Strategies for Combating and Using Wind
#26
#27
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 1,825
Likes: 0
Practice riding in the drops, i.e. on every ride every so often try to spend 5:00 in the drops, then work up to 10 then 15 min etc. When you can comfortably do that for periods at a time, try lowering the bars a spacer or 2. You can also try bending elbows and getting low on the hoods like the pros do:
Want to ride faster? Hunker down on the hoods, say researchers | road.cc
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Want to ride faster? Hunker down on the hoods, say researchers | road.cc
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#28
Passista


Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 8,262
Likes: 1,234
Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
#30
HTFU 
Other than that, I spend a lot more time in the "hunker down in the hoods" position (elbows bent, forearms horizontal to the road) or in the drops/hooks. I also spend a lot more time wearing my "I'm tired" face.
Other than that, I spend a lot more time in the "hunker down in the hoods" position (elbows bent, forearms horizontal to the road) or in the drops/hooks. I also spend a lot more time wearing my "I'm tired" face.
#31
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Madison, WI
Wind is miserable... Intervals are miserable... I have just been killing two birds with one stone on windy days by riding intervals into the wind. I push myself to the max on interval days so wind does not make it any worse.
#33
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 518
Likes: 9
From: Long Beach, CA
Bikes: 2025 Trek Emonda ALR | 2018 Specialized Diverge Expert
This is more psychological, but it helps me: on my Garmin, I have a screen just for use in headwinds that displays all of the data I like to view regularly, except for speed-- I switch to this aforementioned screen when I realize I'm in a headwind. I then pick a heart rate (or power level, if you have a power meter), and just stick to that in the wind. That way I'm not demoralized by looking at the speed on the Garmin.
#34
Blast from the Past

Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3,253
Likes: 89
From: Schertz TX
Bikes: Cervelo Soloist, Felt Breed & a few more
On really windy days if possible plan your ride out into the wind an back with a tailwind. That way if you over cook it a bit into the wind it's not a death march home. And it gives you something to look foreword too as you are grinding it out into the wind.
The suggestion above regarding a screen with no speedo is a really good one. For intervals, and heavy winds I change to a screen with just Time, Power and Cadence (Joule GPS).
The suggestion above regarding a screen with no speedo is a really good one. For intervals, and heavy winds I change to a screen with just Time, Power and Cadence (Joule GPS).
#35
Portland Fred
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,553
Likes: 54
Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid
Also, do not display speed on your computer since what you see can only depress you. Instead, display the odometer since it only gives good news. And ignore the TT suggestions. A decent 'bent is far more aero, much better for distance, and will handle better. This is one of mine...
#37
Seriously, that's your loss. You're on the road forum so the assumption is you have some interest in riding road bikes. We don't wear spandex because it looks fashionable, we wear it because it wicks sweat, minimizes drag, provides padding on the bum, conveniently accessible storage, ect. If you're worried about how other people perceive you were you to wear cycling attire, you're artificially hobbling your enjoyment of the ride IMO. A passing motorist doesn't give a hoot if you're in a loose cotton T and baggy shorts vs. lycra, but your butt certainly notices the difference.
#38
Banned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
Great. With extra color? Haha! :-)
I hear ya. I've now been properly chastised. (hanging my head low)
I hear ya. I've now been properly chastised. (hanging my head low)
#39
#40
^^^ this is where a power meter help! I just maintain a specific power output regardless of speed. Plus it is a mental hurdle as well.
personally I love riding into the wind, get into the drops, keep the cadence high and maintain a certain wattage. On group rides I love pulling into the wind. There is no better feeling than when the group says "slow down you are dropping us".
#41
Banned
Joined: May 2015
Posts: 190
Likes: 1
I'm going to pretend like I didn't see that. Ouch.
#42
The non-cycling jersey cycling jersey: Alexander Julian Power Plaid II Short Sleeve Jersey
Just got mine in the mail yesterday (and I realize I paid $10 more because I missed the sale!)
Just got mine in the mail yesterday (and I realize I paid $10 more because I missed the sale!)
#43
Northern Rider
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 435
Likes: 814
From: Toronto, Ontario
Bikes: 1999 Litespeed Tuscany 105, 2007 Marin Palisades Trail, 2006 Burley Duet tandem
Ride early in the morning - often the wind doesn't pick up until 9-10.00. Make sure the wind is behind you on the homeward leg.






