Malendrino said:On a road bike, i notice other rider holding the bottom of the curl handlebar while riding. Is there a pro for this? I was under the assumption that was for decilnes and inclines.
Riders use the drops as it is a more aerodynamic position on the bicycle, which enables you to go faster for the same power output. It also enables maximum leverage on the bars when sprinting and is the safest place to hold the bars when descending as bike control is best there.
However, if the bars are too low and/or far forward, then too much weight will be carried by the upper body and that is not comfortable nor ideal for sustained cycling effort or bike control. You should be able to ride along in the drops, lift your hands off the bars slightly while riding and not fall forward. If you fall forward then the bars are in the wrong place. Weight should be mostly borne by the sit bones.
It sounds like your bars are too low and/or too far forward meaning you are carrying a lot of weight through your hands, arms and shoulders which creates the pain after a while.
I'd suggest raising/bringing back your bars so you can comfortably ride in the drops for periods of time (e.g. when you want to go fast for a while). Best advice would be to visit a professional bike fitter. I did that over a decade ago and it was the best thing I ever did.
