I know that staying in the drops vs. the hoods will drastically improve your aerodynamic properties. The problem is that when I move from the drops to the hoods(like when I am climbing a hill) and visa versa, my back takes a beating.
And overall, the longer I stay in the drops, the more uncomfortable my back becomes. I know that I need to learn to stay in the drops as long as possible, so are there any suggestions on how to be as comfortable as possible?
i.e. My bike is already fitted to me, and I have a plush riding Bianchi, so the bike is not the problem. Could it be that I am reaching to far? or that my form is off?
Probably bike setup. A lot of people have their bars set so low that they will always be uncomfortable in the drops.
If you don't think it's bike setup then you might try regular stretching.
Yea, my back just needs to get used to the strain. Because my stem is raised slightly, and my bars aren't too low (I think). I'll try the stretching and hopefully that will help. Thanks for the replies.
Maybe get some bars with less drop. I think Ritchey makes some. I'm sure there are others.
Hehe, Like I said, it's not the bike that it is the problem. I think I have a less drop as you can have. My drops aren't perfectly curved, they flatten out right in the middle of the drop.
P.S. They are the Ritchey ones you are talking about.
Thanks for the great posts. You have been very helpful. 🙂
There is a good chance that you are tensing up more in the "not as familiar" position. Try to relax more it is human nature to be less at ease in unfamiliar territory like driving a car on snow you tend to grip the wheel tighter causing your hands to stiffen. It could be partly psychological. At least it is another theory to think about.
from personal experience you get more aero on the hoods with your forearms horizontal than on the drops with your arms at 45 degrees, see pix cyclingnews.comphotos.phpOpen ↗ vs
BUT, and i think its a big but, i can get a lower HR for the same effort in the drops because my upper body is more relaxed and im not using my arms as much.
as stated above definately stretch your back and hamstrings and make sure your bars arent too low
from personal experience you get more aero on the hoods with your forearms horizontal than on the drops with your arms at 45 degrees, see pix cyclingnews.comphotos.phpOpen ↗ vs
BUT, and i think its a big but, i can get a lower HR for the same effort in the drops because my upper body is more relaxed and im not using my arms as much.
as stated above definately stretch your back and hamstrings and make sure your bars arent too low
from personal experience you get more aero on the hoods with your forearms horizontal than on the drops with your arms at 45 degrees, see pix cyclingnews.comphotos.phpOpen ↗ vs
BUT, and i think its a big but, i can get a lower HR for the same effort in the drops because my upper body is more relaxed and im not using my arms as much.
as stated above definately stretch your back and hamstrings and make sure your bars arent too low
Almost always drag area is lower in the drops than on the hoods. Riding in a group riding the hoods can be better because drafting reduces air resistance and riding the tops is generally more comfortable and (esp.) short term power production is increased in that position. If you really want to ride fast without aerobars, then riding with your forearms on the tops is best especially down hills. disclaimer: I'm not responsible if you get killed by sidewind gusts that blow you in front of a passing truck should you risk this.
