Giro observation - lower saddle height?
05-15-09, 06:51 AM
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Giro observation - lower saddle height?
I have been watching the 2 hour same-day coverage of the Giro this week on universal sports (free OTA)...and it seems the pros have a saddle position that is a bit lower than as prescribed by most conventional fit recommendations....
...anyone else notice this? Or is it just me??
...anyone else notice this? Or is it just me??
05-15-09, 07:02 AM
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I've always noticed that it appears like the saddles are on the low side, but I've also noticed pictures of riders cornering with the outside leg fully extended and the foot looking relatively horizontal. If the saddle is low, the heel would drop well below horizontal. Another thing you don't see many riders doing is any ankling or dropping of the heel. Most seem to have a modest rise in the heel and maintain that position around the stroke.
The general idea is to have about a 30 degree bend in the leg at the bottom of the stroke. If you start with a foot that is horizontal with the leg fully extended, it only takes a 2-3cm rise of the heel to produce that 30 degree bend.
Did you notice the high cadences being used in the mountains? I also didn't see people pulling on the bars. Looked like a lot of relaxed upper bodies to me.
The general idea is to have about a 30 degree bend in the leg at the bottom of the stroke. If you start with a foot that is horizontal with the leg fully extended, it only takes a 2-3cm rise of the heel to produce that 30 degree bend.
Did you notice the high cadences being used in the mountains? I also didn't see people pulling on the bars. Looked like a lot of relaxed upper bodies to me.
05-15-09, 07:10 AM
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Good points, and yes I did notice they are spinning up the hills more than mashing. Minimal pulling on the bars. These guys are good!
05-15-09, 08:56 AM
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I noticed this too, especially with Basso. He rides so stoically and fluid, all that moves are his legs and an occasional blink. Levi rides will little upper body movement too. Look at his shoulders even when he stands, they barely twist and he never pulls the bars.
05-15-09, 09:02 AM
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I've always noticed that it appears like the saddles are on the low side, but I've also noticed pictures of riders cornering with the outside leg fully extended and the foot looking relatively horizontal. If the saddle is low, the heel would drop well below horizontal. Another thing you don't see many riders doing is any ankling or dropping of the heel. Most seem to have a modest rise in the heel and maintain that position around the stroke.
The general idea is to have about a 30 degree bend in the leg at the bottom of the stroke. If you start with a foot that is horizontal with the leg fully extended, it only takes a 2-3cm rise of the heel to produce that 30 degree bend.
Did you notice the high cadences being used in the mountains? I also didn't see people pulling on the bars. Looked like a lot of relaxed upper bodies to me.
The general idea is to have about a 30 degree bend in the leg at the bottom of the stroke. If you start with a foot that is horizontal with the leg fully extended, it only takes a 2-3cm rise of the heel to produce that 30 degree bend.
Did you notice the high cadences being used in the mountains? I also didn't see people pulling on the bars. Looked like a lot of relaxed upper bodies to me.
05-15-09, 09:14 AM
#6
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I guess you'll have to watch for someone coasting on a straight with their leg down.
