Adjusting to a more aggressive geometry

[jrenaut]

@dkel 115820 wrote:

So just stand there and look at it. Problem solved. :rolleyes:

I already do that.

[hozn]

@jrenaut 115745 wrote:

So, this is my problem. On my commuter, I’m okay making adjustments for the sake of fit that are aesthetically unappealing. But this is my beautiful lugged Italian steel bike. The way it looks is important.

Given the above, I think your only option is to change your body, so maybe start with core strength. And maybe specifically do planks, crunches, or whatever is going to get your ab muscles able to support you in the aggressive position.

This is generally the problem with people trying to mimic race bike aesthetics. Racers are very fit; most cyclists, not so much. Don’t get me wrong, I am working to be comfortable in more aggressive geometry (more about aerodynamics than aesthetics, but equally pointless in the big picture). On that note, I am off to do my core workout.

[vvill]

@hozn 115860 wrote:

This is generally the problem with people trying to mimic race bike aesthetics. Racers are very fit; most cyclists, not so much. Don’t get me wrong, I am working to be comfortable in more aggressive geometry (more about aerodynamics than aesthetics, but equally pointless in the big picture). On that note, I am off to do my core workout.

Agreed, but that said if a bike’s geometry is made for racing, it’s going to be harder (or at least more aesthetically displeasing) to make it fit right if you don’t ride it close to its designated style/intent.

I agree about aero – it definitely makes a tangible difference in riding speed. The aesthetic is kind of just form following function.

[vvill]

mattaune;115805 wrote:

#24 replies and no one has made the only reasonable suggestion?

N+1!

ftfy

[dkel]

@hozn 115860 wrote:

Racers are very fit; most cyclists, not so much.

Are you talking about me?! You’re talking about me, aren’t you!!

:p

[hozn]

@dkel 115867 wrote:

Are you talking about me?! You’re talking about me, aren’t you!!

[emoji14]

Definitely not. You were looking fast and lean when I saw you earlier this week — must be all the FG riding!

[americancyclo]

If there is the possibility that this bike is too big for you I think it’s important that we all know exactly how big the frame is. [emoji6]

[dkel]

@hozn 115868 wrote:

Definitely not. You were looking fast and lean when I saw you earlier this week — must be all the FG riding!

Ok, folks, what he’s not telling is that after he slowed down to talk for a minute, I told him he should feel free to go on ahead because I would only slow him down, at which point he zoomed ahead, never to be seen again by me on that trip.

Flattery will get you nowhere, hozn. We’re all onto you.

[PotomacCyclist]

Core strength and stability are good for your health and well-being in general, whether or not you are getting into an aero position.

Racing isn’t about comfort. It’s about speed and performance, although if the position is too uncomfortable, that can have negative effects.

If you want the bike to look better, I suggest adding neat flame stickers like the old Huffy bikes have. (I used to have one of these bikes back in grade school. Those flames made me go 233,000% faster too.)

[Vicegrip]

@dkel 115876 wrote:

Ok, folks, what he’s not telling is that after he slowed down to talk for a minute, I told him he should feel free to go on ahead because I would only slow him down, at which point he zoomed ahead, never to be seen again by me on that trip.

Flattery will get you nowhere, hozn. We’re all onto you.

Ask him short questions that have long answers. You can then catch your breath while he has to talk. (ok, so I tired that and it still did not work but YMMV)

[mstone]

@PotomacCyclist 115877 wrote:

Racing isn’t about comfort. It’s about speed and performance, although if the position is too uncomfortable, that can have negative effects.

Well, if the frame is the wrong size and you’re in an awkward position it can be hard to breath properly and I’ve heard that not breathing impacts performance also. I know it’s fun to say HTFU, but there’s a reason the pros don’t just ride the wrong size bike and then HTFU.

[Author]

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