If you have noticed Jan Ulrich ALWAYS climbed with his hand on the brakes. and I say always because I have NEVER seen him with his hands on the upper flat handlebar position like all other riders. I wonder why Ulrich did that.
Having your hands on the brakes gives a more aerodinamic position and allows you to get out of the saddle easier (a thing that Ulrich almost never did), however you can apply more power with your body weight when you put your hands on the upper flat handlebar position, expecially when one is climbing slopes of 8% and more (I have tried this myself). I think Ulrich could have been a better climber had he done that.
For me this is incredible and I dont understand why Ulrich did that. Ulrich had an style of riding very very similar to the great Miguel Indurain. However, unlike Ulrich, Indurain did use the upper handlebar with he climbed.
I can try and get an answer for you but it might take a day or so.
Thanks. I guess that Ulrich just got familiar with that position and never thought of changing anything. But it is odd since all the other riders in the peloton use the top handelbar position one time or another. Even Armstrong used it when he was not out of the saddle.
He always seemed to have a longer reach across the bike frame than most and maybe that is the reason. Either way I sent an e-mail and maybe will get a response some time soon. Don't know where he is right now. Last I heard he was headed to Majorca to do a little riding, but that was a few weeks ago.
btw: I climb with my hands in the middle of the bars, more stability and increased power.
Jan is definitely more of a masher as opposed to a spinner and use a lower cadence in a more rear sit back position.
I agree. However, it is very rare that he NEVER EVER used the top handelbar under any circunstances (or at least I have never seen him do that). As I previously said, when the slopes get to 7%, 8%, you either get out of the saddle or use the top handlebar. That's what 99% of all riders do. Indurain was also a brute force like ulrich and liked to be on the saddle most of the time but he used the top handlebar.
Do you know if Jan and Pevenage are still friends? Pevenage is suppose to give an interview after the tour, do you know when???
Not sure on either question. I did ask if he was bitter about certain riders still be able to racing while he himself was forced out. He is apparently not and happy to be enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
Not sure on either question. I did ask if he was bitter about certain riders still be able to racing while he himself was forced out. He is apparently not and happy to be enjoying a more relaxed lifestyle.
Well, Pevenage is due to talk any day now - was wondering if this was a joint agreement between himself and Ullrich, I know Jan is planning to write a book too.
I have read that he was angry at the situation, with other riders getting away with it.
Have you heard he has started to learn rowing apparently?
Well, Pevenage is due to talk any day now - was wondering if this was a joint agreement between himself and Ullrich, I know Jan is planning to write a book too.
I have read that he was angry at the situation, with other riders getting away with it.
Have you heard he has started to learn rowing apparently?
He keeps takling about the book but hasn't started it the last I heard. Our mutual friend told him the book would not sell in few more years. Old news is old news.
I am 6'5" 195lbs and I climb the same way whenever the grade gets above, say, 7%. When it gets steep I just feel like I can't get enough leverage with my hands on top of the bar. Holding the hoods enable arm extension (and consequently, leverage) and breathability. Jens Voigt is another guy who climbs steep hills with hands on hoods, so maybe it's a tall guy thing.
If you have noticed Jan Ulrich ALWAYS climbed with his hand on the brakes. and I say always because I have NEVER seen him with his hands on the upper flat handlebar position like all other riders. I wonder why Ulrich did that.
Having your hands on the brakes gives a more aerodinamic position and allows you to get out of the saddle easier (a thing that Ulrich almost never did), however you can apply more power with your body weight when you put your hands on the upper flat handlebar position, expecially when one is climbing slopes of 8% and more (I have tried this myself). I think Ulrich could have been a better climber had he done that.
For me this is incredible and I dont understand why Ulrich did that. Ulrich had an style of riding very very similar to the great Miguel Indurain. However, unlike Ulrich, Indurain did use the upper handlebar with he climbed.
in rund am köln in 2003 he used the upper handelbar on a small climb (-: but that is the only time i have seen him did that and i have video 40 gb video of jan racing😄
I am 6'5" 195lbs and I climb the same way whenever the grade gets above, say, 7%. When it gets steep I just feel like I can't get enough leverage with my hands on top of the bar. Holding the hoods enable arm extension (and consequently, leverage) and breathability. Jens Voigt is another guy who climbs steep hills with hands on hoods, so maybe it's a tall guy thing.
Interesting. I am 6'1'' 165lbs, and I feel much better with my hands on top of the bar when climbing. I put my hands on the hoods when I get out of the saddle, or sprinting, but not many more times. When I put my hands on the top of the bar, I notice that my legs suffer less overall becasue and I use my hands to "pull".
in rund am köln in 2003 he used the upper handelbar on a small climb (-: but that is the only time i have seen him did that and i have video 40 gb video of jan racing😄
Wow! I would love to see that!!!!!! 🙂 🙂 🙂
I am looking for photos of Jan on the internet and magazines using the upper handelbar, but I can't find any.
When I first started riding in 1980 (?) I was taught to stay "tucked", even cresting a hill at full steam. The hands near the center bit was strictly forbidden.
