Efficient Cycling Position

[bobloes]

Hi All,

Didn't really know which section to post this but if I am asking this sort of question then 'Begiiners' seemed appropriate. I am 64 and have problems with my neck, not serious but if I get into the "tuck" position for longish periods it can give me a bit of gyp. Hence I tend to cycle in a more upright position. Clearly this is not aerodynamically efficient. Given the winds of late I have been in the the tuck position more than normal. Clearly there is less wind resistance but I get the impression that this position is less tiring on the legs, ie more efficient use of whatever muscle power each individual has. This seems to be borne out when going uphill. Have there been any studies, where wind is not a factor, to determine whether the tuck position is more efficient than any other? Or is it simply less wind resistance, less effort? Thanks

 

[paul04]

Personally I would ride the bike in a style which suits me,
On my road bike I like to ride with my hands on the hoods, I find thats the best position for me.

On the mountain bike I like to sit up, the handlebars are high, so I don't bend so much.

 

[The Over 40 Cyclist]

Personally I would find that comfort is by far the more important consideration than getting that last little bit of aerodynamics. No matter how aero you are if your neck hurts then it's not a fun ride. So unless you're into serious racing I'd be doing what is comfortable before what is aero.

 

[slowmotion]

Personally I would find that comfort is by far the more important consideration than getting that last little bit of aerodynamics. No matter how aero you are if your neck hurts then it's not a fun ride. So unless you're into serious racing I'd be doing what is comfortable before what is aero.

Absolutely!
Here's Christopher (with his funky haircut) to explain comfort better than I can.
[media]
]View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FAl_5e7bIHk[/media]

 

[GrasB]

Define efficiency? Seriously! What do you consider efficiency?

For me it's maximising my power:drag ratio, or maximising my speed, for rides up to 6 hours. I could change my position to minimise fatigue for a given output, but this would mean compromising my power:drag ratio (I'll go slower). I'm flexible & strong enough that comfort never becomes an issue once I've got basic ergonomics sorted (saddle, cleat offset, handle bar shape), I'm equally comfortable on the aero bars of my TT bike as a sit-up & beg bike... no actually I'm more comfortable on my TT bike as I can absorb more vibration through my arms rather than it pounding up through my sit bones & spine.

 

[Rob3rt]

Here's Christopher (with his funky haircut)

What's wrong/funky with/about his hair?