Comfort on your bike is important to enjoying and getting the most out of your riding. Achieving a good body position on your bike is an important part to achieving comfort when you ride.
To help you achieve a good riding position we are going to introduce you to the ‘A’ riding position. When riding be aware of your position and work to acheive a good position throughout the duration of the ride. You might be surprised what you learn.
The ‘A’ riding position
The yellow lines are the parts of your body that make up the ‘A’.
- Your back (1 side of the A).
- Your shoulders (the top of the A).
- Your arms (the other side of the A).
The red lines are the connection the relationship between the 2 sides of the A.
Step One to a good riding position is acheiving the position.
Your body parts
- Your back – you want your upper and lower back to be straight like the side of an A. Make this side as long as possible by straightening and lengthening out your back.
- Your shoulders – should be flat so your shoulders need to be relaxed down
- The arms – should be relaxed, you want to have soft elbows
The relationship between the 2 sides of the A
- think of the sternum or breast bone and the lower back as the horizontal line in the A that connects with both sides. Think of the breast bone and lower back moving slightly towards the arms (the opposite side of the “A”). This will help open up your chest.
Now your ‘A” may look slightly different than that shown in the photo because your bike set up will differ. For example, you may ride in a more upright position however the principles do not change. YOU need to work at achieving the ‘A’ position on your bike set up.
See photo for common changes in riding position that take you away from achieving your A. Rounded back, elevated shoulders and locked elbows.
A riding position
Common incorrect riding position
Step Two to a good riding position is being aware of this position when you ride and trying to maintain it throughout your ride. Improving your riding position takes patience, time and practice. Enjoy working towards it. You will enjoy the benefits when you ride as well as supporting your health and wellbeing.
Check out our Riding Position Video to understand more about your ‘A’ Riding Position.
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