Singlespeed420

Sometimes I think it's kind of uncomfortable to be in a more forward position, was wondering if you guys think me taking up yoga and just being more flexible would help that problem.

datlas 

Mainly it’s faster because it’s more aero. It can be comfortable if your setup/fit are good. Some yoga and core exercises may be helpful but YMMV.

Maelochs

Most peole have sore hands/elbows/shoulders because they lean on their hands---particularly late in a ride, when the legs are tired.

Core exercises will help. Yoga is generally a good thing but not needed .....Flexibility is also a good thing, but the issue is your fit and fitness. If your bike is set up only to be comfortable when your legs are fresh, then the ends of your rides will be painful.

The answer is generally to increase leg strength. If your legs bear more of your weight everything else bears less. Also, though, some folks see pro racers and try for that position, not realizing what it takes to be efficient in that position. Work toward it slowly, I would say. Those guys have trained all day, every day, for years to be able to put out power in that posture. They have all the leg strength and core strength they need to sustain it and still push hard.

If I tried to ride like that I would be more aero but slower, as my joints and muscles are not able to work at max output in that bent and folded a posture. If I trained all day, every day, I could .... but since i know I won't, I sacrifice a little aero for more comfort, which translates to higher overall speed (which is not that important to me, though I care some) and also a lot more happiness while riding.

Your mileage Will vary. Adapt whatever I say to whatever your world looks like ... or toss it. I really don't know much anyway.

WhyFi

You're being rather vague as to how it's more uncomfortable for you. Aching arms, numb nethers, shrieking shoulders, hurting hands, pained posterior - all could have different causes and different solutions.

shelbyfv

How far are you riding before the thought comes to you? If you are new to drop bar bikes you may just need more time/distance. Your Giant Contend is a normal fit unless you've done something to change it. If you think you'll enjoy Yoga, go for it. Unlikely to hurt anything.

Dean V

I ride comfortably in what I think you refer to as a "forward" position.
I have never done yoga and am not flexible. Never done core exercises, just am reasonably active in my job.
However I have been riding and racing road bikes on and off for the last 40 yrs.

Maelochs

Nothing hurts as much as excessive alliteration ..... talk to your bike fitter.

(I couldn't read a post like that and not respond .... but if I said something complimentary everyone would think my account got hacked.)

Iride01 

I'd think it'd help make you stronger in the core and more limber. So even if it doesn't help you to the extent you want on the bike, it'll help you in other ways.

Staying low and aero might also be a little bit of understanding what it does for your numbers. When you can correlate in your data the rides that you did and didn't stay aero and see a notable to you difference, then you'll simply be more motivated to stay aero and overcome the things that make it feel odd to you.

When I'm very aero, I also am in a position that my elbows have a good bend in them and my wrist and hands are not taking the brunt of the road bumps and other forces that sometimes make them numb on long rides.

Litespud

Absolutely - I did yoga in my college rec ctr (too undisciplined to do it on my own) for ~6 mo before COVID shut everything down, and it made a huge difference to my comfort in the drops. I'm 58 and not very flexible. As soon as we start back full-time, I'll be looking for another yoga class - something that emphasizes practical physical flexibility rather than "woo".

Inusuit

This is good advice if your only goal is a more comfortable forward position. At 77, I strength train muscle groups including arms and chest because it is recommended for maintaining bone density in old people like me. I also do yoga mostly after rides. Shoulder stretches seem to help with pain/discomfort from riding. I agree with Maleochs that I tend to put more weight on my hands toward the end of a long ride. I tied a bit of bright ribbon to my handlebars reminding me to keep my core strong and shoulders relaxed.

mstateglfr 

OP- yoga certainly wont hurt reaching your goal. It should make you more flexible and increase you core strength and both of those help with being comfortable in the drops. Also, a proper setup helps.

SoSmellyAir

This is a good idea. I should try to see if there are any beginner's yoga classes offered outdoors.

Since I have come to accept wearing tight, revealing clothing in public through road cycling, I might as well sign up for a yoga class.

smashndash

OP disappeared lol