Dealing With A Headwind
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 638
Likes: 22
From: Hawaii
Bikes: 2012 Switch Performance BlackSkin LE Urban, 2013 Leader 725, 1975 Fuji America, 1990 Giant Cadex 980c, 1986 Peugeot PH10LE, 1995 Trek 2120 Carbon ZX
On my single speed I installed mini aerobars for cruising in the wind, doesn't mess with the saddle position or layback. On my roadbike I drop down a gear, hands in drops, chin to stem, elbows 90 degrees.
Or you can just turn around and go the other direction.
Or you can just turn around and go the other direction.
#6
Grumpy Old Bugga
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,229
Likes: 9
From: Adelaide, AUSTRALIA
Bikes: Hillbrick, Malvern Star Oppy S2, Europa (R.I.P.)
It's why I have drop bars. I usually ride on the tops. In a headwind, I go onto the drops, it's like going down a gear. Of course, it doesn't work as well with flat bars (could be interesting for spectators if you tried).
#7
Veteran Racer


Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 11,854
Likes: 913
From: Ciudad de Vacas, Tejas
Bikes: 34 frames + 80 wheels
If it's really windy, as it was today, I just ride my geared bike and shift to the small chainring. I'm not proud.
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What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
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What, Me Worry? - Alfred E. Neuman
I see the light at the end of the tunnel, but the tunnel keeps getting longer - me
Last edited by TejanoTrackie; 10-12-14 at 02:54 PM.
#10
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 129
Likes: 0
#11
THE STUFFED


Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 12,671
Likes: 21
From: San Francisco, CA
Bikes: R. Sachs Simplicity; EAI Bareknuckle; Madone SLR9 Gen 8
I'm afraid you're just going to deal with headwinds and htfu while you're still riding on earth. You could avoid it altogether if you choose to ride in the vacuum of space.
If you're a grade AAA badass you would ride with front and rear disc wheels OP
If you're a grade AAA badass you would ride with front and rear disc wheels OP
#14
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 499
Likes: 89
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '73 Schwinn World Voyageur, '98 Nishiki BSO
I usually go slower... sometimes I pedal harder.
In fact... sometimes I do both of these things simultaneously. Occasionally I add the method of "swearing out loud."
In fact... sometimes I do both of these things simultaneously. Occasionally I add the method of "swearing out loud."
Last edited by clengman; 10-11-14 at 12:06 PM.
#16
Not actually Tmonk




Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 17,229
Likes: 6,028
From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: road, track, mtb
For a given body position, you're actually more aero with your arms on the hoods up top then in the drops. You don't "scoop up" as much air.
The drops are a superior hand position when descending, cornering, sprinting, or to protect them in tight quarters with other riders, so you don't get them hooked and crash. Basically when safety and/or bike handling is the utmost concern. More aero they are not.
The drops are a superior hand position when descending, cornering, sprinting, or to protect them in tight quarters with other riders, so you don't get them hooked and crash. Basically when safety and/or bike handling is the utmost concern. More aero they are not.
__________________
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
#18
Hogosha Sekai

Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 6,674
Likes: 26
From: STS
Bikes: Leader 725, Centurion Turbo, Scwhinn Peloton, Schwinn Premis, GT Tequesta, Bridgestone CB-2,72' Centurion Lemans, 72 Raleigh Competition
Easy solution for me.. I just move my hands out to the end position of my pursuit bullhorns, and magically I'm lower, stretched out and more aero. Road bikes even easier since I can swap gears and grab the drops, the city bike just drop the gear to a lower one and putt putt.
#19
Senior Member

Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 22,676
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From: CID
Bikes: 1991 Bianchi Eros, 1964 Armstrong, 1988 Diamondback Ascent, 1988 Bianchi Premio, 1987 Bianchi Sport SX, 1980s Raleigh mixte (hers), All-City Space Horse (hers)
Headwinds build strength and character. Embrace them.
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
For a given body position, you're actually more aero with your arms on the hoods up top then in the drops. You don't "scoop up" as much air.
The drops are a superior hand position when descending, cornering, sprinting, or to protect them in tight quarters with other riders, so you don't get them hooked and crash. Basically when safety and/or bike handling is the utmost concern. More aero they are not.
The drops are a superior hand position when descending, cornering, sprinting, or to protect them in tight quarters with other riders, so you don't get them hooked and crash. Basically when safety and/or bike handling is the utmost concern. More aero they are not.
If the angle of your torso doesn't change between the hoods and drops then yes, being on the hoods with your arms bent as close to 90 degrees as possible should be more aero.
#21
Not actually Tmonk




Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 17,229
Likes: 6,028
From: San Diego, CA
Bikes: road, track, mtb
also I know these things, because of science, racing, riding with a power meter, racing. and of course, science
__________________
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
"Your beauty is an aeroplane;
so high, my heart cannot bear the strain." -A.C. Jobim, Triste
#25
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 614
Likes: 1
I will add though that being able to get equally low between hoods and drops depends not only on flexibility but on proper fit. If your bars are set too high the drops will provide some aerodynamic advantage.






