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| Category: Road Biking |
| Subject: |
weight distribution - descending/ascending & cornering |
| Question: |
Where should I try to put my weight when I’m descending? I’ve heard that you’ve got more downhill control when you’re in the drops – and that makes sense to me, but then I feel like I’ve got too much weight over my front wheel. Also, what about weight distribution while ascending and cornering ? |
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| Great Question about possition on the bike....
When descending a steep or twisting course it is best to be "in the drops" (the lowest place that roadie bars have to offer) or "on the horns" (near the break levers of a triathlon bar). This allows for your center of balance to be lower, the result is a more stable position. That speaks to the front end of things now let's address the back end. When it's just steep and straight then level off those pedals at 3 & 9 o'clock, pinch the top tube with your knees (if your frame allows for that), and enjoy the flight. If it's a descending corner then the inside pedal has to be up high at 12 o'clock. This makes sense 'cuase if the turn is tight then a low inside pedal will hit the ground as you lean the bike over and that will cause all kinds of havoc. So the inside pedal is at 12 and the outside pedal is at 6 and has a good portion of your weight placed on it. My guess is that about 70-80% of the body weight should be on the pedal and about 20-30% on the handle bars. This possition will offer great stabilization and confidence.
When you're climbing there are basically two popular and one psuedo secret positions. One is simply being seated and trying to hold a "spin" up the hill. If it's super steep then you end up in your easiest gear and your cadence just settles into what ever it has to be. When you are seated your heart rate can be more easily managed. The other climbing position is standing - this is great for a frequent stretch, or to get over an even steeper bump on the climb but climbing standing for a long time will elevate your heart rate and wear you out faster. The last position that I can mention is a delicate one: if you are seated and slide forward a bit the tip of the saddle will find your...hummmmm, what term can I use - how about "taint". It's a place between the anus and the scrotum. Now only a slight, slight, slight amount of pressure can be placed here and only for a short time. Like standing the majority of your weight is on the pedals and, like standing, this will elevate your heart rate. DO NOT sped a lot of time here - if there is any truth to the whole perineum-gets-damaged-from-bike-seat debate then this position is the most dangerous one imaginable for future sexual performance. The beauty of this position is that you can find a boost of power that will be tapped from a good balance of the quad, hamstring, and glute.
It's important to mix up positions now and then to recruit different muscles and give others a rest.
Keep up the great training, Ian
Ian Murray
ACMEcoaching.com |
| Ian Murray |
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