Assuming you can maintain power output and comfort, lower = more aero = better.
[b]ASSUMING[/b]
Oh and lower isn't better. Only up to the point of the best aero position. Some people are quite capable of getting too low at the front...
Chris Boardman was known for being very flexible. Why didn't he have a flatter stem here?
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put a bmx wheel on the front. Makes you properly aero. Better yet, a mag wheel.
Mag wheels are sweeeet...
Chris Boardman was known for being very flexible. Why didn't he have a flatter stem here
Thing is, most people don't ride custom-made time trial bikes. Pick any modern off-the-shelf road frame and chances are you can't get that nice flat-backed aero position with a positive rise stem and a stack of spacers.
When you're on a bike, do you wave at cars...?
I do when they show courtesy, such as holding back until safe to pass. Don't other people do this?
Of course I shake my fist and gesticulate wildly when they try and sideswipe me, just for balance, of course. 😆
[i]I do when they show courtesy, such as holding back until safe to pass. Don't other people do this?[/i]
Oh, absolutely. But not *all* cars.
+1 for lower not being better, who's got that pic of Contador sprinting on the hoods becasue his stem's 'slammed'?
It's not a flexibility thing, I'm quite comfy with my knees knocking into my ribs and can put my palms flat on the flor without bending my knees, but if I 'slam' my stem even with compact bars the drops are uncomfortably low, raised my bars 15mm and I can now sit in the drops all day.
If there's even a slight side wind and you're riding in a rural area, be ready for a 4 foot sideways movement everytime you go past a gateway 😯
but I ****ing hate that site. I hate the fact that a slammed stem somehow seems like something we should all be aiming to, rather than actually adjust it to fit perfectly.
I think you might be missing the point slightly. The way I see the site is a celebration of slammed stems. Slammed stems look better. If you can slam, you will be more aero. Thus if you can slam, and still be comfortable, and get enough power down, you will look awesome, and go 38.2% faster. And also no one will want to sit on your wheel.
Although TBH I'll slam any road bike then fit myself to the bike, rather then fitting the bike to me. The flesh is weak. Weak I tell you.
who's got that pic of Contador sprinting on the hoods becasue his stem's 'slammed'?
When he was gunning for the line against Evans? I'd say he was on the hoods cause he doesn't know anything about sprinting and wasn't ready for the attack.
Also, OG, riders shave their legs because the pros do it. The (good) pros also slam.. 🙂
No different to this site, http://www.bigringriding.com/
Obviously it's not suggesting you storm up every climb in the big ring. It's just celebrating it if you do. "IT'S NOT JUST A CHAINRING, IT'S A STATE OF MIND."
To be fair, anyone using the word 'slam' when referring to a stem should be taken outside and slammed with a big metal bar.
To be fair, anyone using the word 'slam' when referring to a stem should be taken outside and slammed with a big metal bar.
I second that.
Cervelo did research on bar height and performance and their finding was that saddle height and position was what determined back position rather than the bar height. Riders have a 'natural' back position and whether the stem is slammed or has a couple of spacers does not really have much impact on the natural position because the rider bends or straightens their arms to get to it.
My tip - Anyone who in any seriousness refers to those 'Rules' from velominati probably has a borderline personality disorder and should be avoided.
Although TBH I'll slam any road bike then fit myself to the bike, rather then fitting the bike to me. The flesh is weak. Weak I tell you.
Yes, but all you're doing is riding arround with straight arms almost verticaly downwards, think about it for a moment, is that more aero than running a much taller steerer and having your forearms hoisontal like a TT bike? Your back will be in the same position regardless of where you've put the bars*. Secondly, do you ride an MTB with rigid elbows? Bending them gives more shock absorbtion and controll.
The flat back on a TT bike is as more a result of the steep seat angle than anything else.
*Check out obre's upside down bars for evidence, he got his arms right up out of the way and tucked in.
Honestly... Can someone buy something else off realman and make a fuss about it so we can stop all this slamming nonsense?
Can someone buy something else off realman
Not sure you will get many volunteers for that! Was the original 'issue' ever sorted?
But on the main issue, do people actually get upset by a website that is clearly just a bit of fun, bonkers.
Yes, but all you're doing is riding arround with straight arms almost verticaly downwards, think about it for a moment, is that more aero than running a much taller steerer and having your forearms hoisontal like a TT bike? Your back will be in the same position regardless of where you've put the bars*. Secondly, do you ride an MTB with rigid elbows? Bending them gives more shock absorbtion and controll.
You seen me ride? I haven't, but I've got loads of pictures with my elbows pretty much at 90 degrees.
Get out and ride and you will figure it out. Also if your local road club is friendly join them for ride. Riding in group is so much more fun.
To be fair, anyone using the word 'slam' when referring to a stem should be taken outside and slammed with a big metal bar.
PMSL!
But on the main issue, do people actually get upset by a website that is clearly just a bit of fun, bonkers
Not really, I just think it won't be long before folk think that being a Rapha clad, stem slammed, Velominati'ist is the only way to be if you want to become a cyclist.
That said the style over substance boys have been providing me with great cheap secondhand kit for a good while now 😀
I just think it won't be long before folk think that being a Rapha clad, stem slammed, Velominati'ist is the only way to be if you want to become a cyclist.
I work in an office with two such people, and in the last few months they have both got into cx, although neither seem to do that much riding. One of them is certainly carrying too much spare to make me want to see him in lycra. As someone who has club raced since being a junior, it would be easy to scoff but they are really not doing any harm and their cycling is as valid as mine, and I don't mind spaffing a bit on decent kit.
If I'm riding on my own I'll almost always use at least a rear light. A roadie dressed in dark clothing is really not very visible at all, especially if it's dappled light or grey weather. Less of a problem on lonely country lanes but on roads with more/faster traffic, a light is essential IMO.
Anyway, back to arguing about slammed stems and the correct amount of Rapha to wear...
When he was gunning for the line against Evans? I'd say he was on the hoods cause he doesn't know anything about sprinting and wasn't ready for the attack.
You are joking, right? A bloke that has 'won' the TDF doesn't know the basics of riding a bike?
The way I see the site is a celebration of slammed stems.
You are joking, right? A 'celebration'?? Seriously, get out more, get a girlfriend or just stay in and have a w@nk. Do something but stop posting such utter toss.
slammed stems look better. If you can slam, you will be more aero.
You are joking, right?
Seriously, I've never heard such utter b0ll0cks. So your stem height is based around fashion? So you make yourself ride something unnatural just because its written by some cock-jockeys on the internerd that having your stem on top of the head tube is 'cool'?
Ride a position that's comfortable, enjoy riding your bike and don't give a sh1t about what other people think.
And don't buy brakes off Realman...
[i]A bloke that has 'won' the TDF doesn't know the basics of riding a bike?[/i]
To be fair, Andy Schleck has 'won' the Tour without being able to descend well or to change gear..;)
I think the picture was Cancellara against Greppel(?) Cancellara being a solo effort specialist sets his bike up to be areo for long sustained efforts on the hoods, Greppel is a sprinter so saves himself in the bunch and can be a bit more relaxed about being aero until he sprints for line at the end when he gets down on the drops.
Both probably set up lower than I do.
