From: jbrandt@hpl.hp.com (Jobst Brandt)
Newsgroups: rec.bicycles.tech
Subject: Re: Riding on the Drops
Date: 22 Jan 2001 19:02:36 GMT

Peter Kidwell writes:

> Not many non racers (tourists leisure commuters ) you see ever use
> the drop bar position for riding.  Is the position of the bars
> wrong?  Should the bars be raised or do they all need to look like
> racers?

There is more than streamlining to drop bars and some of those who use
them are probably aware of the effect.  For good power transfer, on
more or less lunges onto the downward pedal with the upper body and
this requires bending over so the body is in a position to do so.  To
simulate that, try standing on one foot and then momentarily put as
much pressure on it as possible.  That thrust, is done in a
semi-crouch position, similar to the forceful pedaling position that
is impractical without being down on the hooks.  A track rider
starting a kilo (1000m TT) is the essence of it.

Jobst Brandt      <jbrandt@hpl.hp.com>