Weightless gliding over jet-black tarmac. The muscles work smoothly, the forces are in balance. The bike is very light, nothing presses, nothing pinches. A feeling of happiness on two wheels. This feeling of happiness, which experienced road cyclists regularly experience - and are perhaps even a little addicted to - is inextricably linked to a good posture on the road bike. However, this position doesn't come easily to most of us; you have to work for it.
The fact is that a racing bike requires a bent posture due to the downward curve of the handlebars. The racing bike is designed for speed - for beating the wind. If you really want to sit upright, you won't be happy with a road bike and should look for a trekking bike. Of course, the relaxed grip position on the top handlebars is common for touring and training and is perfectly fine. Over the years, component manufacturers have designed brake and gear levers so that they are easy to operate from above. However, the bike can only be steered really quickly and perfectly in the lower link position, and only from this position can the brakes be optimally controlled for full braking power. The lower link must therefore be within reach. However, many beginners find this position particularly difficult. Their back and neck start to ache after a short time, and many cyclists - even more experienced ones - avoid using the lower handlebars almost completely.
To make it easier to get on, the saddle should not be too high above the handlebars. You should not give in to the tendency to keep the distance from the saddle to the handlebars - the seat length - short: A more stretched seating position is physiologically more favourable and helps to prevent back pain (see photo series below). By gradually increasing the seat length, it is easier to develop a sporty riding position than by raising the saddle. With increasing practice, everyone will then find their own compromise between seat length and cant, depending on their sporting ambitions.
The basis of a good riding position is a suitable bike. The adjustment options for the saddle (forwards and backwards, higher or lower, on seat posts bent backwards or forwards to different degrees) and handlebars (stems of different lengths or angles and different handlebar shapes) offer considerable adjustment ranges that should be utilised. Nevertheless, adjusting the riding position in practice (especially with handlebars) is more complicated than it needs to be. This is because it is only possible to try out how a different handlebar position feels with stems of different lengths and angles. This requires conversion work every time and is quite cumbersome. It would make sense for bike manufacturers to increasingly use adjustable stems such as the lightweight and stable VRO system from Syntace or the Look "Ergostem". However, adjustable road bike stems are in short supply and are rarely fitted as standard. This means that many athletes hardly get the opportunity to vary the handlebar position to find out what really suits them.
The most important piece of advice: Have the courage to experiment! Vary your sitting position and feel your way towards your personal optimum. This is the best way to achieve your goal of weightless gliding!
POWER HELPS!
A strong upper body with trained core and back muscles helps you to find a good, sporty riding position and feel comfortable on the bike. A strong torso forms an abutment for pedalling and protects the spine. Train your abdominal and back muscles, they are the key to a relaxed and sporty riding position!
The most important dimensions
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