bike position and "knee flail"

I have worked pretty hard on figuring out bike/body interfaces. What I
do is adjust my seating position to one of several hand positions on
bars. I have 4 main positions on low bars, and 2 positions on aerobars
(down or up holding just elbow pads).

So when I change hand positions (quite often), I usually slightly move
seating position to some degree. It works so far, but am fine tuning
aero/low bars now. No rules because still learning and everyone's
different. But a general rule is keep elbow 90 degrees (natural work
angle standing or sitting) at any position, wrists straight
predominantly, keep knees tucked and straight as your body will allow,
foot at bottom of pedal stroke should be flat, and always have an arch
in neck which is natural on bike.

Fixed foot/pedal position is essential too which I found out. That may
be problem, but would need to see film of you riding to understand.
Maybe a good idea for you as well to see yourself riding if can figure
out how to film while riding.

Once you get the riding seat height down, its a balancing act between
seating position and hand/body position. If already have toe
clips/etc... try seating back on seat when you lower down. What ever
feels comfortable is ergonomic for the most part (within reason). And
one seating position will NOT work for every hand/body riding position:
not for me any way.

SYJ said:

I've been playing around with position this winter, and have found
something that feels pretty good while on the tops/hoods, and staying
upright in the drops. However, whenever I try to get especially low
(deep in the drops and/or a 'pseudo TT position' with forearms on the
bar top), I feel like my knees (especially my left knee) is flailing
out to the side. Raising my saddle seems to eliminate this, but makes
me feel like my legs are straightening out too much on the downstroke
and/or I'm doing an Anquetil impersonation. Any fit recommendations
that might address this?

SYJ

How big is your belly?

Seriously, when I'm low, the limiting factor is my thighs hitting the
bottom of my ribs -- I do pedal with a "toe down" style. I'm wary of
doing anything to modify your natural style. The conventional wisdom for
seat height is to raise until your hips start rocking. That works for me.

"SYJ" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

I've been playing around with position this winter, and have found
something that feels pretty good while on the tops/hoods, and staying
upright in the drops. However, whenever I try to get especially low
(deep in the drops and/or a 'pseudo TT position' with forearms on the
bar top), I feel like my knees (especially my left knee) is flailing
out to the side. Raising my saddle seems to eliminate this, but makes
me feel like my legs are straightening out too much on the downstroke
and/or I'm doing an Anquetil impersonation. Any fit recommendations
that might address this?

Stretch your ITB and [censored] muscles (whatever they're called). That's what it
took me to get rid of my knee flail....

SYJ said:

I've been playing around with position this winter, and have found
something that feels pretty good while on the tops/hoods, and staying
upright in the drops. However, whenever I try to get especially low
(deep in the drops and/or a 'pseudo TT position' with forearms on the
bar top), I feel like my knees (especially my left knee) is flailing
out to the side. Raising my saddle seems to eliminate this, but makes
me feel like my legs are straightening out too much on the downstroke
and/or I'm doing an Anquetil impersonation. Any fit recommendations
that might address this?

SYJ

You have to train your muscles to pull that leg in. Slighty over
emphasize your knees coming together as you pedal. The inside of your
knees should be just brushing the top tube as they move up and down.
It'll feel strange for a while, but eventually your legs will just
pedal that way.

laters,

marz