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Looking to improve my cycling technique
Ron99
Posts: 237
in General Chat
Might be a bit of a broad question, but does anyone have any quick tips on improving cycling position and overall technique?
I have a road bike (no tri bars) that has been fitted for me, and I have been working on my pedaling, trying to make sure and develop power though the whole pedal stroke i.e. push and pull, most power about the 5 o clock position. I also keep my cadence high (between 80-100) as much as possible.
One thing I am concious of is getting lower - I tend to ride with my hands on the hoods as it's more comfortable, but with a wide grip and relatively high shoulders, my arms and chest must be acting like a parachute. Should I be in the drops as much as possible or only when decending/pushing hard? Any other technique pointers?
I have a road bike (no tri bars) that has been fitted for me, and I have been working on my pedaling, trying to make sure and develop power though the whole pedal stroke i.e. push and pull, most power about the 5 o clock position. I also keep my cadence high (between 80-100) as much as possible.
One thing I am concious of is getting lower - I tend to ride with my hands on the hoods as it's more comfortable, but with a wide grip and relatively high shoulders, my arms and chest must be acting like a parachute. Should I be in the drops as much as possible or only when decending/pushing hard? Any other technique pointers?
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There have been a few threads recently on this so might be worth search. I posted one a while back but it more based on the turbo.
I had a similar prob to you in that I used the brake hoods. I've been working on getting aero as much of the time as I can and when not aero using the drop bars and not the brake hoods like I used to.
When I'm going up hills, I always stay on the drop bars and keep myself seated at all times ( unless its a mega hill). Then on the long straights and downhills I drop to the aero bars.
What I can say since doing that, I've taken a good deal of time (10mins) of my 20k training route that its really hilly and technical. When I first started it took me 50mins and I'm now down to 40mins and I know within myself I can do better.
As I say I don't know about others but getting as low as you can and as often as you can has worked a treat for me.
Also may be worthwhile in looking at some tri bars. You can pick up some good ones for not a lot of cash.
Regards
S11
If its bending your body forward that's uncomfortable, then look into working on increasing your flexibility and core control. Holding yourself up with your abs for a while is not so bad after you work up to it. Letting your upper back do the work is possibly why you're not comfortable on the drops. Maybe, or maybe not. I might've just made this up.
Not sure I understand - you mean apply more of the power in the stroke at the 3 and 9 o clock positions?