Hips wobbling on the drops

Dan Ingram

I've been trying to ride a bit more with my hands on the drops recently in an attempt to get more comfortable with it. If I try and keep my cadence up while i'm on the drops my backside is wobbling all over the place. If i put it in a big gear and mash the pedals its not a problem and if I spin with my hands on the hoods then its also fine. Is it down to my position on the bike or is it my technique that just needs some more practice?

neilo23

A bit of wobble is normal at high cadences, especially for beginners. What kind of cadences are you talking about?
Try riding on the flat in a small gear (hands on hoods) and riding at 100 rpm for 30 seconds, Then try 110 for 30. Then 120. As soon as you feel yourself "bouncing" decrease the revs (or step up a gear) and concentrate on keeping a smooth peddling action and keeping still on the saddle.

For a beginner 90 rpm will seem very fast, but as you progress this should become natural.

Dan Ingram

I'm not sure what cadence I'm doing really as I don't have anything to monitor it. I'll have to try counting it. Is it something that can be improved with practice?

neilo23

You don't need a fancy cadence monitor. Just look at your watch, count how many revs you do in a minute and multiply by 4. That is your cadence. Aim for somewhere between 85 and 95 (my opinion). IWhen I started my caence was about 80 rpm. Now it's about 95 on average. The guys on the track can go a lot faster without bouncing, but they are pros.

neilo23

Sorry, I meant count how many revs you do in 15 seconds and multiply by 4

Dan Ingram

Ok thanks I'll give it a go and see what I'm doing