riding with forearms on top of bars
08-03-06, 12:00 PM
#28
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I saw this dude doing it on a MTB during my oppressive heat ride today in PP. Looks cool??? The problem is that there is a lack of leverage that you can gain by using an actual aerobar. If you frequently have to pull the handle bar to get more power down to your pedals, that position would make you slower.
Originally Posted by timmhaan
anyone ride like this? i've been working on it, and although it's a bit strange at first, i think i like it. my cadence seems to pick up when i get into position and it feels pretty good although not exactly the most stable position. anyone have an tips on riding in this position.
this is what i'm talking about:
[edit] one big problem i have is sweat on my forearms making the contact area slick.
this is what i'm talking about:
[edit] one big problem i have is sweat on my forearms making the contact area slick.
08-03-06, 12:12 PM
#30
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Originally Posted by R600DuraAce
The problem is that there is a lack of leverage that you can gain by using an actual aerobar. If you frequently have to pull the handle bar to get more power down to your pedals, that position would make you slower.
08-03-06, 12:31 PM
#31
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Originally Posted by timmhaan
yeah, it's a definite tradeoff. the 'pulling up' factor is a big one. i can't yet determine how much being "narrow" increases my speed as opposed to just getting in the drops. seems about the same to tell you the truth. i wish i had access to a wind tunnel.
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08-03-06, 02:24 PM
#32
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I too enjoy riding in that position, but have also had problems with sweat making things slick (on cork tape). Are the flying STI cables really that much of a help for this position?
You might try switching to a synthetic tape, such as Salsa Goma or that Rav X stitched stuff. Supposedly it grips better when wet or sweaty than cork.
If that doesn't work, I second the recommendation of placing your hands on the tops right up next to the stem. You can drop your elbows to almost 90 degrees and get really low and narrow while still keeping decent control.
You might try switching to a synthetic tape, such as Salsa Goma or that Rav X stitched stuff. Supposedly it grips better when wet or sweaty than cork.
If that doesn't work, I second the recommendation of placing your hands on the tops right up next to the stem. You can drop your elbows to almost 90 degrees and get really low and narrow while still keeping decent control.
08-03-06, 02:49 PM
#33
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Originally Posted by botto
One reason to avoid a group ride in Tallahassee
08-03-06, 03:12 PM
#34
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one advantage of Shimano. Holding on to the cables adds a little stability.
08-03-06, 03:46 PM
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I ride with my forearms on the tops when I am tired sometimes and it is a straight rode. It may not be the most comfortable position on the bike, but by the time I find myself in that position I have already been suffering for awhile so comfort doesn't really matter.
08-03-06, 07:10 PM
#36
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It's much easier on the K-wing flat top bars. I use it on almost every ride, especially solo. Seems to help if for no other reason than to give me another position. Definitely takes getting used to, overlapping or interlocking my hands seems to keep my elbows much steadier.
08-03-06, 07:29 PM
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Hey, is that pic from that Stage in the Vuelta that Dave Z won on a long long solo break?
Tip: if you ride shimano, you can hold onto the cables that come out of your hoods, near the hoods for a little extra control while you practice
Tip: if you ride shimano, you can hold onto the cables that come out of your hoods, near the hoods for a little extra control while you practice
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08-03-06, 07:31 PM
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Originally Posted by Smoothie104
Hey, is that pic from that Stage in the Vuelta that Dave Z won on a long long solo break?
08-03-06, 08:23 PM
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I've tried it but alas! my bike got very twitchy, almost lost control of the bike and fell, won't attempt it anymore.
Corsaire
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08-03-06, 08:36 PM
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I used to ride my mountain bike like that. Only my elbows were alot closer to the bar than my wrists. The paint eventually wore off from sweat. Very nice aero positioning. Control is indeed a problem but after a few hundred miles it is not bad. If anyone is feeling ballsy try holding your top tube with both hands if your need some serious pushing power.
08-03-06, 09:56 PM
#41
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by Cypress
Only when headwinds becomes unbearable.
I find it's only comfortable when I'm really putting down some power, like within 5 beats of AT. At that level, my arms are carrying much less weight due to all the force going down into the pedal stroke.
08-03-06, 10:02 PM
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It also looks like sort of a resting position while on a long stage ride.
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08-04-06, 08:51 AM
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Originally Posted by Smoothie104
Hey, is that pic from that Stage in the Vuelta that Dave Z won on a long long solo break?
08-09-06, 10:56 AM
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Whenever I'm at the front of the pack. If you are feeling unstable or uncomfortable, it's because you are putting to much weight through the bars. That is because your bars are too low, or you are not flexible enough.
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08-10-06, 07:38 AM
#46
Making a kilometer blurry
Originally Posted by EURO
Whenever I'm at the front of the pack. If you are feeling unstable or uncomfortable, it's because you are putting to much weight through the bars. That is because your bars are too low, or you are not flexible enough.
08-10-06, 08:46 AM
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08-10-06, 09:27 AM
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Originally Posted by Smoothie104
Hey, is that pic from that Stage in the Vuelta that Dave Z won on a long long solo break?
Tip: if you ride shimano, you can hold onto the cables that come out of your hoods, near the hoods for a little extra control while you practice
Tip: if you ride shimano, you can hold onto the cables that come out of your hoods, near the hoods for a little extra control while you practice
I bet if you created a relatively flat bit of CF covering the cables and running between each brifter there'd be almost no increase in air resistance, but you'd get something to hold onto. Would that be legal?
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