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. But for that other 10%, being both aero AND still able to pedal effectively might provide the marginal gains that teams are looking for.
If you can pedal effectively and be more aero with the saddle dropped, why would you ever raise the saddle again?
If you can pedal effectively and be more aero with the saddle dropped, why would you ever raise the saddle again?
Because it's not true 100% of the time, it's in certain circumstances
Similar level of relevance to suspension on road bikes IMO.
Not at all relevant to the huge majority of riders, arguably a benefit for events like P-R but still it's rare for the pros to use it.
TBH there's probably a better case for that than dropper posts. And we're more likely to see them on the bikes of anxious middle-aged punters than pros.
Sitting on your top tube is frigging scary. Sitting on a slammed saddle is not much higher and much more secure.
I reckon it won't be long before we see someone using one on a grand tour. Then I'm sure if it's positive it'll spread.
Similar level of relevance to suspension on road bikes IMO.
Not at all relevant to the huge majority of riders, arguably a benefit for events like P-R but still it’s rare for the pros to use it.
TBH there’s probably a better case for that than dropper posts. And we’re more likely to see them on the bikes of anxious middle-aged punters than pros.
I dont agree, a bit of suspension is good on a road bike for a lot of middle aged non racing nodders like me. Spesh Roubaix uses some to good effect. I think that will increase more than dropper posts, dropper post would be no use at all for my road riding, I'm usually trying to go slower downhill not faster!!
The “aero advantage” people are suggesting is for riders freewheeling at terminal velocity on a long, Alpine straight.
No suggestion about the "aero advantage" so no exclamation marks required...its fact. but I take your point it not necessarily for normal recreational riders, but even for recreational riders being lower in the saddle while freewheeling down a twisty alpine road lowers centre of gravity, makes the bike more stable, increases grip and ultimately safety, so beneficial in that way...just like long low and slack...just without the long and slack...though wait a few years and LLS geo might just hit the road bike market!!
And sat on the top tube pedalling isn't that comfy or efficient because they have to move quite far forward to clear the saddle, with a dropper they can get low, keep their weight better centred on the bike, pedal with more efficiency and be more stable on the bike. On the MTB i'll sometimes not bother raising the saddle and sit and pedal over a short section of trail linking two down hill sections....just being lazy if the legs are a bit tired, but it's doable and you can still get plenty of power in that seated crouched position with a bit of practice. Also very handy if you're reverb is in need of a service and refuses to return back up to the raised position half way around the ride.
Clearly if droppers were going to be integrated into road bikes the frame design would have to change to accommodate.
I dont agree, a bit of suspension is good on a road bike for a lot of middle aged non racing nodders like me. Spesh Roubaix uses some to good effect. I think that will increase more than dropper posts, dropper post would be no use at all for my road riding, I’m usually trying to go slower downhill not faster!!
You just did agree with me!
But perhaps I didn't word myself very clearly.
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...even for recreational riders being lower in the saddle while freewheeling down a twisty alpine road lowers centre of gravity, makes the bike more stable, increases grip and ultimately safety
recreational riders actually getting in the drops would have exactly the same effect 🙂
You just did agree with me!
But perhaps I didn’t word myself very clearly.
Oh good, I like agreeing!!
I reckon it won’t be long before we see someone using one on a grand tour.
Bindun. First page.
Lots of speculation on this thread from people who appear to have never raced a road bike in anger. The majority of the time you're in a bunch and you get way more benefits from being in a group than sticking your nose in the wind. Whilst there will be marginal benefits on fast descents there actually aren't many places in the UK where you're going to be racing descents at over 70kph where you run out of gears and need to rely on a tuck - it's simply too dangerous racing at those speeds on roads shared with traffic. Even on big descents like the Galibier and Tourmalet where you have long straights where you can reach 100kph it's about getting your front-end narrow and stable - an aero helmet and non-flappy clothing probably has more benefit that how much your ar$e is in the air.
Half the middle-aged-spreaders I’ve seen riding road bikes for the last decade seem to already be using dropper posts and they’ve forgotten to put them back up again.
Given how the roadies like it all a bit French then a quick look at google translate says
compte-gouttes
Stick that in your bidon and smoke it 😉