Question 2: Where to put my paws...

[Rhythm Thief]

I'm happiest on the hoods, and I also find that's ther most aerodynamic position (without yer actul tri bars) as I can keep my elbows tucked in. But it all comes down to whatever works for you, I'm afraid.

 

[Steve Austin]

I like the tops, but i think thats because i've been on MTB's for too long. mostly on the hoods if i'm honest, but the straight part of the drops is a nice place to be... I twitch about a bit

 

[John the Monkey]

This might be worth reposting, it's something Jacomus-Rides-Gen wrote in response to a question about drops'

The tops and the flats of drop bars should not be used unless the road ahead is clear, and sight is good. With the riders hands in these two positions, they do not have immidiate access to the brakes, which is why most cycling clubs and organised group rides stress that these hand positions are not to be used when travelling in close proximity with other riders.

The tops are most appropriatly used for spoiling a headwind for riders behind you, and for in the saddle climbing. The flats are most appropriate for fast cruising, especially over bumpy or winding roads. The rider must be aware that they are unable to reach the brakes immidiately, and so must take this into account when placing their hands in either of these two positions.

That means that the tops and flats are innapropriate for most city commuting situations, leaving the rider to choose between the hoods and the drops - where access to brakes is natural and unrestricted.

I take your point about inexperienced cyclists, but IME with inexperienced cyclists using a drop bar bike, they are very reluctant to move their hands away from the brake anyway.

I personally believe drop bars to be perfect commuting bars - they allow a number of different hand positions, they are very narrow and they allow a more aerodynamic positon.

 

[Sully]

good question i like it as its this sort of question newbs like me need to know well done and thankyou

 

[Danny]

Hoods or top of the handlebars for me - mostly because my back gets stiff and sore if I ride on the drops for too long.

What bike are you getting anyway? And is this the one you are only getting a third of?

 

[punkypossum]

What bike are you getting anyway? And is this the one you are only getting a third of?

Not sure, more testsits required...leaning towards a giant defy at the moment, because of the geometry, but more testing required...

And yes, it's the one I got 1/3 for, but it's my birthday in a couple of weeks and with a lot of generous family members I might accumulate another 1/3, which means the last 1/3 should be manageable!!! Seems to help that it's for a bike, thing people would have been far less generous if it had been for a games console, but the fact that it's good for me appears to make a considerable difference!!! Also, I think they have realised it's not just a phase where I'm going to get fed up with cycling in a few weeks... Getting very exited!!!

 

[gbs]

Dear HLaB, to what do yr dimensions refer - 40v42cms - width I guess

From a fellow Bianchi Lover

 

[ColinJ]

After many years of faffing about I finally arrived at a bike setup and state of fitness that would allow me to spend 90% of my time riding on the drops, but then...













... I went and got a huge pot belly which squashes my 'nads against the saddle when I lean too far forward, so I'm back to spending 90% of my time on the hoods again !

 

[Cathryn]

Personally, I spend most of my time on the hoods. Drops are used for headwinds or swooping downhill , on the tops for steady climbing in the saddle or for a more upright position. Not sure there's any one right answer though.

I'm the same.

Took me ages to get used to the new position, after having flat bars, but don't give up...you'll soon grow to be really comfortable.