Hard time getting weight off hands and signaling.
05-01-12, 11:07 PM
#26
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-01-12, 11:09 PM
#27
moth -----> flame
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 5,916
Bikes: 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
So are you riding on the hoods (hands in this position) when you're trying to signal? Try doing it with your hands on the tops (closer to the stem) and see if that helps.
__________________
BF, in a nutshell
BF, in a nutshell
05-01-12, 11:10 PM
#28
Blissketeer
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: USA
Posts: 1,335
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Are you actively pedaling when you take your hand off the bars? If you are keeping a steady cadence you should have enough force to lift your hands comfortably and steadily off the bars. It is harder when not pedaling, with a raggedy cadence, or when traveling really slowly.
05-01-12, 11:11 PM
#30
moth -----> flame
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 5,916
Bikes: 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I don't think you'll get much help from DDF here.
__________________
BF, in a nutshell
BF, in a nutshell
05-01-12, 11:12 PM
#31
Geck, wo ist mein Fahrrad
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Front Range
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
05-01-12, 11:17 PM
#34
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I can't ride my road bike with no hands when my torso is in normal position (hoods or drops). I have to sit up very straight, just like a kid on a bmx bike.
Not sure what that has to do with this thread, no offense to Lester.
I am guessing it is the bend in your back. Arch your back the other way when you need to signal.
Not sure what that has to do with this thread, no offense to Lester.
I am guessing it is the bend in your back. Arch your back the other way when you need to signal.
This sounds a lot more to do with balance and coordination than core strength. OP, do you have trouble switching hand positions (tops to hoods to drops) or taking a drink from a bottle while riding? I can't imagine that you'd be comfortable with those things either if you have a tough time signaling.
One tip to try is to leave your remaining hand closer to the stem - that way if you have a tendency to pull on the bars with your non-signalling hand it won't exaggerate the movement as much as if you're holding onto one of the hoods.
One tip to try is to leave your remaining hand closer to the stem - that way if you have a tendency to pull on the bars with your non-signalling hand it won't exaggerate the movement as much as if you're holding onto one of the hoods.
Are you using your hands/arms to keep from sliding forward on the seat? IOW, if you just sit on the bike while leaning against a wall, can you (from a normal riding position) remove your hands from the bars without sliding forward (or even feeling like you might slide forward) on the seat?
05-01-12, 11:20 PM
#35
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2011
Posts: 4,429
Bikes: 2013 orca
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is my exact problem. It's one of the reasons I haven't purchased a bike with DT shifters.
Hard for me to get a bottle out of the cages but fine for switching to drops. I switch to the drops quickly though...
No. I was able to take my hands off the bar just fine but I really had to use my legs to maintain balance.
Hard for me to get a bottle out of the cages but fine for switching to drops. I switch to the drops quickly though...
No. I was able to take my hands off the bar just fine but I really had to use my legs to maintain balance.
not to get too personal but have you had any history of stroke or anything of the sort that may have your balance and orientation off? I ask because my friends dad who rides has an issue with balance and I would think riding prolonged with two or even one hand off the bar is challenging after a severe stroke he had over a year ago.
05-01-12, 11:28 PM
#36
moth -----> flame
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: SF Bay Area
Posts: 5,916
Bikes: 11 CAAD 10-4, 07 Specialized Roubaix Comp, 98 Peugeot Horizon
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Maybe there's something to this saddle position thing. To be able to calmly switch hand positions, grab a bottle and drink, or signal, you need to be able to ride with only light pressure on the bars, and to be able to take one hand off without veering to one side because you have too much weight/pressure on one side of the bars. I'd argue that you don't really have good control of the bike until you have those skills mastered. Do you have access to an indoor trainer? That could help you experiment with putting less and less pressure on the bars, or riding one handed without the consequences of being out on the road.
__________________
BF, in a nutshell
BF, in a nutshell
05-01-12, 11:31 PM
#37
Geck, wo ist mein Fahrrad
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Front Range
Posts: 715
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
one more stupid question, can you stand on the pedals and take one hand off?
05-01-12, 11:31 PM
#38
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Are you actively pedaling when you take your hand off the bars? If you are keeping a steady cadence you should have enough force to lift your hands comfortably and steadily off the bars. It is harder when not pedaling, with a raggedy cadence, or when traveling really slowly.
not to get too personal but have you had any history of stroke or anything of the sort that may have your balance and orientation off? I ask because my friends dad who rides has an issue with balance and I would think riding prolonged with two or even one hand off the bar is challenging after a severe stroke he had over a year ago.
05-01-12, 11:36 PM
#39
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Maybe there's something to this saddle position thing. To be able to calmly switch hand positions, grab a bottle and drink, or signal, you need to be able to ride with only light pressure on the bars, and to be able to take one hand off without veering to one side because you have too much weight/pressure on one side of the bars. I'd argue that you don't really have good control of the bike until you have those skills mastered. Do you have access to an indoor trainer? That could help you experiment with putting less and less pressure on the bars, or riding one handed without the consequences of being out on the road.
equal and opposite reaction, when you take your hand off one side of the bars, the other hand needs to firm up and accept the torque of steering and or pedaling. depending how new you are to cycling it just maybe a skill time will help the most.
one more stupid question, can you stand on the pedals and take one hand off?
one more stupid question, can you stand on the pedals and take one hand off?
05-02-12, 12:24 AM
#43
Spin Meister
"I really had to use my legs to maintain balance"
I'm confused, OP, 'cause you also say:
"my pedaling exacerbates the problem"
I'm confused, OP, 'cause you also say:
"my pedaling exacerbates the problem"
__________________
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
This post is a natural product. Slight variations in spelling and grammar enhance its individual character and beauty and are in no way to be considered flaws or defects.
05-02-12, 02:26 AM
#44
In Real Life
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Down under down under
Posts: 52,152
Bikes: Lots
Liked 599 Times
in
331 Posts
Don't try to signal with your hands on the hoods. Put one hand on the handlebar near the stem, and signal with the other hand.
And if it were me, I'd raise the handlebars significantly.
Actually, upon second glance ... is your bicycle too small for you? Is that your bicycle or one you've borrowed from a smaller person? Who set up your saddle height?
And if it were me, I'd raise the handlebars significantly.
Actually, upon second glance ... is your bicycle too small for you? Is that your bicycle or one you've borrowed from a smaller person? Who set up your saddle height?
__________________
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Rowan
My fave photo threads on BF
Century A Month Facebook Group
Machka's Website
Photo Gallery
Last edited by Machka; 05-02-12 at 02:31 AM.
05-02-12, 05:11 AM
#45
Racer's fit with probably less fitness than a racer for one. Common.
OP...short of raising the handlebar to take more weight off of it...you can try pushing your saddle back and level the portion where your sit bones rest.
To me your fit looks good 'for a racer'. Not all guys can ride in that position comfortably. As mentioned, pedal force takes weight off the hands.
Technique comes in. I don't profess to being a great cyclist but I have never had your issue OP and would say most don't...one hand on the handlebar and the other hand off the handlebar and signaling...seems elementary to me.
OP...short of raising the handlebar to take more weight off of it...you can try pushing your saddle back and level the portion where your sit bones rest.
To me your fit looks good 'for a racer'. Not all guys can ride in that position comfortably. As mentioned, pedal force takes weight off the hands.
Technique comes in. I don't profess to being a great cyclist but I have never had your issue OP and would say most don't...one hand on the handlebar and the other hand off the handlebar and signaling...seems elementary to me.
05-02-12, 05:30 AM
#47
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: Boone, North Carolina
Posts: 5,094
Bikes: 2009 Cannondale CAAD9-6 2014 Trek Domaine 5.9
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
sliding your seat back some will move your center of gravity back some, but don't do that and screw up your reach. Saddle stll doesn't look level to me. Without cycling shoes on I can't tell if you are too far forward or not. Need to see your knee placement and foot positon on the pedals.
**oh, and do many crunches for core strength
**oh, and do many crunches for core strength
05-02-12, 07:04 AM
#48
Senior Member
Fit looks ok to me, well maybe longer stem and add a seatpost with seatback to stretch you tiny bit more but in general terms is not bad...
Never used a zero seatback seatpost so can't tell if its that or not what is causing the problem, maybe somebody had this expenrience? .
Just an idiotic question, is the headset too tight???
Never used a zero seatback seatpost so can't tell if its that or not what is causing the problem, maybe somebody had this expenrience? .
Just an idiotic question, is the headset too tight???
05-02-12, 07:07 AM
#49
Two-Wheeled Aficionado
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Wichita
Posts: 4,903
Bikes: Santa Cruz Blur TR, Cannondale Quick CX dropbar conversion & others
Likes: 0
Liked 5 Times
in
5 Posts
your saddle does look a bit nose down, even after accounting for its shape (kicked-up tail). I would put a level on it and move it very slightly up. (the sighting bubble is very helpful for minute changes.) it also looks pretty far forward. I'm not an adherant to KOPS, in fact I ride behind KOPS on my road and MTB, but from the one pic I wonder if you could move the saddle back a little bit. I wouldn't do more than 3mm.
you'll probably dislike it after 20-30 miles, but after 2 rides you should be acclimated and more importantly I wonder if that will take some weight off your hands.
nothing big is wrong with your fit that I can see from these 2 pics. the tarmac has a sloping TT so a lot of seatpost does show, but looking at the saddle-to-bar drop and your position with *plenty* of elbow bend, I think you're ok.
you'll probably dislike it after 20-30 miles, but after 2 rides you should be acclimated and more importantly I wonder if that will take some weight off your hands.
nothing big is wrong with your fit that I can see from these 2 pics. the tarmac has a sloping TT so a lot of seatpost does show, but looking at the saddle-to-bar drop and your position with *plenty* of elbow bend, I think you're ok.
05-02-12, 07:24 AM
#50
Temporarily riding with one hand is such an elementary and basic skill that, unless there is an underlying medical problem, I suspect that there are significant fit issues. Maybe the saddle is too high, bike too small, etc.
Get a professional fitting.
Get a professional fitting.
