Saukki wants a Cruzbike
- Thread starter Zzzorse
- Start date
bladderhead
Zen MBB Master
He said it! In that video he said that DF riders can use their body weight to generate more power. Are we going to start that war again?
LarryOz
Cruzeum Curator & Sigma Wrangler
No need for a war. It is a fact that the position a rider is in (or can be in) on an upright bike gives them more of a mechanical advantage to make more power. Downside is pain and loss of aero.
They can engage more muscle groups, and swing all their weight from side to side, plus I believe they have a gravitational advantage being above the pedals. (At least with Cruzbike you can swing your weight a little.)
It still does not make them as efficient as someone on a Vendetta for an overall ride. Even though I love riding Cruzbike, if there was a steep hill climb race and my goal was to get there as fast as possible I would probably ride an upright. I could stand it for maybe 30 minutes.
All other choices - It's a Cruzbike for me! Comfort and speed - and besides that they look cool!
Opik
Well-Known Member
I don't think it is contest. It is true that Upright can generate more power over short distance using thir body weight. I feel that way comparing my Mongoose Omega and T50. On the flipside, Recumbent riders can use 2 techniques : (1) Pulling the handlebar (2) Pushing against the seat. And these 2 techniques can be used for longer.
Climbing 30 mins by standing and pedalling is OK, but doing a climb for 1-2 hours or after a 2 hour ride on the flats? This is where the comfort and the duration of the 2 techniques come in. I also think pushing against the seat is more effective with an upright seat, like the stock seat of T50 or Lightning R84.
bladderhead
Zen MBB Master
If you ride a DF uphill it feels as if you are using your weight, but this is a fallacy. In order to use your weight you have to use energy lift your weight up in the first place. This lifting-process diverts energy from powering the bike.
Why was Merkx such a great cyclist? Because he was so fat that he could use his superior weight to push his bike at 70mph. Why do they all take drugs? To build up bulk so they are all as heavy as him.
When you stand on the pedals your body assumes the same shape as it does when you ride a 'bent, except rotated through a right angle. This shape is inherently stronger than sitting on the saddle with your body folded over. Also you will be pulling on the bars like Cruzbike riders do. It is not about the weight, it is about extra strength.
Why was Merkx such a great cyclist? Because he was so fat that he could use his superior weight to push his bike at 70mph. Why do they all take drugs? To build up bulk so they are all as heavy as him.
When you stand on the pedals your body assumes the same shape as it does when you ride a 'bent, except rotated through a right angle. This shape is inherently stronger than sitting on the saddle with your body folded over. Also you will be pulling on the bars like Cruzbike riders do. It is not about the weight, it is about extra strength.
bladderhead
Zen MBB Master
Sorry if that sounded like a flame. Could not resist it.
