Getting used to "racing position" on a road bike

[dayva]

Hi there. I'm wondering if anyone has any tips for getting used to "racing position" on a road bike. You know, grasping the drop bars, super bent over. One of the rides I like to do has a loonnnngggg descent that is really fun but I felt too unstable/uncomfortable in that position. I am thinking maybe it's just new and I need to get used to it, or that maybe I need to raise the handlebars a smidge? Any advice?

[Crankin]

You don't have to be in the drops to descend. Get used to the bike first. Then start out on smaller hills in that position and build up to longer hills.
It is true, though, that you should make sure the fit of your bike is right for you. Did you have a bike fit when you purchased your new bike?

[OakLeaf]

+1 on checking your fit. Aerodynamic fun aside, the main reason to be tucked on a descent is because your center of gravity is lower, you have better control of your weight distribution between the wheels, and you should be *more* stable (and have a better grip on the brakes if you need them). Practicing on the flats to get used to the position and build core strength is a good idea, but feeling stable vs feeling natural/comfortable are two different things, and my thought is that if you don't feel stable, something is probably off with your fit.

Point of terminology that got addressed in another thread ... when you're tucked for a descent, you want your hands in the hooks, the curved part of the handlebars with the closest reach to the levers. If your hands are on the lowest part of the bars that point back toward you, it's not surprising that you would feel unstable that way.

[dayva]

At the shop I went to, they did not do an official "fit" (did make some adjustments though) but said I should ride it once or twice and see how it feels, then come back and get it adjusted...I am thinking maybe raise the bars slightly and maybe a slightly shorter stem as well.

I also think I was interchanging the terms stable and uncomfortable. It actually did feel more stable, now that I think about it, I think I just felt uncomfortable with the position because it is new to me, and it is a pretty gnarly hill!!

[TigerMom]

+1 on checking your fit. Aerodynamic fun aside, the main reason to be tucked on a descent is because your center of gravity is lower, you have better control of your weight distribution between the wheels, and you should be *more* stable (and have a better grip on the brakes if you need them). Practicing on the flats to get used to the position and build core strength is a good idea, but feeling stable vs feeling natural/comfortable are two different things, and my thought is that if you don't feel stable, something is probably off with your fit.

Point of terminology that got addressed in another thread ... when you're tucked for a descent, you want your hands in the hooks, the curved part of the handlebars with the closest reach to the levers. If your hands are on the lowest part of the bars that point back toward you, it's not surprising that you would feel unstable that way.

Agree with OakLeaf.

I am more stable descending with my hands in the drops. Unfortunately, I am also going faster too and I HATE going fast downhill (over 35mph scares the crap out of me). I even lift up my chest to be less aerodynamic going downhill.

[thekarens]

Shoot, anything over 30 freaks me out :-)

[Owlie]

I've hit 35 on a descent WITH the brakes. Combine that and the crazy pavement on that hill and I was not a happy camper!

I don't like being in the drops/hooks/whatever on a long, fast descent, because while I can brake from there, it's a bit of a stretch and I'm not entirely comfortable with it. (Well, I might be now, but I haven't had a chance to find out.) I'll stay on the hoods but scoot back in the saddle. OP, practice the more "aero" position on smaller descents. Get a bike fitting, and work on your core.

[Catrin]

I've been over 30 ONCE (with brakes) on some sketchy roads during a group ride in southern Indiana in 2010 (Indysteel will remember that ride) - it was nervy. I've come close to 30 since then but never over it. If you can at all handle the cost get the bike fitting - it is well worth it and a good fitting will keep you comfortable on the bike for far longer than you will remember the cost.

[dayva]

Awesome! Thanks for the advice everyone! I am going to get it fitted tomorrow evening at the shop where I bought it...

[Crankin]

I admit I don't feel right in the drops, even on my bike with the great short reach where I can squeeze the brakes quite easily. I just don't like the feeling of speed. I feel out of control. I can go 30 routinely, but once I get over that (rare), the brakes go on. And if I'm descending a hill with turns, forget it. I am slow. Probably the only person who makes up time on the climbs.

[ny biker]

I generally brake more on downhills than the people I'm riding with. I'm particularly uncomfortable cornering on a downhill. It's actually something I'm trying to work on. Not that I want to go really fast, but I think it could be dangerous to brake too much on turns due to the risk of skidding. And on a group ride, slowing too much could cause problems for the riders behind me.

I like to ride the in drops on flat roads, and often I'll stay that way on small climbs or on descents. But despite the physics, I generally am most comfortable on the hoods.

[dayva]

Yeah, on my commuter bike, which I was doing road rides on until I got this road bike, I never really got to doing more than 20mph on a downhill. I think it will just take some getting used to...when I first first first started riding a few years ago in NYC I remember how terrifying just going downhill on the bridges was...and that couldn't have been more than 12-15mph...learning curve!