Road Cycling - Question about tucking while riding

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Panoramic
06-03-04, 05:51 PM
I see a lot of people tuck (and not pedal) while riding downhills. What is the exact reason why they do this? I do it to save energy on leisure rides. When is the most appropriate time to tuck? and is there a special technique involved with tucking? Thanks

ShinyBaldy
06-03-04, 06:11 PM
you would tuck when

1) you feel you cannot get any significant incease in speed by pedaling
2) or have no reason to go so fast

with a 53 x 12 or 11 - that's quite fast... on the other hand, one might just be trying to rest the legs on the descent after a climb..

special technique? I've only used two really... hands on the top of the bars and chin over/past the stem/bars or hands holding the top of the bars from below and face at the stem/bar.
sorebutt
06-03-04, 06:36 PM
I do it when I worked really hard on the way up, and want to enjoy the speed on the way down.. Jut go low on the drops, bend your elbows and tuck em into your body. bring your knees in to the top tube and enjoy the ride.. If you have low rolling resistant tires, it is really fun!!

BTW, if you want to turn easier on those high speed descends, before you get to the turn stick out the knee that corresponds with the side of the turn (turn left, stick out left knee), the air will catch it and t will make your bike lean into the turn easier..

Poppaspoke
06-03-04, 06:39 PM
In addition to ShinyBaldy's suggestions, place your pedals at the horizontal position and your knees close in to the top tube. Have your elbows tucked in against your ribcage. The idea is to present as narrow a profile as possible to the wind. The purpose of getting your face in low to the stem is to prevent your upper body from forming an air-brake.
shaq-d
06-03-04, 07:35 PM
BTW, if you want to turn easier on those high speed descends, before you get to the turn stick out the knee that corresponds with the side of the turn (turn left, stick out left knee), the air will catch it and t will make your bike lean into the turn easier..

i wouldn't suggest doing this. keep that knee in, you want your center of gravity close to the bike.

sd
RobotSonic
06-04-04, 03:31 PM
i usually tuck if ive just gotten to the top of a hard climb or if there is a decent before a tough climb. when there is a decent just before a climb i will usually pedal near the top and then tuck as much as safely possible. id rather save my legs than go a few km/h faster.