Road Cycling - unsteady in the drops

Went for great ride today; nice to be out after the long winter! I noticed, however, that I usually keep my hands on the top bar for most of my rides. When I place my hands down on the drops, I feel that I lose stability and am much more comfortable up top (which reminds me of something else, but never mind that now...). How can I fix this? I ride a C-dale R-300; are C-dale typically unsteady? thanks for your help!

i think riding positions are really a preference, like how some people ride a snowboard with one foot forward and others ride with the left forward. i think riding on the hoods are generally better for your back. i've noticed that i almost always ride with my hands on the drops, and feel a little unstable riding holding the top bar. i've been trying to get myself to ride holding the top bar or hoods more to help the back.

Hi,
while someone holds the bike, sit on it. Lean forward to your riding preference. Hold out your
your hands like your going to shake hands. Pick a stem that will get you close to that when you're in the drops.

In a word..."Practice" and more practice, ride in the drops increasing your period gradually each time you go out, like most cycling postures the comfort level becomes second nature the more you pursivear.

Riding on the drops is invaluable if you ride into a head wind for a long stretch, as it lowers your wind resistance position, so it makes sense to adopt the pose for long periods, after all that is why they make drop bars.

thank you for your replys! I hate that after a beautiful sunny day in the 70's yesterday, it is now low 30's and snowing today, so I can't get my "practice" in....grrr. Happy riding, all!

Are your drops in the correct position? If the drops feel too distant, they probbaly are.
The hoods should be the cruising position, with drops as a more aerodynamic option for headwinds, or for a lower centre of gravity for descents. If you look at how professional racers ride, in the pack they usually ride on the hoods, and only get down if they need to sprint or breakaway.
Some people raise their bars so that the drops are their cruising position, but then you lose an lower option. Some people hold their drops at the bar ends which is unstable, this is indicative of a badly sized bike.
Drop bars come with different radius drops, and deep drops are in fashion, but many of us prefer small radius models.

I believe that the drops are in the right place for me. I do not hold them at the bar ends, my hands are where I can shift gears or use the brakes. I feel comfortable when my hands are in position, but what I'm concerned about is the "shimmy" or unsteadiness of the bike when I'm using them. Maybe the weight distribution is off? should I shift my weight... what...toward the back of the seat? what do you think?

Generally the drops is the most stable position and shimmy is normally related to riding on the tops with hands too close together. Might be your drops are too deep and you are off balance, transferring movement when pedalling.

I ride the hoods most, use the centre bar when climbing, and drops when descending and needing heavy braking, or into a strong headwind.

Canondales are well designed bikes and not noted for any handling problems. You certainly dont get conventional resonance shimmy on the massive frame.
Have you suffered any crash damage on your forks or headset ?

no damage that I know of; i did buy the bike used. It only had 11 miles on the computer...maybe those were some pretty rough miles, eh?

[QUOTE]Originally posted by CycleMagic
"When I place my hands down on the drops, I feel that I lose stability."

That's strange. I have just the opposite sensation. When going over 50 mph, I can't imagine being anywhere except below the bar!

You will get more steady as you ride more outside.

That's strange. I have just the opposite sensation. When going over 50 mph, I can't imagine being anywhere except below the bar!

I must say I totally agree with Merckxrider on that one.

ummm.... 50 MPH? Being a fairlyl newish rider, I'm happy to see 32 MPH..down hill...feeling like Lance's twin sister! :)
I agree that I need much practice and time on the bike to get the feel of it all, thanks.

Hi Cyclemagic,

Our point is that, the most secure & stable position should be in your drops. You also have quickest access to the most controlled braking from here. I also like holding onto the top of the bar as you mentioned. If I'm loafing along on a flat surface or there's no reason for concern up ahead, I'll hold onto the top of the bar. But, on downhills and cornering, I'm ALWAYS in the drops...just watch the professional riders. They behave in the same manner.

Steve

The drops will be the most stable, but make sure you good tires and your wheels are in good shape. A mechanical mishap at 50+ and you are in for a world of hurt. Speed is fun, but your bike must be up to the challenge. :crash:

That's why I wear full-body motocycle leathers and a full-faced helmet!

PS: April Fool's! ;)

I find Chaps to be the best leg protection. Plus you don't need shorts when you wear chaps. Free airconditioning. :roflmao: :roflmao:

cute! you got pix?