Getting the drop on handlebar shape
Getting the drop on handlebar shape Next up in my series on the properties of drop handlebars is the aspect “drop” (‘C’ in picture below) and the closely related aspect 'shape'. (Other articles in the series include one on finding your optional road handlebars and the skinny on handlebar width.) Drop is a measurement of the bars from the centre of the tops of the bars to the centre of the lowest point of the bars. Typically this distance ranges from 10 to 15cm. Handlebar shape is how the bar bends to form the [...]
The skinny on handlebar width
The skinny on handlebar width In the first article of this series, we discussed some of the issues involved in finding your optimal road handlebar. In the rest of the series, we will have a look at the different dimensions of the drop bar and how they affect fit. This article concentrates on handlebar width. Future articles will explore reach, drop and shape. For the remainder of this article we will be focusing on road handlebars. Some, but not all, of the points I'll make carry across to flat handlebars as well. What is handlebar width? [...]
Finding your optimal drop handlebars
Finding your optimal road handlebar When optimising a cyclist’s position on a bike, there has been extensive research regarding torso, hip and knee angles, or an optimal cleat position on the shoe. There has been research regarding the aerodynamics - particularly regarding the CDA and how to reduce it by reducing a rider’s frontal surface area. There has however, been next to nothing regarding the optimal road handlebar for a given rider nor how they affect a rider’s comfort and performance. The only recommendation, which is not much more than tradition is that handlebars should be [...]
Spatzwear overshoes and gloves to warm up winter cycling
Spatzwear overshoes and gloves to warm up winter cycling Living in Canberra and taking up cycling over 15 years ago has meant I have spent my fair share of winters in the Territory. As a bike fitter, I seek to fit cyclists so that they are in a comfortable position on the bike. This comfort can relate to lack of pain and discomfort in the cycling muscles and joints or on the contact points such as the saddle and handlebars. When it comes to winter, a huge factor is being comfortable is dressing appropriately for the [...]
The long and the short of leg length difference in cycling
The long and the short of leg length difference in cycling Leg length difference is something that comes up quite a bit in my line of work. As an Exercise Physiologist, I've had many patients and clients who have been diagnosed by a health professional as having a leg length difference. That is, one leg is shorter than the other and the difference is causing or contributing to dysfunction and pain. As a bike fitter I have some clients note issues like "one leg feels weaker than the other", "one leg feels stiffer", "I can't reach [...]