How To - Set-up a sporty sitting position
The road bike is the fastest of all bicycle types – and therefore has a very sporty sitting position. We'll show you how you don't have to give up comfort in spite of this sporty attitude.
The sporty upper body position
The sitting position on a road bike is automatically much more sporty than on all other bike types. If you are a road bike beginner, you should slowly get used to the sitting position on a road bike.
Once you have adjusted the seat height correctly, you can make a few adjustments to change the angle and stretch of your upper body - for long rides or to be very aerodynamic.
Road bike: Comfort-oriented vs. aerodynamic
- Long-distance ready: A more upright position
- Aerodynamic: Bent far forward
Here are the advantages of each sitting position:
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There are three ways to have a sporty sitting position:
1.Increase the distance between the tip of the saddle and the handlebar
2.Angle of the stem
3.Reduce the spacers under the stem
4.Race bike handlebars: Drop, reach and backsweep
It is important to change your sitting position gradually so that you can get used to the new posture. So slowly try things out, always change your sitting position only to the point where you still feel comfortable.
1. Increase the distance between the tip of the saddle and the handlebar
By opening the Allen bolts on the head of the seatpost, you can move the saddle further backwards (note the markings on the seatpost that limit the adjustment range). This will increase the distance to the handlebar and you will sit more stretched on your bike. Please note: This also changes your knee angle. When the cranks are horizontal, your knees should be plumb over the balls of your feet.
You can also increase the distance between the saddle and handlebar with a longer stem.
2. Angle of the stem
With a straight or even negative angle stem, your upper body also tilts forward. The flatter the stem angle, the further your back tilts forward. When changing the stem, make sure that the new stem matches the diameter of your handlebar and the diameter of your fork steerer tube. Here, we show you how to change and adjust the stem correctly.
3. Spacer
If there are spacers under your stem, you can also adjust the height of your cockpit by placing the spacers over the stem (there is no room, if your fork steerer tube is flush with the stem). If you are sure that you can handle the new, more active sitting position, you can have the protruding fork steerer tube cut off (only necessary from a visual and not from a functional point of view). Find a CONTEC-specialist dealer.
4. Race bike handlebars: Drop, reach and backsweep
You can also influence your sitting position with handlebar choice. Not all road bike handlebars are the same.
- The drop describes the distance between the highest and lowest points of the handlebar. The larger the drop, the further down the drops position is.
- The reach describes how far the handlebar is curved forward. The larger the reach, the farther forward the shift/brake levers are mounted and the farther forward you can reach.
- Backsweep handlebars are slightly bent back on the tops. In the top position, you are therefore more compact.
Comfort for the hands
On every road bike you sit tilted forward. That's why more weight is on your hands. Special handlebar tape with gel inserts can provide relief and comfort. They absorb shocks and vibrations. Especially on longer rides you prevent your hands from becoming numb. You can find a selection of different handlebar tape here.
The right saddle
Since not only your upper body is tilted forward on a road bike, but also your pelvis, the right saddle is even more important than on a tour or city bike. More important than the padding (after all, your road bike bibs have a cushion) is the width. The latter must match the distance of your seat bones. Therefore, it is best to get advice from a specialist dealer.
Rennrad: Komfortorientiert vs. Aerodynamisch
- Langstreckentauglich: eher aufrechter Sitz
- Aerodynamisch: weit nach vorne gebeugt
Hier die Vorteile der jeweiligen Sitzposition:
Langstreckentauglich |
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Aerodynamisch |
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You have a city bike, Dutch or trekking bike and problems with your sitting position? Here's how you can optimise your sitting position.