I have found that for sprinting, my optimal position is not completely standing, but lifting my butt above the saddle about 6 inches. Anyone else found this to be true?

When in an accelerating sprint, like out of a corner in a high level road race, I find that too. But when it is a final sprint and I am maxing out at 60kmh and over 170rpm I find I can get better leg speed and top end acceleration by staying seated?

Brendon

Most pro sprinters appear to have their butts just off and in front of the seat. I think it's because you can get the most power from your legs whilst still having a good degree of control.

Hey Brendon, are you in an aero tuck when you are sprinting as well? Seems that may give you a bit of an advantage over someone that is out of the seat.

For the initial explosion of power and speed i am on the hoods and usually just about screaming with effort, then bang im on the saddle and down on the drops. From there I will either spin out that gear, or I will snatch another gear (get up to a 53x14 some times) and get out of the saddle while in the drops, then settle back in (I use this more when it is a sustained sprint, say chasing down another rider at 55kmh+

Brendon

I don't sprint much, but this is how I natuarally seem to sprint. The problem is that my cadence slows way down and I end up pushing a 53x12 or something. I am working on just trying to just sit and spin a lower gear much faster. I think ultimately it will be more productive.

Cool. Thanks for sharing that. Sprinting is one of the things I am working on when I go out for interval training. I was sprinting out of the saddle. That is why I was asking. I think I'll try the way you described and see how it works for me.

Thanks again.
Bob