Pro peloton saddle position

Elfed

I noticed whilst watching the Giro that most of the riders sit on the front of the saddle, with quite a bit showing at the rear, up to 3" on some.

Anyone know the reason?

Grill

Are you talking about today? If so you should realise that a TT position is completely different than a road position and perching opens the hip angle when in an aero position.

Also, UCI regs dictate how close the nose of the saddle can be in regards to BB.

dilatory

I noticed a bunch are using the Arione too, which always seems to stick out at the back due to it's shape.

Elfed

No, not a TT bike, just on the road bikes.

Maybe it's me that tends to sit too far back on the saddle as I haven't got much saddle protruding.

I was thinking it could be a leg strength/stamina thing with not much weight being on the saddle, probably very wrong though.

Party Weirdo

I'm guessing the illusion is the product of the pro's riding with a lower front end which changes the shape of your bum on the saddle compared to the more relaxed setup on most enthusiasts bikes. They will be using the same sit bones, just they'll have a bit less 'padding' on show ...

Elfed

Party Weirdo wrote:

I'm guessing the illusion is the product of the pro's riding with a lower front end which changes the shape of your bum on the saddle compared to the more relaxed setup on most enthusiasts bikes. They will be using the same sit bones, just they'll have a bit less 'padding' on show ...

That makes a lot of sense, wish I was that flexible.

Matthewfalle

Riding and yoga will do the job nicely.

BrandonA

If I'm feeling tired I may adjust my position and this could include moving forward on the saddle. Even moving an inch or two can result in different muscles being worked so it can assist in performance

Serious Cat

I had noticed pro riders sitting very forward on their saddles even whilst racing on level ground, is this to work different muscle groups and give others a rest ?

styxd

It's called being "on the rivet" - usually happens in the drops when you're riding as hard as you can. Not everyone does it (Chris Froome for example) whereas others do it often (Contador). Could be to do with pedalling style, or poor bike setup. Contador's bike often looks a bit long for him, I think he purposefully uses a long stem to give him a bit of extra room for his out of the saddle climbing style.

supermurph09

I noticed Wiggins doing this the other day and thought the same, wasnt sure if it was just a position he naturally adopts on the road bike given his TT prowess.

FlacVest

styxd wrote:

It's called being "on the rivet" - usually happens in the drops when you're riding as hard as you can. Not everyone does it (Chris Froome for example) whereas others do it often (Contador). Could be to do with pedalling style, or poor bike setup. Contador's bike often looks a bit long for him, I think he purposefully uses a long stem to give him a bit of extra room for his out of the saddle climbing style.

Right. In going from the hoods to the drops, you have to rotate your entire body forwards; scooting up allows you to do that more easily.

And just a tid-bit for the others; the saddle used to have a rivet on the front to hold it together; hence the saying. I think Sean Kelley said this during a stage.

lawrences

Matthewfalle wrote:

Riding and yoga will do the job nicely.

Why is stretching now called Yoga?

charlie_potatoes

lawrences wrote:

Matthewfalle wrote:

Riding and yoga will do the job nicely.

Why is stretching now called Yoga?

It's named after the bear.
I think, but don't quote me on this, that it is to do with the fact that a talking bear is 'stretching' the truth a little.