H'bars on it. If I had two bikes, one would have drops, and the other, Moustache. The Albatross bar would definitely go on a third bike, though; and if the other two got swept away by a rogue wave, having an Albatross bar as the only bar wouldn't be a hindrance..." -- G. Petersen, RR29

The Albatross is  "the bar I'll ride full-time when I'm super old" (2004-2005 Catalogs).

By 2005, the catalog still offered drops, moustache, and albatross as co-equal options: "Bar position, not shape, is the big deal."

In 2010, the BLUG mentions: 

"My tandem and Atlantis have Albatross bars. If I had to pick one bar forever it would be that bar. Plus, we’ve promoted upright sweepy bars more than most expensive bike places […]

BUT, and this is a big thing here, there is nothing  inherently uncomfortable about drop bars. The shape is smart, and offers lots of hand positions. The key is to get the bars high enough…"

Bosco is the next leap forward (ca 2013?), with more rise and sweep. "Racers typically ride bars three or more inches below the saddle... Unracers like bars level with or above the saddle."

By 2014 the catalog mentions "Almost every Riv employee has at least one Alb-a-bar bike, and it is usually the most-ridden one." 

In 2015, the Rivendell Reader features a short essay by Will:

"I’VE ALSO FULLY EMBRACED THE UPRIGHT BAR. I used to think you had to have at least one drop bar bike for “real” riding, a totally ridiculous but pervasive idea. I went full upright after I started doing mixed terrain rides with Rivendell people using Albatross bars, and noticing how little difference it made whether somebody was using drops or uprights. It’s not as if the drop users had to wait at every turn for the slowpoke uprighters to catch up; it made no difference, despite conventional bike wisdom that drop bars make you faster. Older customers of ours have a particularly hard time using something other than drops. To them it feels like giving up, and I wish I could convince more of them to try uprights. If you like drops, that’s cool; I just wish upright bars were seen as a smart for any riding." -- Will Keating, Rivendell Reader 44; Winter 2015

---

From Bridgestone years to the present, upright bars went from being an alternative to being the default. Whether that's because some of us are getting older, or because becoming an un-racer takes a long time, I'm not sure. Maybe both.

~Michael

[Sam Boehm]

I recently switched from bullmoose to choco-moose on my Atlantis. My neck, shoulders, and wrists, especially on thirty- or forty-plus mile rides, have me wondering why it took me so long to embrace the sweep. And to Michael's point, I'm really not any slower. 

I was never a drop bar purist, but I do like to go fast and I was certainly resisting the beach cruiser look. Apparently I still had some psychological un-racering to do. 

- Sam in West Virginia

[Jason Noonievut]

Gabe mentioned above about checking how I hold my head and whether I look ahead by kinking my neck or using my eyes.  I usually wear cycling caps, but earlier in the week I went for a long bike ride and decided not to wear a cycling cap.  I also paid attention to keeping my chin tucked and looking ahead with my eyes.  Three hour bike ride and no pain in that area. I then rode my other bike yesterday practising the same head position and it was also better.   This morning I wore a cycling cap and I couldn’t really look ahead with my chin tucked because the brim of the cap was blocking my view so halfway through the ride, I stored it in my bag, but did notice some neck strain.  Thanks Gabe for reminding me about that!

Jason

On Jun 5, 2026, at 12:04 PM, Sam Boehm <samuel...@gmail.com> wrote:



--

You received this message because you are subscribed to a topic in the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.
To unsubscribe from this topic, visit https://groups.google.com/d/topic/rbw-owners-bunch/RPrjIT95_-0/unsubscribe.
To unsubscribe from this group and all its topics, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1dfcde30-e3f4-4366-9239-41e0f6aaca15n%40googlegroups.com.

[Patrick Moore]

+ 1 for learning how to look forward when low on a bar. The difference between straining your neck and relaxing it while still seeing ahead freely is a small one, but IME it involves relaxing your shoulders, as you should do anyway, in addition to “lookin up."

As to cycling caps, I usually bend the tip up by 1 cm or a bit more; the brim still shades the sun (important in our mile-high brightness, even when wearing sunglasses!) and a bit of the wind. They also serve as capacious sweat sinks, and the large wicking area dries very quickly in our hot sun and dry air — no more sweat dripping into my eyes.

Back when I used to custom order caps, I had mine made with 4 mm brims, as shown, but I was pleased to find that my newest (off-the-shelf) cycling caps have brims only 5 mm wide that also don’t need creasing.

NeoRetro and custom:

You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "RBW Owners Bunch" group.

To unsubscribe from this group and stop receiving emails from it, send an email to rbw-owners-bun...@googlegroups.com.
To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/rbw-owners-bunch/1D1CF897-D21B-41A0-9A3B-F41DAE6315E8%40gmail.com.

--

Patrick Moore

Alburquerque, Nuevo Mexico, Etats Unis d'Amerique, Orbis Terrarum

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Executive resumes, LinkedIn profiles, bios, letters, and other writing services

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

When thou didst not, savage, know thine own meaning,

But wouldst gabble like a thing most brutish,

I endowed thy purposes with words that made them known.

[Drew Fitchette]

My wife had the VO Nouveau Rando bars on her bike and always complained on neck pain after 30-45 minutes of riding and the following day as well. I switched her over to Albatross bars and a b68 saddle and now she’ll ride all day with no issue.

Agree that getting the bars up high enough makes a huge difference, but she also just didn’t like leaning forward so much!

[greenteadrinkers]

From my experience, if the pain is progressive, then it's likely disc compression. I was forced to abandon drop bars in my mid-40's due to disc compression. 

I've been doing well with a Boscomoose on my Sam since 2018. I still ride with a lot of pain. It's always there. But being upright allows me to ride still.

On longer rides, I'll use Voltaren gel, which helps a lot. If you find the neck pain worsening each year, you might consider meeting with a Rheumatologist, who can order blood tests to look for underlying issues that might be causing the inflammation. Orthopedic doctors are great, but they are more about fixing existing damage. A Rheumatologist can look a little deeper under the hood and see if there's an autoimmune issue at the root of the inflammation.

Hope this helps.

Scott