Adapting to getting older
#51
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#52
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In addition to trying a taller rise stem (I like the Nitto Tallux from Rivendell - tall like a Technomic, but a nicer finish), perhaps also go a size shorter in the reach. This will bring the bars closer to you, which reduces the amount you lean Yes, raising the stem shortens the effective reach some, but a bit more shortening might be helpful. I've had to go this route, as my neck simply will not tolerate lower bars, especially lower drops, for more than about 30 seconds to a minute. As a result, 90% of my time is either on the hoods or on the tops when riding on flats or climbing and close o 100% on the hoods when descending.
In any event, I suggest trying the taller rise and/or shorter reach stem before giving up on the drop bars. I'm also a fan of the Nitto Noddle bar (also available from Rivendell) for the slight bend back of the flats and the flat ramp behind the brake levers. You might try those if you try a Tallux or other tall stem.
In any event, I suggest trying the taller rise and/or shorter reach stem before giving up on the drop bars. I'm also a fan of the Nitto Noddle bar (also available from Rivendell) for the slight bend back of the flats and the flat ramp behind the brake levers. You might try those if you try a Tallux or other tall stem.
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#53
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I've had to go this route, as my neck simply will not tolerate lower bars, especially lower drops, for more than about 30 seconds to a minute. As a result, 90% of my time is either on the hoods or on the tops when riding on flats or climbing and close [t]o 100% on the hoods when descending.
I see people descending on their hoods all the time, but not one of them is descending well.
#54
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Pro racers are going for speed and not efficient use of energy of which they have plenty to spare. Watch film of the riders going up a grade and seldom will you see them out of the saddle unless breaking away from the group near the end of the stage. The best mountain riders will be in the saddle as they do not waste energy supporting themselves and can be more balanced on the bike.
I can stand up to pedal up a hill but I know that I am expending much more energy than if I am seated on the saddle and using a lower gear. The lower gear also allows for a higher cadence, though not nearly as high as pro racers commonly use.
I can stand up to pedal up a hill but I know that I am expending much more energy than if I am seated on the saddle and using a lower gear. The lower gear also allows for a higher cadence, though not nearly as high as pro racers commonly use.
#55
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I have gotten older, near 70, and can no longer handle the drop down bars on my roadbike. It is a bridgestone rb2 from around 1992 and i would hate to get rid of it if i could find a way to keep it. I would have to adapt it to straight mountain/rec bars to continue riding it but dont know if it possible or worth it. Any thoughts?
#56
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Pro racers are going for speed and not efficient use of energy of which they have plenty to spare. Watch film of the riders going up a grade and seldom will you see them out of the saddle unless breaking away from the group near the end of the stage. The best mountain riders will be in the saddle as they do not waste energy supporting themselves and can be more balanced on the bike.
I can stand up to pedal up a hill but I know that I am expending much more energy than if I am seated on the saddle and using a lower gear. The lower gear also allows for a higher cadence, though not nearly as high as pro racers commonly use.
I can stand up to pedal up a hill but I know that I am expending much more energy than if I am seated on the saddle and using a lower gear. The lower gear also allows for a higher cadence, though not nearly as high as pro racers commonly use.
Even avid amateurs aren’t expending that much more energy when out of the saddle.
You may think you're working much harder when out of the saddle, but unless you've also sped up, your not working much harder.
Last edited by terrymorse; 03-05-24 at 05:57 PM.
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#57
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I find it depends on the person and training. Personally I always expend a ton of energy out of the saddle, but even when I am lighter I am close to or at Clydesdale territory. Most of the people I know who were avid out of the saddle climbers were fit/lean or just light. I tend to have steel knees due to my weightlifting training so I can push a decent gear at slow rpm up a climb. Although half of that is due to my long periods of single speed riding.
#58
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Guilty as charged, your Honor. I have descended to descending on the tops. However there are a couple of downhill PRs I might better if I lower myself to your level.
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With a few exceptions, pro cyclists are as energetically efficient in or out of the saddle. Some of the best climbers (Pantani, Contador) spent much of their time out of the saddle.
Even avid amateurs aren’t expending that much more energy when out of the saddle.
You may think you're working much harder when out of the saddle, but unless you've also sped up, your not working much harder.
Even avid amateurs aren’t expending that much more energy when out of the saddle.
You may think you're working much harder when out of the saddle, but unless you've also sped up, your not working much harder.
Lately, though, I've been working on keeping my power under 300w when out of hte saddle, doing climbs on Zwift. Still doesn't feel natural, but I'm working on it.
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Ya do what ya have to do in order to ride.
For me it was switching over to Bull Horn bars. I use friction shifters on the stem or down tube so it was no problem. If you are still using the down tube shifters on the RB2 it could be an easy transition. Another thing is Lowering your seat a tiny bit and raising your bars up about 2cm.
Of course ya could just tilt the bars up like the stooges used to in the 70's. Remember those guys?
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q...sing-drop-bars
For me it was switching over to Bull Horn bars. I use friction shifters on the stem or down tube so it was no problem. If you are still using the down tube shifters on the RB2 it could be an easy transition. Another thing is Lowering your seat a tiny bit and raising your bars up about 2cm.
Of course ya could just tilt the bars up like the stooges used to in the 70's. Remember those guys?
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q...sing-drop-bars
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#61
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With a few exceptions, pro cyclists are as energetically efficient in or out of the saddle. Some of the best climbers (Pantani, Contador) spent much of their time out of the saddle.
Even avid amateurs aren’t expending that much more energy when out of the saddle.
You may think you're working much harder when out of the saddle, but unless you've also sped up, your not working much harder.
Even avid amateurs aren’t expending that much more energy when out of the saddle.
You may think you're working much harder when out of the saddle, but unless you've also sped up, your not working much harder.
A few years ago, I did a tour in France with a lot of climbing and then went to the track. I sucked at higher cadence and lower position. But a couple of times at the track and I was okay.
IMO, time in the saddle in the most efficient posture and cadence for the terrain matters a lot. Ride what is comfortable and ride a lot. YMMV.
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#62
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Prove me wrong, but the OP appears to be a one and done. Info overload?
Never have even considered climbing using the drops, even when windy. Don’t know if there would be chest compression in that position, but the pirate (and his doping) seems to make it work. The only time I use the drops is either in a significant headwind or when hitting 18-20 MPH on the flats. Will try descending that way but will take time to get used to.
Never have even considered climbing using the drops, even when windy. Don’t know if there would be chest compression in that position, but the pirate (and his doping) seems to make it work. The only time I use the drops is either in a significant headwind or when hitting 18-20 MPH on the flats. Will try descending that way but will take time to get used to.
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Prove me wrong, but the OP appears to be a one and done. Info overload?
Never have even considered climbing using the drops, even when windy. Don’t know if there would be chest compression in that position, but the pirate (and his doping) seems to make it work. The only time I use the drops is either in a significant headwind or when hitting 18-20 MPH on the flats. Will try descending that way but will take time to get used to.
Never have even considered climbing using the drops, even when windy. Don’t know if there would be chest compression in that position, but the pirate (and his doping) seems to make it work. The only time I use the drops is either in a significant headwind or when hitting 18-20 MPH on the flats. Will try descending that way but will take time to get used to.
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#64
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#65
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Is it just the angle? Or does Lance look a lot farther forward relative to the bike than Pantani?
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#66
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#67
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[/QUOTE]
Does not Pantani's position require more arm muscle engagement which can lead to earlier fatigue -- straight arms is more relaxing for me
#69
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Pantani's position in that photo is not his usual. This is more usual: Pantani favored small frames with little reach. Note the toe overlap.
This still is from a video, here:
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