Ken <
[email protected]> wrote:
>"sam" <
[email protected]> wrote:
>> reading in another post, someone mentioned keeping saddle and bars at the same height. Does this
>> really make a difference ? if so, how ? I have been riding for yonks, and have always set mine at
>> the same height, for no other reason `cept I was told to..
>
>Depends alot on how hard you pedal. Tourists who generally spin easily and enjoy the scenery
>usually prefer a higher handlebar (and shorter stem) for a more upright riding position.
>
>Racers, who pedal alot harder, like a lower handlebar since it helps generate more power from your
>back to your legs. When you're pedalling hard, much of your weight is on your pedals, not your back
>or hands, so tush pain is not a problem.
OTOH, racers (and anyone who wants to go fast) don't want the bars that high because it means
they'll have to pedal even harder to maintain a given speed. That is to say, they'll be more
"comfortable" in a more aerodynamic position since they won't be working so hard to maintain their
required pace.
Plus, the harder you pedal, the less weight you put on your arms (effectively accomplishing the
same thing as moving the bars up, except that you also put less weight on your butt by pedaling
harder as well).
Mark Hickey Habanero Cycles
http://www.habcycles.com Home of the $695 ti frame