For a casual cyclists, is there much benefit in efficiency when lowering handlebar height?
A cursory Google search of riding positions says more aggressive = quicker. But what about if you not racing anywhere and just putting in the same effort as a brisk walk?
This is mainly just out of interest really. I looked for some studys on the matter but couldn't really find any.
Not exactly a Brommie specific question, so attached is a pic of my Brommo with lowered handle bars 😉
by kamesjennedy
2 Comments
Geometry of the bike plays a huge roll in how something is considered aggressive. In this case, the bike is designed with a more upright position in mind thus a more leisurely and comfortable ride as opposed to my road bike where the geometry puts me in a more aggressive position with my hips (rotation of pelvic bone) legs and arm reach. Lowing your Brompton bar may make you a bit faster but will come at a cost of comfort and for most, this is minimal. That said, we are all different, so what is comfortable for you is not always the best for someone else of the same stature.
Lower handlebars more aggressive arch to your back more weight on your hands and vice versa for riser bars. Bike geometry is a huge topic. For efficiency on a Brompton which is inefficient anyway due to wheel size etc there is no reason to lower the handlebars unless you find that position comfortable.