Riding position

[byegad]

A recumbent?

Crikey, it's dangerous enough when they can see me!

Mmmm! Another example of the 'I can't see you down there' remark. Last guy who said that to me was asked. 'So who are you talking to then?'
Recumbents stand out as different and so get most drivers nervous and so they give me more room than I ever got on an upright.

 

[zigzag]

No, Profile Airwing aero bars: http://www.cyclechat...ockwork-hybrid/

from the picture i can see why you may have problems. provided the saddle hight is good, the bike is too big for you with a current setup. with flat bars it would be just right, but with bullhorns you are too stretched out. for comfortable riding angle between your torso and arms should be around 90 degrees.
so, you either need a smaller bike (with shorter top tube), or try very short stem first. or put back flat bars and install bar end grips - not on bar ends, but 15-20cm apart. this will improve your aero position slightly.

 

[Fab Foodie]

That's very helpful, thanks.

I never considered that point about the fore/aft position of the saddle- when I realised I was a bit stretched out, I just moved the seat forward slightly. So now I have more weight on my arms & shoulders...

Riding a bike on the road, which position would tend to excercise the upper body more- stretched out aero, or more upright?

Thanks for all the useful info so far.

If you have strain on your arms, shoulders then I'd suggest you'd need to move the saddle rearwards for better 'balance' your torso should support your upper body weight. Cycling's not really for developing the upper body!

 

[jimboalee]

If you have strain on your arms, shoulders then I'd suggest you'd need to move the saddle rearwards for better 'balance' your torso should support your upper body weight. Cycling's not really for developing the upper body!

Saddle fore/aft adjustment is for getting the B/B to Hip ball joint correct. Change crank length, change saddle fore/aft.

Lumbar posture and ultimately weight distribution of the torso is adjusted by changing the hip ball joint to handlebar measurements IN BOTH PLANES. When its correct, you shouldn't see the front axle.

You NEED to develop the upper body or you will never be able to take a drink from a bottle while rolling along, and keep the front wheel pointing in the correct direction.