bike posture - Triathlon Week

rb27 · 05-11-2006, 02:35 PM

What is proper riding posture? back curved, straight. arms bent, straight, etc. i get a sore low back sometimes and numb fingers. i had the shop custom fit me to my bike. seems like the angle of the seat is awkward too, should i angle the nose down a little? do i need a better fit or better posture??

thanks in advance.

sfricks · 05-11-2006, 03:39 PM

Well... without seeing you ride, it's hard to tell but here are a few things to consider:

Let’s start by assuming you’re riding a road bike with road bars & STI shifters (vs Tri bars)…

Your back should be straight. A good way to visualize this is to think of a rider in front of you pulling you with a rope by your belly button. If the bike’s fitted to you properly it should feel relatively natural. Try stretching your low back while riding by twisting from side to side. KEEP YOUR EYES TO THE FRONT.

It’s normal for your hands to get numb from road vibration. You’ll see roadies “shaking their hands out” frequently. If it’s unbearable, try gel gloves and or gel bar tape.

Your arms should be bent slightly to absorb shock. The degree of “bentness” can vary depending on your hand location (bar tops, hoods or drops). Hitting a pot hole with straight arms will transmit the shock all the way to your toes!

The seat angle is a preference thing. If it’s tilted too far back, you’ll end up in the hospital. Probably the same of it’s too far forward as you’ll slide off and hit the bar . Most “experts” suggest dead level or real close to it. This is done by using a carpenters level across the seat.

If all this doesn’t help, try a group ride with your local bike shop. Bring an allen wrench set so you can make adjustments on the road.

Good Luck!

Hernan96 · 05-11-2006, 11:19 PM

Go to your LBS and see if they do custom fittings. This will help out tremendously. Above all else comfort comes before all else. You can be set in the most aero position but if you are uncomfortable it will not make a difference. Lance for example does not have a flattest back but he is fast as hell.

hmullett · 05-12-2006, 06:16 AM

I agree about a custom fitting, they're guaranteed (at least with my LBS) for at least 30 days. I saw that you already had one, but I would go back and tell them the problem you're having. When I had my fitting, I had to have them tweak some things for my comfort. When all was said and done, thought, I'm faster and have less back pain. I have back problems and my chiro tells me to ice my lower back after long rides. He also told me to take Advil to fight inflamation. You should also be wearing gloves if you're not already. Scott also mentioned gel bar tape, and there's also bar end caps that guarantee to take away most of the road shock. Good luck!