Originally Posted by
DaveWC
I read this thread to be about using core exercises to help with cycling. Nowhere do I read, nor do I believe, that a strong core alone will make you a stronger cyclist. There are many things that go into being a strong cyclist, including your core. If you don't believe that core exercises will help you then this thread is not for you.
Ok, then we def disagree.
I firmly do NOT believe that core, as measured by ability to do deadlifts, pullups, situpos, etc., have ANY bearing on nearly all of cycling (sprint are the exception). I am well aware of a lot of articles, some of by good cycling coaches that recommend core, but I disagree with them.
The only exceptions I'd make to that are for pure sprinters that make a living off sprinting, or track cyclists who need that high-power start. But for 99.9% of everyone else, and 100% of all nonracing cyclists, core is irrelevant imo.
I believe that the core you need for the bike (including sprinting) is bike-specific. You're not going to build it from lifts, pullups, squats, etc.
ANd in terms of the specific issue I was mentioning, which was back pain after long multihour rides for beginners or folks that haven't trained to that distance, I still stand by my assertion that NO amount of core workouts you do will better that pain. You can deadlift until you're blue in the face, and you'll still have back pain at 4 hrs of cycling if you're never bike training.