when did pro's change their climbing position

[masking_agent]

since we're all talking about climbing

With regards to a riders' climbing position, what year did the "climbers" hand position change ? i remember the late 80's, 90's, when we are all told the best climbing position was with your hands on the tops of the handlebar. (ie Gert Yan Theunisse, Delgado, Roche, Indurain, bugno, lemond, chiappucci etc) Then there was the Pantani era where he was a rider who use to live in the drops.

But nowadays, I don't seen anyone using the tops anymore ? I see all climbers nowadays spending the most of their time with their hands on the hoods or wrapped around the hoods.

What prompted this change in hand position ? and when did it officially become the new norm ?

thanks

 

[Mambo95]

What prompted this change in hand position ? and when did it officially become the new norm ?

thanks

STI gear shifters. Some time in the 90s.

The old style still gets used:

 

[mr. tibbs]

...

Yeah, what Mambo said. But your avatar is top three of the forum!

And I totally still climb on the tops (flats) of my bars. 176 lbs and loving it.

 

[MacRoadie]

I think if you pay close attention to a single rider over a prolonged period of time, you'll see that they change hand positions quite frequently, although some may tend to favor one position over another. Circumstances can also dictate where you ride. If you anticipate the need to shift, then riding on the hoods might make sense. Also, if you need to stand or respond to attacks, then the hoods are a much more stable position and a heck of a lot easier on the wrists. You can also transfer more power gripping the hoods.

Personally, I move from the tops to the hoods and back quite often to keep my hands from falling asleep or getting sore, but the relaxed position for prolonged periods is on the tops if I'm sitting down: it keeps your hands more naturally aligned with your arms.

 

[Maxiton]

I agree it was the introduction of STI shifters (or more to the point, perhaps, their hoods).

Personally, though I change hand positions often during a ride, I like climbing in the drops. I can feel the lessening of wind resistance when I do; it often makes it seem easier. But then I'm not climbing any alps.

 

[xmoonx]

since we're all talking about climbing

With regards to a riders' climbing position, what year did the "climbers" hand position change ? i remember the late 80's, 90's, when we are all told the best climbing position was with your hands on the tops of the handlebar. (ie Gert Yan Theunisse, Delgado, Roche, Indurain, bugno, lemond, chiappucci etc) Then there was the Pantani era where he was a rider who use to live in the drops.

But nowadays, I don't seen anyone using the tops anymore ? I see all climbers nowadays spending the most of their time with their hands on the hoods or wrapped around the hoods.

What prompted this change in hand position ? and when did it officially become the new norm ?

thanks

Pantani had a compact frame design which is why he lived in the drops. Prior to that, classic frame designs were the norm. Because the angles are changed in compact frames breathing and power utilization are achieved easier in the hoods than before. Also climbing out of the saddle (not Basso) seems to be the current vogue, and is nearly impossible with hands on the tops.