Efficient road bike riding posture

Just change your riding posture and your riding efficiency can instantly increase by 13%. According to a recent study from the Institute of Mechanical Engineers in the UK, bending your elbows can instantly increase your riding efficiency.

This study is not only for professional drivers wearing tight-fitting jumpsuits and wind-breaking helmets, but also for bicycle enthusiasts. Barry et al. published this study in the Journal of Sports Engineering and Technology, and looked at the five common road bike riding postures, which one can overcome air resistance. The test results show that when the rider is riding in the horizontal position of the arm, the windward area is minimized, and 13.4% of power output can be saved at a speed of 45 km/h. This means that you can save 35 seconds or save 300W of power consumption in the 40-Hour Time Trial. Saves 10% more power than holding the handlebar.

Lower your elbow position to reduce your resistance

The test adopted by the Institute of Mechanical Engineering is a wind direction with zero yaw angle - but there is rarely a zero yaw angle in nature. A tester with a weight of 70 kg does not mean that any type of rider is the same. the result of. However, given that more than 80% of the rider's output during high-speed cycling is used to overcome air resistance, the use of this more aerodynamic posture will certainly help with riding, especially when heading uphill or downhill.

This riding posture also allows your fingers to be placed on the brake shifter for a long period of time. It is much safer than if you hold the lower pedal. Therefore, it is a good idea to use the lower arm position. Things, and you can also rest your arms. By the way, this position can often be seen by many professional cyclists, especially when they are riding in front of big groups.