Utilize Cycling Aerodynamics by Improve your Riding Posture

At present, aerodynamics products are quite many to choose, such as the timing cycling helmet, aerodynamics frame, depth wheel frame group, and clamping handles and other different styles with various prices of the aerodynamics products, indeed providing considerable benefits to the riders. But for the most cyclists, they do not need to take part in the high-end timing matches, so naturally, there is no need to spend a lot of money on the purchase of these kinds of equipment. But the best bang for the buck is to make our efforts to increase our aerodynamics advantage: riding posture.

According to the wind tunnel test, we know that among the factors that cause air resistance at the high-speed situation, the cyclist is two-thirds. So how to increase the cycling speed is naturally one of the factors cyclists need to consider. Many pro cyclists have spent several years to find the perfect riding posture, and you might often see the top riders constantly fine-tune their posture to maximize the aerodynamics. Novice or inexperienced riders are recommended that do not have to buy too early for the expensive aerodynamics tires and jumpsuit because if riding posture is not standard, the use of the best aerodynamics will not make a difference and practical effect.

Firstly, it is important to know your physical limitations. If you are 50 years old and only ride at the weekend, furthermore, the softness of your body is naturally worse than the 23-year-old cyclists. If you have trouble with back pain, your interest in cycling will decrease. Stretching is the key to maintaining the low riding posture, which also affects the advantages of the aerodynamics, so it is quite a helpful idea to do some stretching exercise. Yoga is perfect. The angle of the torso on the ride is very important to make the use of the aerodynamics advantage. Ideally, the height difference between the seat cushion and the handlebar should be able to keep as flat as possible. Some people may feel that the posture is too low to be comfortable, so remember to find a suitable posture that won’t let you cannot ride a bike. However, it doesn’t mean that the lower the posture, the faster it is.



The wind tunnel test data shows that the closer height of the rider's shoulder and head to the torso level, the lower the energy to maintain the same speed (about 3 to 15 watts, which is approximately equal to the gap of two seconds per kilometer). However, the shoulder and head height are already quite close to the torso level. If you want to lower the posture, the wind resistance will increase more than 7 watts. This is quite an interesting discovery. Arm position is also important. The best arm position is to place the forearm on the handle near the faucet and put the hand in front of it. But this position will not be convenient to brake, if the road is not good, not recommended.

Surprisingly, the best alternative plan is to put your hand on the handlebar and lower your elbow position. When you rush out of a group alone, it is advisable to use the airflow traction effect by staying behind other riders to store strength before the action. In the pro cycling world, a famous saying: If you feel the wind in your chest it means you're in the wrong position. Simplicity is the wisdom. Another problem is weight, and if you can lose fat, just do it. The lighter the weight, the smaller the quality, and the faster it can be achieved with smaller energy. At the same time, training core muscle group is also very vital. Strong abdominal muscles allow you to stay in low riding posture for a long time while reducing the discomfort. A good way to test core muscle strength is to hold down the handle first, then release the hand and maintain the same posture. If you can't easily keep your posture for 10 seconds, you should start exercising the core muscle group.

Two points should be noted, one is to consider inviting an expert to fit you. Even the top players often require experts for their fitting adjustments. The last one is to practice. The more frequently you ride, the more often you stay in a low riding posture, the more you get used to it.