Fifty Plus (50+) - Riding in the drops

A few months ago, I began riding in my big ring up front, and it became easy, and now it's where I ride 90% of the time (granted, I'm in flatland most of the time). Lately, I've begun riding in the drops, rather than on the hoods. I'm probably better fit than a year or two ago, which explains why I'm not feeling any pain in my back, neck, or arms.

I don't ride that way to be faster, but got started simply as a change of pace. I'm beginning to spend more and more time in the drops, and one thing I like is that I can apply the brakes with just a squeeze from one finger. And if I use all my fingers, the braking is noticeably easier than squeezing from the hoods.

I guess my question is for those of you who ride with drop bars, how often do you ride in the drops? I'm wondering if, as I get used to the position, I will find myself riding there most of the time, just as I now ride in the big ring most of the time.

Just curious!

Maybe 1/4 of the time. Mostly on downhills or into headwinds or when I'm trying to catch someone. Sometimes I'll ride in the drops for variety or to stretch my back for a while. But I spend most of the time riding on the hoods or the ramps (the flat section leading to the hoods).

Maybe 1/4 of the time. Mostly on downhills or into headwinds or when I'm trying to catch someone. Sometimes I'll ride in the drops for variety or to stretch my back for a while. But I spend most of the time riding on the hoods or the ramps (the flat section leading to the hoods).


+1. BluesDawg, you took my post! Everything you said matches my riding except I'd probably go with 1/5 of the time (I don't try to catch people as much as I used to and ride mostly solo.)

DG: I find that as I get older, the drops are less comfortable for longer stints that they used to be. The shoulders and neck just don't like the extra work of trying to look up for extended periods of time. Additionally, I'm looking for a new set of bars for the bike I ride the most. I'd like something with a drop not quite as deep as the current bars. My second most often ridden bike has a slightly more shallow drop and I find I ride in them a bit more.

Blues Dawg........+1. With the addition of an aero bar on my long-ride bike.

I dont ride in the drops much at all. 90% of the time I have my hands on the brake hoods.

I drop when I want to change hand position, riding into a headwind, or when I want to increase my speed 1 to 2 MPH using the same gear and cadence. I also drop for long downhills for better handling and braking.

Maybe 1/4 of the time. Mostly on downhills or into headwinds or when I'm trying to catch someone. Sometimes I'll ride in the drops for variety or to stretch my back for a while. But I spend most of the time riding on the hoods or the ramps (the flat section leading to the hoods).
+2
I used to run the bars with the tops 3-4 inches below the saddle, now I like them higher, maybe an inch below the saddle.

Hi DG,

It's really personal preference and how your bike's set up. I am rarely in the drops -- even during races. However, the tops of my bars are at about the same height as the drops of my friend's bars (he rides roughly the same size bike as I). He spends most of the time in his drops.

Also, I am more comfortable in the drops during the racing season because my flexibility is better then.

BTW, I spend more time in the small ring than in the big ring. I've probably worn out small chainrings in a 3:1 ratio to big chainrings.

So if being in the drops works better for you, great. :)

Hope this helps.

DG,

I ride Mimi ('69 Peugeot U08) in the drops about 85% of the time. However, she fits me like a glove and the drops are not that low. My saddle is even with the top of the bars.

I like being in the drops. It's comfortable, semi-aero and all that closer a reach to the down-tube shifters.

Tyson

We have so much wind down here, I find myself more in the drops, than I thought I'd be. I've spent 8 miles in the drops at a time, but I had to learn to relax my stomach more, so i could pedal easier and breath easier. The Roubaix is a nice bike and very easy to ride.

I ride in the drops about 1/3 of the time, but my drops are about the same height as other people's flats!

A few months ago, I began riding in my big ring up front, and it became easy, and now it's where I ride 90% of the time!

You're in the big ring 90 percent of the time? You should be giving advice, not asking for it.

You're in the big ring 90 percent of the time? You should be giving advice, not asking for it.

Thanks, but it doesn't feel very extraordinary. A bit tough starting out at a traffic signal, but otherwise, no big deal. Maybe I have a small big ring?

I ride in the drops about 1/3 of the time, but my drops are about the same height as other people's flats!

+1 :o

On the top about 10%, hoods both over and under 80%, drops 10%. I am mainly in the drops when I need to push a big headwind. Most of the time I will ride either with my hands gripping the hoods or with my hands over the top of hoods for a little more aero position. I am working on sprinting from the drops, which is still not 100% comfortable for me.

Maybe 1/4 of the time. Mostly on downhills or into headwinds or when I'm trying to catch someone. Sometimes I'll ride in the drops for variety or to stretch my back for a while. But I spend most of the time riding on the hoods or the ramps (the flat section leading to the hoods).

Another +1 here, too.

Strong headwinds are when I usually ride in the drops.

I usually only ride in the drops into headwinds. I have a relaxed geomentry bike with an adjustable stem, so my drops are very easy on my body.

Just curious, what are the sizes of your rings?

On one of my bikes the stem is almost as high as the top of the seat. I ride it in the drops a lot. The exception is in cold weather. Somehow my hands stay warmer on the top of the bar. On my other bike the stem is a bit lower and I ride on the hoods far more than on the drops. Getting rid of some belly fat helped me want to ride on the drops. I do notice I pick up about 3/4 mph in speed when I am on the drops, especially in a headwind. I ride in a more upright position when there is a tailwind just to take more advantage of it.

A few months ago, I began riding in my big ring up front, and it became easy, and now it's where I ride 90% of the time (granted, I'm in flatland most of the time). Lately, I've begun riding in the drops, rather than on the hoods. I'm probably better fit than a year or two ago, which explains why I'm not feeling any pain in my back, neck, or arms.

I don't ride that way to be faster, but got started simply as a change of pace. I'm beginning to spend more and more time in the drops, and one thing I like is that I can apply the brakes with just a squeeze from one finger. And if I use all my fingers, the braking is noticeably easier than squeezing from the hoods.

I guess my question is for those of you who ride with drop bars, how often do you ride in the drops? I'm wondering if, as I get used to the position, I will find myself riding there most of the time, just as I now ride in the big ring most of the time.

Just curious!

I ride in the drops about 98% of the time, even when climbing. Here's a pic from one of the last century rides I was on with the DC Randonneurs. The guy who took the picture caught me in my usual position:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2287/2169997431_b115cd4936.jpg?v=0

It's been about 6 months since I transitioned to this as my "normal" riding position after discovering how much energy I saved from being in it--even compared to being on the hoods.

You can see my seat to drop distance from this pic--haven't changed it since taking the picture:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v285/NoRacer/Misc/MyBike2.jpg

I feel much more comfortable/in control of the bike while in the drops and stay there almost all the time. I like the ease of braking and reaching the shifters on the downtube. I only go into the small chainring if I get tired of mashing up a hill. Since I am a solitary rider, I thought that was normal.

Thanks, but it doesn't feel very extraordinary. A bit tough starting out at a traffic signal, but otherwise, no big deal. Maybe I have a small big ring?

DG: just one, sincere, well-intentioned comment re. this: for G__'s sake, watch your knees:eek: Doing this may feel fine now, but you really are risking long-term damage -- even to the point of blowing out your knees. Just sayin!:)

DG: just one, sincere, well-intentioned comment re. this: for G__'s sake, watch your knees:eek: Doing this may feel fine now, but you really are risking long-term damage -- even to the point of blowing out your knees. Just sayin!:)

+100.

Shift into your middle chain ring before you stop. You want your starts to be quick and fluid and easy on the knees. Starting from a dead stop in your big chain ring proves nothing.

Re riding in the drops: I prefer it, for the control of the bike. If I can't do about 20 mi. in my drops then I work on my flexibility and core strength. In town, or in a peloton, I'll ride on the hoods because it's easier to turn my head without turning the bike, too. ;)

Just curious, what are the sizes of your rings?

I have pretty close to the same bike and it's 30/39/50.

about half and half, depends on the wind direction here in Texas

One tenth of the time, but when I use the drops I really appreciate them. Mostly into a significant wind or down hills. Sometimes in an attempt to impress girls. ;)

Probably only 10% in the drops, 40% on the hoods, and 50% on the ramps. I have a cross bike with brake levers on the ramps and I like them better than reaching over the hoods. I am getting more comfortable in the drops and expect to move a bit more in that direction this year - especially when pushing against wind.

It's been a long, long time since I had a bike with drop bars but, as I recall, most of my riding was on the drops. What's the point of drop bars if you don't use the drops?

I have a cross bike with brake levers on the ramps and I like them better than reaching over the hoods.

One of my road bikes has the extra brake levers on the ramps but I no longer use them. The new road bike doesn't have them and I almost rear-ended a SUV on the first ride. I was so accustomed to using them that I grabbed the handlebars to stop and nothing happened:eek: Thankfully I was able to steer clear and ended up in a parking lot:o

One of my road bikes has the extra brake levers on the ramps...

Don't you mean on the "tops", the flat section going to the sides from the stem clamp? The "ramps" are the section stretching forward towards the "hoods" from the bends at the ends of the "tops". :p

I don't think I have ever seen brake levers on the "ramps".

Flats below the drops, at the ends of the bar: 15% (more on the Peugeot, which has barcons)
Drops just under the brake mounting straps: 60% (all descents, headwinds, and fast riding)
Brake hoods: 20% (typically cruising, resting or climbing)
Tops (4 or 5cm below peak of saddle): 5% (mostly in-saddle ascents)

Hi DG,

It's really personal preference and how your bike's set up. I am rarely in the drops -- even during races. However, the tops of my bars are at about the same height as the drops of my friend's bars (he rides roughly the same size bike as I). He spends most of the time in his drops.

Also, I am more comfortable in the drops during the racing season because my flexibility is better then.

BTW, I spend more time in the small ring than in the big ring. I've probably worn out small chainrings in a 3:1 ratio to big chainrings.

So if being in the drops works better for you, great. :)

Hope this helps.

I think you hit the nail on the head about the bar position and being in the drops. I did an observation on a longer group ride last year and not one person was using the drop position very much. The ones that never get in the dorp seem to have their bar position lower so with their riding position on the hoods they are almost in a drop position for someone like me who has their bars up a bit.

I get in the drops as much as possible even when climbing some minor hills.

Just curious, what are the sizes of your rings?

According to the spec sheet, my chainrings are 50-39-30t, and my cassette is a 12-27t. By the way, I do not know what the "t" stands for.

According to the spec sheet, my chainrings are 50-39-30t, and my cassette is a 12-27t. By the way, I do not know what the "t" stands for.

(tooth?)

I do shift down (when I remember or have the time) in the back, but I rarely even think of shifting down in the front. I will experiment...

And it's funny you mention knees, because every once in a while, I get a little knee pain. Not much, but a little. And I was off the bike for nearly two months last year about this time with a big knee problem. It just hasn't been a factor since getting the Roubaix.

EDIT: I forgot to quote badger1, post 22. Ooops!

I drop when I want to change hand position, riding into a headwind, or when I want to increase my speed 1 to 2 MPH using the same gear and cadence. I also drop for long downhills for better handling and braking.

What sort of magical gears do you use? ;)

If you use the same gear and cadence, you are going the same speed... unless you are really coasting, but moving your legs to keep them loose.

Maybe you mean same effort?

I'm in the drops probably 80-90% of the time. and I've lowered the handlebars probably an inch from where they came from the factory. Having said that, it's been so long since I've ridden that I'll probably have to raise everything back up when I get back on the bike this spring (at least until I lose this fifteen pounds and get my back and abs back in shape).

DG: just one, sincere, well-intentioned comment re. this: for G__'s sake, watch your knees:eek: Doing this may feel fine now, but you really are risking long-term damage -- even to the point of blowing out your knees. Just sayin!:)

I can see how staying in the big ring and not shifting up your cassette could mess with your knees but the lowest combination I go at stops is 53/24 and I never have a problem with my knees and almost immediately shift down after I start moving. Up hill would be a different story.

I do shift down (when I remember or have the time) in the back, but I rarely even think of shifting down in the front. I will experiment...

And it's funny you mention knees, because every once in a while, I get a little knee pain. Not much, but a little. And I was off the bike for nearly two months last year about this time with a big knee problem. It just hasn't been a factor since getting the Roubaix.

EDIT: I forgot to quote badger1, post 22. Ooops!

Hey, DG! I'm almost never worth quoting :D, but think I am on this one! Seriously -- you mention "a little knee pain" etc. Yep, we all of us who cycle regularly/extensively can get that, and should pay attention, but those of us over 50 especially, whatever our history etc. really do have to watch the 'big gear' thing. Cyclists' knee(s) can blow out suddenly, w/o real warning, and one of the most common causes of this, even in elite-level sprinters, is the constant pushing of big gears. The loading forces (torsion/sheer) on the knee joint are enormous when we do this.

I would ride the drops more often if my spare tire didn't get in the way of my breathing when I do.

Probably 15% of the time in the drops. For me, it is a function of speed and wind. Into the wind, I go to the drops.

By the way, I do not know what the "t" stands for.

Yeah DG, you're going to make a great bike mechanic some day!!!

:roflmao:

I would ride the drops more often if my spare tire didn't get in the way of my breathing when I do.

I had that exact issue, but then I raised my bars even with my saddle. Much better. I can bend my elbows and get down pretty flat for brief periods, then raise up, still in the drops, to a more comfortable position.

I had that exact issue, but then I raised my bars even with my saddle. Much better.

The OCPs already point and snicker at my spacers and 17° stem...

According to the spec sheet, my chainrings are 50-39-30t, and my cassette is a 12-27t. By the way, I do not know what the "t" stands for.

"turbo" :D

I had that exact issue, but then I raised my bars even with my saddle. Much better. I can bend my elbows and get down pretty flat for brief periods, then raise up, still in the drops, to a more comfortable position.

One of the spinoffs from building a TT bike this year was acquiring information about the design parameters for the TT geometry. Turns out that the optimum starting point (subject to change as is everything else in cycling) is about a 90deg angle between the torso and the thighs. If you tighten up this angle, breathing becomes a problem. Thus the TT frame has a more vertical seat tube so the body is rotated forward (feet are rotated back) and the 90 deg angle is retained even though the head and arms are lower.

Unfortunately...:o...I have been unable to find a TT frame with the requisite dish in the top tube to accomodate my 50+ aero shape so I am now eating less and riding the trainer more.:p

The OCPs already point and snicker at my spacers and 17° stem...

I'm snicked at for so many reasons, my bar height goes right over their heads!

I'm snicked at for so many reasons, my bar height goes right over their heads!

Nice pun.

I like the front-to-rear weight distribution slightly better in the drops, which is the main reason I use them.

That, and dealing with relentless head winds.

Don't you mean on the "tops", the flat section going to the sides from the stem clamp? The "ramps" are the section stretching forward towards the "hoods" from the bends at the ends of the "tops". :p

I don't think I have ever seen brake levers on the "ramps".
I started the misuse of the term "ramps." I would have said "tops" or "flats" which is where my extra brake levers are but I misread your earlier post:


But I spend most of the time riding on the hoods or the ramps (the flat section leading to the hoods).

...and thought that new term referred to what I always called the tops. So you are actually to blame for not taking into account the dullness of fellow readers. :)