When you move gradually into the extreme aero position on the drops from a more comfortable position you are stretching are you not? Just not as much as you could off the bike. Any ways this thread is really dependent on if you need stretching, if you tend to be tight then you will benefit more noticably than the average rider. If you are a contortionist then you would have no need of it.
RapDaddyo said:
Really? I'm talking about gradually adapting to a new riding position and maintaining full power in the new position. That's stretching?
When you move gradually into the extreme aero position on the drops from a more comfortable position you are stretching are you not?
I'd call it adapting to a new position, myself, since I'm not even close to the limit of the range of motion in this case. I'm able to comfortably remain in the aero position for an extended period of time, it's just that I can't quite generate as much power in that position as when I'm sitting up.
Once I realized the issue, I started doing similar to what RapDaddyo suggested, which is move the TV nearer the floor and force myself to ride on the hoods or in the drops during most intervals, and use the bar tops only during recovery periods or simulated 'climbs'.
I'd call it adapting to a new position, myself, since I'm not even close to the limit of the range of motion in this case. I'm able to comfortably remain in the aero position for an extended period of time, it's just that I can't quite generate as much power in that position as when I'm sitting up.
Once I realized the issue, I started doing similar to what RapDaddyo suggested, which is move the TV nearer the floor and force myself to ride on the hoods or in the drops during most intervals, and use the bar tops only during recovery periods or simulated 'climbs'.
If you want to adapt to the TT position, there's one more thing you'll want to do eventually. The TT position has three elements that require adaptation in order to maintain full power. First is the back angle that you're working on now. Second is the lower back arch, which only comes into play when you get all the way down, to clear the stomach and chest from the tops of your thighs at the top of the stroke. Third is the position of the arms, which are scrunched in to put the elbows much closer than we normally ride. You'll need clip-on bars to practice this last one. And you'll need to offset your TV from centerline. But, you can make a lot of progress without the clip-on bars.
If you want to adapt to the TT position, there's one more thing you'll want to do eventually. The TT position has three elements that require adaptation in order to maintain full power. First is the back angle that you're working on now. Second is the lower back arch, which only comes into play when you get all the way down, to clear the stomach and chest from the tops of your thighs at the top of the stroke. Third is the position of the arms, which are scrunched in to put the elbows much closer than we normally ride. You'll need clip-on bars to practice this last one. And you'll need to offset your TV from centerline. But, you can make a lot of progress without the clip-on bars.
Good discussion on aero positioning. Believe it's an area of training with big benefits that's often overlooked by us club riders. I often mimic the TT position without clipons, just by placing my elbows on the handlebar. Not recommended in a pack of course, but on smooth road solo riding, believe it's not dangerous. It's fun to work on getting the knees, elbows and head tucked in; trying to minimize the effort needed to hold higher speeds.
When you move gradually into the extreme aero position on the drops from a more comfortable position you are stretching are you not? Just not as much as you could off the bike. Any ways this thread is really dependent on if you need stretching, if you tend to be tight then you will benefit more noticably than the average rider. If you are a contortionist then you would have no need of it.
I would tend to agree with RD, and not consider moving into an aero position stretching. It may require moderate lower back flexibilty but nothing very extreme.
