Handlebars - hand position
1964johnr
Posts: 179
I prefer old style handlebars with 100mm reach and in excess of 140mm on the drop. My hand position is on the bars behind the hoods. I noticed watching the tour of Dubai that all of the pros race with their hands on the hoods and seem to prefer more compact handlebars with a shorter reach and drop. Just wondering if I am the only one with the alternative hand position behind the hoods on the bars.
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1964johnr wrote:I noticed watching the tour of Dubai that all of the pros race with their hands on the hoods and seem to prefer more compact handlebars with a shorter reach and drop.
That's quite an assumption to make after watching a bit of footage on TV. I suspect it depends more on the circumstances at the time, and the rider's individual preference..0 -
Nothing wrong with it if it works for you.
Pros riding in a bunch need to have their brakes covered at all times so they generally won't be back from the hoods or on the tops.0 -
I read not so long ago a test of which is more aero, drops or hoods . Lots of different positions, some work well for others, all depending on if you can maintain the position for long periods. Hands on hoods with arms flat tucked in isn’t very comfortable to keep but it’s more aero than relaxed hands on hoods but not as aero as drops but again it can be had to keep your head up on the drops. Horses for courses really0
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Hoods for me most of the time. Braking is no problem then. Seems quite aero and comfy.0
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Whole point of the drop bar design is the options it gives, isn't it? In any ride I'll spend time in the drops, on the tops and on the hoods. Varying the position helps avoid any pain/stiffness. Definitely fastest in the drops but would't spend a whole 6 hour ride in them. If only ever riding in one hand position you should probably consider moving things round a bit, as it shouldn't be uncomfortable to use the drops.0
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I prefer olod style bars, mostly ride on the curve before the hoods (this nice curve seems missing on all new bars).0
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1964johnr wrote:I noticed watching the tour of Dubai that all of the pros race with their hands on the hoods and seem to prefer more compact handlebars with a shorter reach and drop. Just wondering if I am the only one with the alternative hand position behind the hoods on the bars.
At a guess I suspect as many pros look to have a more aero position generally due to the lower frontal area meaning less drag and therefore a lower power required at any given speed, that they go for a more compact/ shorter reach bar as they are already quite ‘low’ when on the hoods so a deep drop would be too much. Many of them go for a smaller frame with a longer stem to get lower at the front whilst still achieving their optimum reach.
Look at Wiggins position when he was in his prime, his back was almost flat!
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A flat back is hardly unusual...0
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Exactly...
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