New skill learned today ...
Mikey23
Posts: 5,306
I still think I'm a relative beginner although I've done about 5k miles in the last year. I've always had a bit of a problem going down on the drops because it felt uncomfortable and a bit scary. So I gave it a go today and it just clicked. It seems a very much more comfy position and it seems easier to steer and to operate the levers as well as the aerodynamic benefits. I may be stating the flipping obvious but I wondered what the general opinion is on different riding positions, when to use etc and whether others have experienced similar issues?
0
Comments
-
I tend to ride on the drops quite a bit as I find it comfortable and get into a rhythm quite easily, but your right it does take time & for it just 'click' once it does though just seems natural.
As for when I guess at lest 50% of my ride as not for climbing & getting out of or into town.Pain hurts much less if its topped off with beating your mates to top of a climb.0 -
Riding in the drops just takes some getting used to. I don't remember ever struggling with it hugely, but that isn't to say that I could ride an alpine descent at 60mph without a care in the world! I do ride in the drops quite a lot, including climbing. I tend to get out of the saddle a lot, and I find it comfortable.
If you haven't already, I recommend getting a set of rollers - riding on them is really good for your balance, and can help you to loosen your upper body; tensing up is quite often what causes the speed wobbles. Doing core exercises will also help with your flexibility.0 -
I've been cycling for years - I had a touring bike with drop handlebars in my teens and twenties and got my road bike 7 years ago.(I still hang out in the beginners forum because I'm slow and sometimes the big boys in the general forum are a bit scary
)
I just started using the drops on saturday - I was a bit apprehensive about using them - I thought it would hurt my back and be hard to control. The only reason I tried was because it was so windy.
Like you I found it was actually ok, I'm really pleased that I have another position now for longer rides.0 -
I started last October, and it was quite a while before I felt safe descending, or indeed braking (even though I can pull a lot harder) in the drops. It all feels a lot different, but as I started to relax, it did get easier. I haven't really got into being out of the saddle and in the drops, I guess that's another thing to gradually get used to.Is the gorilla tired yet?0
-
@ml.. Slow here too. Fast is so yesterday, don't you think?
I think it might have been getting back on 'normal' roads after the brutal climbs and scary descents on potholed and debris strewn country lanes in the coasting in Cornwall sportive. So relaxing to be back to familiar territory.0 -
I would say that I ride in the drops about 98% of the time. It feels more natural and alot safer than on the hoods.
I have however just started using aerobars as want to take part in TTs, if you want scary start using some of these. You cant reach the brakes or gears and you are pretty much steering with your elbows. Ive still not got the courage to use them along the busy road than my local TT uses. Its scary having cars rush by you, giving you about an inch of space.0 -
I did another 30 today and about 95% in the drops. A revolutionary change and totally unexpected. I think it's changed my riding for the better. Power seems more connected, feels safer and more confident, better able to move the bike around, feather the brakes etc and I think even my descending is more confident. Going try it on a longer ride on the Tarka trail tomorrow...0
-
Hi also based in Kernow -land ...let me know what the Tarka trail is likeMikey23 wrote:I did another 30 today and about 95% in the drops. A revolutionary change and totally unexpected. I think it's changed my riding for the better. Power seems more connected, feels safer and more confident, better able to move the bike around, feather the brakes etc and I think even my descending is more confident. Going try it on a longer ride on the Tarka trail tomorrow...0 -
love the tarka, do it about once a week. fully tarmaced from puffing billy at torrington and up to braunton and beyond. a little bumpy but doable on a road bike. lovely variety of scenery, mostly flat, a nice eating stop at fremington near barnstaple. can get a tad busy during the summer but nice riding0
-
I only use the drops for high speed riding. I feel it is far more stable & safe as well as faster.0
-
Just a thought ...
if you're using the drops for >50% of your flat riding then could it be time to lower the bars?0 -
Could be ... Never had a bike fit0
-
Mikey23 wrote:I still think I'm a relative beginner although I've done about 5k miles in the last year. I've always had a bit of a problem going down on the drops because it felt uncomfortable and a bit scary. So I gave it a go today and it just clicked. It seems a very much more comfy position and it seems easier to steer and to operate the levers as well as the aerodynamic benefits. I may be stating the flipping obvious but I wondered what the general opinion is on different riding positions, when to use etc and whether others have experienced similar issues?
When you stated you learned a new skill today I thought you meant pipe welding or wheel building. Basically somethin technical which you could use to get a job in the cycling industry.
Never mind tho what you done is good too in its own way. Nice one old boy.0 -
Thank you chaps...the thought of me doing anything practical would cause some amusement in this household! And although I'm a cantankerous old git in my early 60s I'm still learning. And sorry to keep banging but using the drops has changed my riding experience. It feels more compact, power and weight is better distributed and I think I'm faster and definitely more comfortable. Im even less scared when going downhill fastish which is def a bonus. I suppose if they weren't of some use then they wouldn't be on bikes... And not just somewhere to hang your rhubarb0
