I currently am riding a road bike with Syntace C2s & drops, shallow seat angle.
Looking at a P3 as my next bike and was thinking that I would try the steep seat tube position, BUT…I called my local fit expert (FIST certified) and he said go 75 degrees. Help!
Who’s riding steep? How steep? And do you really run better? Or is this simple personal preference?
I would say that you should go 77 degrees.
Your position should allow you to address a number of issues:
· Power output
· Aerodynamics
· Handling
· Any biomechanical issues you have
· Injury prevention
· Addressing any discomfort issues. (The concept of comfort is that comfort is the lack of discomfort).
There is no one prescribed solution. Nobody could prescribe to you a number. You should perceive anyone who does so with some scepticism.
As a scientist and an ex- Human Factors Engineer (certified Ergonomist) I am often surprised by the lack of scientific basis to claims that people in this industry make and how they would emphasise one single factor as the grand solution for all.
Companies that I have worked for (as a consultant) would demand a detailed report and laboratory tests and/or some other empirical evidence when a design solution is prescribed.
A bicycle is a simple human-machine worksystem where specific factors could be taken into account in designing a more efficient and effective solution. You should find out what these factors are, how you should measure them and plan a quantified basis for planning the correct position and the best tradeoff for your individual neds. A 3 hour fit session is useless. You don’t know how long you will able to maintain the position that a shop suggested, how well you will climb, what will be the handling when descending through sharp corners and so on. But it is better than someone telling you to go 77 degrees.
And do you really run better?
Cerveloguy said that he does run better off a steep bike, but his wife does not (if I recall correctly). Once again you should read statistics, and ask people, but you will need to do personal tests before you splash the cash on a bike that may not work for you.
This website seems to be more and more a Cervelo fan club and a Slowman Temple.
"Cerveloguy said that he does run better off a steep bike, but his wife does not "
That’s quite true. My wife can run just as well off her road bike as her P2K. For myself, I find anything over 76 degrees and my hamstrings feel better at the start of the run. We both ride our tri bikes at about 77/78 degrees. I seem to produce more power and climb better than if really steep.
Without knowing your anthropomorphic dimensions–how long all of yo’ bits iz–it’s too hard to guess. Here’s a better question; why did your FIST-certified fitter recommend 75 degrees? Are your lower legs particularly long in relation to femoral length? Do you have a large upper/lower torso disparity? Are you particularly inflexible? Etc…
Ask you fitter for a detailed description of his/her recommendations with explanations for each size/metric. Ask him/her to educate you about, well…, you and what works best for your body type.
In the meantime, all the conjecture from people who don’t know you (me included) is just that–conjecture.
When I got my P3 the guy who set me up said (and I quote)…“go steep dude”. So I started out at 78 degrees and there I have stayed. Who knows if thats right for you. Set it up, go out and ride for and hour, then change it if you arent comfortable.
Dude, are you not curios if being even steeper will further improve your performance? Or perhaps on the contrary, shallower might make you more powerful? How do you know if it is right for you?