When do you go down?

ince

.... and how long do you stay there.

I am refering to moving on to the drops. :P

What speed to you tend to be going when you think, right time to move down and then as and when the speed drops do you move back up? Or do you stay down all the time.

Over the past few weeks I have strated to increase the distance I am covering and in doing so have moved away from my flat commute. Down the hills I was moving to the drops and on the flat once above 20 - 22mph. Once my speed drops to below 20mph or my body gives out I will move back.

Is there an optimum speed for being on the drops and that any thing below this speed makes little or no diffrence. (on the flat still air - real world senario)

Mark

gtvlusso

Sprinting or downhill - but mostly, I am a "!hoods" man.....Depends on load in my bag on my back.
Same on training rides though - Sprints (when sprint training) or downhill when it is not too sketchy!

Rich158

I tend to use them very rarely, maybe only on very steep descents where I want to make better use of the extra leverage on the brakes rather than get into a more aero position.

Yesterdays ride was a bit of a lesson in this, riding with the pro guys, they all seemed to have different techniques, some stayed on the hoods, and others were constantly moving arround the bars, although they all kept up the same pace. I guess the lesson from this is it's a matter of personal preference, although I'm willing to bet they hit the drops in a group sprint.

craker

Can you sprint from the drops? I suppose you in end up gripping the straight bit of the bars nearest the ends?


I've just fitted new forks with 20mm stack underneath the handlebar clamp (previously 5mm) and I can finally use the drops, especially to get at the brakes where the leverage is better. It is a bit uncomfortable putting power down though, my saddle is slightly nose up which I like for all other riding positions.

So, downhill / high speed for short distances but maybe if I had another go at my bike setup I'd be happier on the drops for longer.

will3

I go down whenever I'm feeling in the groove.

It's faster, and just takes a bit of getting used to.

Rich158

mr_si wrote:

Can you sprint from the drops? I suppose you in end up gripping the straight bit of the bars nearest the ends?


I've just fitted new forks with 20mm stack underneath the handlebar clamp (previously 5mm) and I can finally use the drops, especially to get at the brakes where the leverage is better. It is a bit uncomfortable putting power down though, my saddle is slightly nose up which I like for all other riding positions.

So, downhill / high speed for short distances but maybe if I had another go at my bike setup I'd be happier on the drops for longer.

It took me a while to get it right, i found I always had the hoods rotated too far forward which put my wrist into an unatural position. i'd get your saddle level or slightly nose down for anything, nose up will put preassure in all the wrong places :shock:

jonginge

mr_si wrote:

Can you sprint from the drops? I suppose you in end up gripping the straight bit of the bars nearest the ends?


I've just fitted new forks with 20mm stack underneath the handlebar clamp (previously 5mm) and I can finally use the drops, especially to get at the brakes where the leverage is better. It is a bit uncomfortable putting power down though, my saddle is slightly nose up which I like for all other riding positions.

So, downhill / high speed for short distances but maybe if I had another go at my bike setup I'd be happier on the drops for longer.

You sure can: http://www.cyclingnews.com/photos/2009/ ... IC13736915

Similar to others above I rarely use the drops. Mostly it is on descents where it lowers your centre of gravity and increases the stability of the bike. It also makes braking more effective (more weight over the front wheel) and controllable. I'm mostly on the hoods, though

Saddle, in most cases, should be level. Pointing up means pressure when leaning forward. Pointing down means your hips rotate and you slide forward, again leading to pressure in the wrong place (ask Attica)

cjcp

Sprinting or sometimes when going uphill.

Riding on the hoods as opposed to the drops reduces the frontal area.

prawny

I get on to the drops on long drags into a headwind, or on long flat sections when I feel like getting some speed up, or coming downhill.

I've flipped the flop of my stem so my hoods position isn't that aero and getting to the drops is easy.

roger_merriman

i don't use the drops much, mainly for hiding from the wind or getting some speed on. most of the time i cruise on the drops/tops.

i have strong hands and with a MTB background if a hill is very steep i tend to use the hoods as the drops means i'm not happy with the amount of weight on the front, with regard to endo.

Eau Rouge

As others have said, I use the drops when decending steep or twisty roads, I feel more in control of the bike from there. I also use them when faced with a big headwind, just to get out of the air.
Other than that it's the hoods, though I seem to have two positions there, one right forward, and one slightly further back for whem I'm really cruising.
I use the tops to grind, usually up-hill (mixed with hood-out-of-the-saddle bits) or just when I'm tired.

lost_in_thought

I went into the drops for what must be the first time in a year or so on a descent yesterday, 'tapped' the brakes and nearly sent myself over the bars! I'm a hoods girl myself, I can get a pretty decent aero position with some wrist contortion, which is what I tend to do when sprinting rather than going into the drops.

hisoka

My bike doesn't have drops, busy using a touring/trekking handlebar which is just plain cool/weird (depending on your viewpoint).
But I change hand position on open easy to see decents mostly, or long open flat roads where i can use the side position without fear of needing rapid braking.

jonginge

lost_in_thought wrote:

I went into the drops for what must be the first time in a year or so on a descent yesterday, 'tapped' the brakes and nearly sent myself over the bars! I'm a hoods girl myself, I can get a pretty decent aero position with some wrist contortion, which is what I tend to do when sprinting rather than going into the drops.

To be fair those Record double pivots are probably a wee bit better than any road brakes you've used before. I had a similar adjustment period when I got my DA brakes but very useful on approaches to hairpins

roger_merriman

JonGinge wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

I went into the drops for what must be the first time in a year or so on a descent yesterday, 'tapped' the brakes and nearly sent myself over the bars! I'm a hoods girl myself, I can get a pretty decent aero position with some wrist contortion, which is what I tend to do when sprinting rather than going into the drops.

To be fair those Record double pivots are probably a wee bit better than any road brakes you've used before. I had a similar adjustment period when I got my DA brakes but very useful on approaches to hairpins

thats a point if i haven't used the MTB for a while always a good idea to give the brakes a quick jab to remind one self, big disks they stop big time....

always_tyred

Oh, I always wondered what the curly bits on the bottom of the bars was for.

(i.e. I don't use them very often- only when attempting to top 80kph on a "jesus" descent....although its not even the most aero position for that either).

cjcp

Always Tyred wrote:

Oh, I always wondered what the curly bits on the bottom of the bars was for.

(i.e. I don't use them very often- only when attempting to top 80kph on a "jesus" descent....although its not even the most aero position for that either).

always_tyred

cjcp wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Oh, I always wondered what the curly bits on the bottom of the bars was for.

(i.e. I don't use them very often- only when attempting to top 80kph on a "jesus" descent....although its not even the most aero position for that either).

Exactly. Isn't there a position where they actually sit under the saddle on the top tube with elbows by the head tube and hands next to the stem? Other than turning the forks around, I can't imagine anything less stable.

EDIT: I would NEVER try anything so stupid. :oops:

lost_in_thought

Holy moly!

I suppose on a proper race you don't need to brake for oncoming vehicles etc... :shock:

cjcp

[quote="Always Tyred"
Exactly. Isn't there a position where they actually sit under the saddle on the top tube with elbows by the head tube and hands next to the stem? Other than turning the forks around, I can't imagine anything less stable.
[/quote]

Yep. See Linus Gerdemann, TDF 2007. I looked for a picture, although not very hard.

cjcp

lost_in_thought wrote:

Holy moly!

I suppose on a proper race you don't need to brake for oncoming vehicles etc... :shock:

Roads are closed. Which is handy at that speed. The only thing you need to keep an eye out for are cliffs, ravines...

biondino

Always Tyred wrote:

Exactly. Isn't there a position where they actually sit under the saddle on the top tube with elbows by the head tube and hands next to the stem? Other than turning the forks around, I can't imagine anything less stable.

EDIT: I would NEVER try anything so stupid. :oops:

I am really cautious on my bike but I have tried this position and it's much more stable than it sounds. And quick, too. Not that this is a recommendation, Bikeradar lawyers.

I use the drops when it's very windy, or when my hands ache, or occasionally to prove I have a big penis while descending.

greg66_tri_v2.0

gtvlusso wrote:

Sprinting or downhill - but mostly, I am a "!hoods" man.....Depends on load in my bag on my back.
Same on training rides though - Sprints (when sprint training) or downhill when it is not too sketchy!

Ditto.

Fast downhill on the drops, ever since I realised (almost the hard way) that hitting a bump in the road at speed can make your hand hand slip forward off the hood. Not something I like to think about.

Bit harder to be forced forward out of the drop. More thumb purchase.

Feltup

Greg66 wrote:

gtvlusso wrote:

Sprinting or downhill - but mostly, I am a "!hoods" man.....Depends on load in my bag on my back.
Same on training rides though - Sprints (when sprint training) or downhill when it is not too sketchy!

Ditto.

Fast downhill on the drops, ever since I realised (almost the hard way) that hitting a bump in the road at speed can make your hand hand slip forward off the hood. Not something I like to think about.

Bit harder to be forced forward out of the drop. More thumb purchase.

The one benefit of my dura-ace levers is that I can hook my thumb under the gear cable when riding on the hoods. It has saved me from the high speed bump scare you refer to. :shock:

c12345

I'm starting to feel a little unloved. I spend most of my time on the drops, and only really come up for junctions. Oddly, I've also got a 400mm seatpost on max, and no spacers under my 130mm stem.

The most likely explanation is that my bike is too small ??

will3

cjcp wrote:

Always Tyred wrote:

Oh, I always wondered what the curly bits on the bottom of the bars was for.

(i.e. I don't use them very often- only when attempting to top 80kph on a "jesus" descent....although its not even the most aero position for that either).

You'd think if he was that into getting an aero position, he'd get his number pinned on more securely

biondino

That's the pocket for his EPO - he has to keep it cold, apparently.

symo

I tried doing what Mr Boardman suggests and on the flats when I am cranking along in top gear I am on the drops tucked in, and I do believe there is a difference as it takes a lot less effort especially into a headwind.

el_presidente

lost_in_thought wrote:

Holy moly!

I suppose on a proper race you don't need to brake for oncoming vehicles etc... :shock:

yeah - but notice in the main pic for the approach to the hairpin he is back up on the saddle and braking on the hoods

symo

el_presidente wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Holy moly!

I suppose on a proper race you don't need to brake for oncoming vehicles etc... :shock:

yeah - but notice in the main pic for the approach to the hairpin he is back up on the saddle and braking on the hoods

What a wuss. He needs a dose of SCR MTFU.

Eau Rouge

symo wrote:

el_presidente wrote:

lost_in_thought wrote:

Holy moly!

I suppose on a proper race you don't need to brake for oncoming vehicles etc... :shock:

yeah - but notice in the main pic for the approach to the hairpin he is back up on the saddle and braking on the hoods

What a wuss. He needs a dose of SCR MTFU.

He had plenty enough "doses" as it was....