my brooks is getting a cutout!

[KnottedYet]

Oooh, a cool tid-bit about the flexed forward position: as we know, it lets you engage your gluteus muscles (yer "butt", in the vernacular) and perks up your hamstrings. Hip extension is a powerful force on the bike. Everyone has their own best angle for muscle engagement.

I had a patient who really couldn't understand why being flexed forward at all was a good thing, and I stole an example right out of the fitting class I took. Think of when you do a footrace. You crouch a bit at the starting line, right? Or think of speed skaters, they crouch at the starting line. That crouch is hip flexion to engage the butt and hammies. Crouching primes the pump for some of our powerful muscles.

So, crouch like you're gonna race across the street. Now imagine taking your position and putting it on the bike. Voila!

Now, how much flexion your body can sustain is dependent on a million things. How much flexion is functional for your riding environment is dependent on a million things, too.

I'm one of those folks who likes to stretch waaaay out and be a little bit low. My big butt likes powering along at that less-than-45-degree torso angle. My more upright bike feels very different, and I can certainly tell I lose a lot of power at that 60-degree torso angle. But on that bike I gain a higher view of the world and a more "look ma, I'm flying" sense of fun. And when I want more power on that bike, I can feel myself dropping down to my "usual" angle by bending my elbows, so I can kick in my honkin' gigantic butt.

Fashions change. Remember in the 1980's when mtn bikes burst onto the scene? Big fashion shift. Now I think we're seeing the beginnings of a fashion shift toward city/utility bikes and accessories. More bikes, more variety, more folks finding the bike that fits their bodies and needs, more bike love, more better.

It's all good.