Whats wrong?

[cyberknight]

When I'm out for a while, I use an alternative hand position which I haven't seen much talk about, nor pictures, but which works very well for me as a lard-ass on a road bike.

The standard 4 positions are tops, bends, hoods and drops. Visually, from Sheldon's site, they are:


My alternative, and a lot of searching hasn't brought up a good image but the guy just right of centre in the image below almost has it, is to hold the top of the hoods in the palm of the hand. It's similar to position three above, but the hands are about an 2cm higher, about 5cm further forward and the forearm is at a slightly more natural angle. Like this:

It's not much but I do find that does allow me to get as low as the drops, but I'm more stretched out as my hands are higher, and I'm just as far out of the wind as being on the drops.

I've no idea why no-one else has adopted the "Norm" position but give it a try. It might help, it might not.

That`s how i ride as well , although your hands are higher because your reaching further your upper body might be slightly lower, i also tend to ride with be forearms resting on the handlebar with hands on hood like

This a good fit site.
http://www.jimlangle...nk/bikefit.html


As for your speedo i am sure it is set right but it is worth checking it has been set for the right wheel and tyre size / km/h or mph

 

[mr messy]

You might want to experiment with different handlebar heights.

I did read (sorry can't find it now) that having the bars too high, relative to your saddle, will "close-up" your chest and bring your knees into it, preventing the full range of motion.

You say your bars and saddle are flattish: assuming the saddle is at the correct height, try dropping the bars and see if that helps.

That`s how i ride as well , although your hands are higher because your reaching further your upper body might be slightly lower, i also tend to ride with be forearms resting on the handlebar with hands on hood like

This a good fit site.
http://www.jimlangle...nk/bikefit.html


As for your speedo i am sure it is set right but it is worth checking it has been set for the right wheel and tyre size / km/h or mph

Informative site thanks.
Saddle and bars pretty much level. Could probably do with saddle up another 5mm, leg not quite fully extended at pedal bottom.

Stem is Ritchey Comp and currently pointing up the way. Can this be "flipped" or better to try taking a spacer out?

Computer is a cheapy wired RSP unit. Think its reasonably accurate as was spinning around 100rpm in 50/11 gearing to do 36mph. Assuming i used the formula found on another thread correctly...