joe cipale

Bryan,

Nice writeup and a worthwhile attempt. Sadly, most folks just dont get it. :(

Joe

On Monday 08 June 2009 13:47, Bryan Curry wrote:
> Guys, what did I say about holding the handlebars with your arms locked
> straight? Read this for a refresher-
> http://app.obra.org/posts/obra/show/53757
>
> Let me add on to that.
>
> Last week was almost as bad as "collarbone night" a few weeks back in
> terms of bike control. Some of you insist on riding in the drops even
> though you can't. I'm not sure why you do it because it's obvious most
> of you don't have the flexibility or core strength to maintain that
> position for 7 laps. Most of you are propping yourself up on the bars
> which is not good for your bike handling or grabbing your water bottle.
> If you're onto something new, you should contact some of the pro riders
> and tell them "I'm a novice cat 5 at the P.I.R. Monday race and I have a
> new cycling position you should try- in the drops with your arms locked
> straight...."
>
> Now, look at these photos of racers with their hands on the hoods, their
> elbows bent, their backs 30 to 45 degrees from the horizontal-
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/pn09/pn09st03-rabo.jpg
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/classic09/classic-ocana.jpg
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/cali09/atoc09st01dp-laclimb
> .jpg
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/classic09/tdf64-anquetil.jp
> g
> That's how you should have your hands and elbows for most of a race if
> you're in the pack. You can look around easily and it's easier on your
> back and neck.
>
> Now check these "In the drops" photos.
> First, Henk Lubberding with a flat back and bent elbows for stringing
> out the pack, a breakaway situation, or chasing-
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/misc09/old-lubber.jpg
>
> Tom Boonen's sprinting position.
> http://www.pezcyclingnews.com/photos/races09/cali09/atoc09st05rp-150m.jp
> g
> He definitely does not ride an entire race in this position. He has his
> hands in the drops and bent his elbows for more stability, control, and
> aerodynamics.
>
> Even Sean Kelly, notorious for a poor bike fit, has bent elbows-
> http://grahamwatson.com/dublin/kelly/image2.html
>
> Got it? In the drops means flat back for aerodynamics. On the hoods
> for comfort. Elbows bent both times for stability and control.
>
> See you tonight. I'll be the guy that touched your elbow with my pinkie
> just to see how far you'll swerve.
>
> Bryan Curry
> FMCT
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