Hand position on drop bars?
11-23-18 | 07:50 PM
#26
Me duelen las nalgas
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,519
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas
Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel
Mostly hoods.
Drops on downhills and fast curves. Mostly for better control and emergency braking (lots of deer and other critters where I ride).
Tops with hands near the stem on slow grinding climbs, especially into the wind.
I've tried the theory that the hoods are as aero as the drops, maybe more so, when keeping the forearms as parallel as possible to the ground. Seems to work. So I use that on flats and moderate downhills into the wind too. Easier on my back and neck too. At 61 with several old back and neck injuries, it's more comfortable and still reasonably aero. Works even better with the more ergonomically friendly handlebars and extended hoods/grips.
Drops on downhills and fast curves. Mostly for better control and emergency braking (lots of deer and other critters where I ride).
Tops with hands near the stem on slow grinding climbs, especially into the wind.
I've tried the theory that the hoods are as aero as the drops, maybe more so, when keeping the forearms as parallel as possible to the ground. Seems to work. So I use that on flats and moderate downhills into the wind too. Easier on my back and neck too. At 61 with several old back and neck injuries, it's more comfortable and still reasonably aero. Works even better with the more ergonomically friendly handlebars and extended hoods/grips.
11-24-18 | 01:53 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
I spend about 1% of my time on the drops. The rest of the time is split on the tops, bends and hoods, moving my hands around frequently. I was thinking about this the other day while riding and thought that I should be riding my bike that has bullhorn bars more.
Last edited by cyclist2000; 11-24-18 at 01:58 AM.
11-25-18 | 10:11 PM
#32
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 3,047
Likes: 302
From: location location
Bikes: MBK Super Mirage 1991, CAAD10, Yuba Mundo Lux, and a Cannondale Criterium Single Speed
My single speed has bullhorns. Trust me, you'll miss them that 1% of the time.
11-26-18 | 12:52 PM
#33
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2017
Posts: 2,248
Likes: 845
From: Los Angeles, CA
Bikes: 1964 Legnano Roma Olympiade, 1973 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Raleigh Super Course, 1978 Peugeot PR10, 2002 Specialized Allez, 2007 Specialized Roubaix, 2013 Culprit Croz Blade
90% hoods. On my vintage bikes, the brakes aren't very effective from the hoods, and the drops aren't as deep, so I spend more time in the drops. My old Raleigh, built from a found frame and a buffet of used parts is my most comfortable bike in the drops. Feels like it was custom made for me. I'm still trying to dial in my Peugeot. It feels better on the hoods, but the Mafac brakes don't feel too effictive from the hoods, so I'm trying to get into the drops more. The Peogeot has a wierd slope from the horizontal to the bend, so the standard bars aren't as easy to deal with.
When the tops and hoods feel right, the horizontal drops are angled down too much.
The Raleigh is just right on hoods or drops,
When the tops and hoods feel right, the horizontal drops are angled down too much.
The Raleigh is just right on hoods or drops,
Last edited by Slightspeed; 11-26-18 at 01:00 PM.
11-26-18 | 01:16 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 1,717
Likes: 155
From: SW Florida
Bikes: '06 Bianchi Pista; '57 Maclean; '10 Scott CR1 Pro; 2005 Trek 2000 Tandem; '09 Comotion Macchiato Tandem; 199? Novara Road; '17 Circe Helios e-tandem:1994 Trek 2300
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