How To Hold Your Handlebars Like A Pro | GCN Pro Tips

[@gcn]

What's your preferred hand position on the bars?

[@TwoDogsFighting]

I like my hands to be on them.

[@trdboi4208]

I usually put my hands on the top of the bars

[@emanueldobos8452]

Hands free to stay clean of corona 👐😊

[@milybanily]

The one don’t pain my osteoarthritised hands.

[@rickyhamdani6125]

off the bars i like to live dangerously

[@liambertuzzi]

GCN: How to hold your handlebars like a pro GCN 30sec later. "Don't try to copy the pros"

[@chrisl.6158]

Exactly my thoughts.

[@connorgibney7653]

Liam Bertuzzi comedy genius

[@sevenrats]

He qualified that with "too much"

[@cicckany8540]

I was just going to comment the same.

[@backpacker3421]

Pretty sure what they said right after that was 'don't FAIL to hold your handlebars the way you see pros do sometimes because that can be dangerous on normal people roads'. Then they went on to discuss how to HOLD your handlebars the way pros do when they aren't draping their arms everywhere else.

[@OnajTamo]

Climbing - Tops and Hoods Flat - Hoods and occasionally drops. Descent - Drops Strong wind - Drops Most of the time - Hoods

[@music-xj8hf]

Use drop most of time. It is more aero

[@birkhansen8210]

@@music-xj8hf bend your arms 90 degrees when on the hoods. That is faster.

[@willwalker5805]

What about no handed? 😂

[@gdevansh]

@@music-xj8hf remove the handlebars and hold the fork, it's more aero

[@owenchuarbx]

I often use the hoods and tops. Rarely on the drops

[@Teleken1968]

Just want to say thanks to Conor - I just resumed road cycling after a 35 year break from anything with drop bars. Getting on the drops after that much time off felt completely foreign to me and thus I wasn’t using them. Conor’s advice of “just use them for 5 minutes at a time” was all I needed. Headed out for an evening ride, 5 minutes on the drops later, I regained my confidence and I’m fine now. I realize it may sound silly, but 35 years is a long time. I’m grateful.

[@WildOwlTV]

I really like Conor's videos and his presenting style - the right balance of fun and good quality information without too many repetitive cliche's - great stuff and always helpful - thank you GCN 👍

[@gcn]

Thanks for the feedback, we’re glad you’re enjoying Conor’s videos!

[@markcolella7401]

Thanks for a kind reminder about the need to be in control at all times. Certainly may prevent a mishap!

[@gcn]

Safety first!

[@5lowburner]

Commuter riding on drops more or less daily for 45 years now, and never thought I needed instruction on how to hold my bars! But I enjoyed it anyway, and the outtake! 🙂 More of those, please.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed the video. We're loving sharing our outtakes with you all!

[@richardharris8538]

I thought I'd pass on a bit of good news, in these pandemic times, for the other oldies here. I recently watched an episode of 'The Nature of Things', hosted by 83-year-old David Suzuki, (former Prof. of genetics at UBC), on aging well. He met up with another octogenarian professor in London, UK, to discuss his research. That prof. is a cyclist, and the program featured a group of senior cyclists, (Redhill CC), and the claim was that regular exercisers like them have immune systems as healthy as typical people in their twenties. They were in their sixties, seventies and eighties. Yaaaaaay! It doesn't mean that we older cyclists are immune from death by covid-19, but we have a fighting chance. :-))

[@DougMorley1]

Nice to see and read a comment by another "ancient one" Perhaps it would a good idea for GCN to consider us oldies but goodies in a series of videos.

[@apismellifera1906]

Hope you stay strong sir

[@richardharris8538]

@@apismellifera1906 Thanks, I'm gonna try. I just recently read in New Scientist magazine about another researcher who checked the immune systems of a group of (very much) older amateur cyclists and got the same finding.

[@JollyGiant0]

1:10 love Conor's impression of a bull Walrus, 10/10!!

[@PKownzthem]

Careful, Hank or Manon may use that frame to steal out of the cookie jar on the top shelf

[@zeblogo]

You guys are the best. And you’re absolutely shortening my learning curve. Cheers!

[@aerontobias6708]

That’s one big ass frame

[@FlatSpinMan]

James Cartier Every time I see his bikes I want to say this! Enormous.

[@merunkovykefir9578]

Absolute unit

[@mykhhh4994]

James Cartier what's the advantages? Must be a reason I've heard it's more stable at speed and fast corners

[@battlefieldslayer1138]

@@mykhhh4994 he's just a tall Irish guy

[@brauljo]

@@mykhhh4994 Lol get a frame that fits

[@chrisraisin5587]

Conor speaks so well. Great enunciation.

[@richardgawron7746]

Thank you for pushing out entertaining videos in spite of everything that's going on. It would have been easy to say "sorry folks, we're shut down too" and close up shop for a month. I, like many others here look forward to seeing a new video here. Thank you for continuing to deliver.

[@raybarber9526]

Thanks for that. I have rarely gone onto the drops. I've found it uncomfortable and a bit disconcerting in traffic. But after watching this video, I decided I'd try the bit at a time suggestion and ended up on the drops for most of my 35 mile ride. And it was comfortable.

[@Johnjwalt]

Just bought my first road bike this afternoon. Until now, it’s been all mountain bikes for me but I want to see how my top speed can improve. The whole handlebar and position issues are crazy to me! This helps.

[@volarex5311]

How is it going for you with road bike

[@KillersFromTheWest]

I just got my very first road bike (been into MTB for 25+ years), and this video was super informative. Love the straight to the point videos with good information.

[@backpacker3421]

A couple of physiological considerations that should help if you are having comfort issues - especially numbness in your hands: 1) make sure your wrist angle is as close to neutral (straight) as possible in all three of the main positions. You may be able to adjust hood position and bar roll to help, but on the tops this will probably take a concerted effort to change your technique. 2) be aware of how much weight you are resting on the bars. Is your core engaged, supporting your upper body weight, or are you resting all that weight on your hands? This can lead to real issues. I finally got rid of numbness in my hands by changing over to padless gloves, because it forced me to stop bearing down so much in order to stay comfortable. The lighter you are on the bars, the better on your body, and the more control you will actually have.

[@lukechastain9483]

Thank you!! I am still new enough this level of information is great.

[@petervandervelden9176]

Missing tips in order to prevent feeling numb, releasing pressure on the nerves inside the palms. I do alternate grippositions.

[@richaw6689]

Nice one Conor! I'm a hoods and drops man.. Really good advice and timely reminders about safety.. not copying the pros.. too much! I used to get over the front wheel on a decent until I nearly carped it at over 80kmh.. I hit a wet patch.. hilarious outtake too mate! 😂😂👊🏻

[@gcn]

Thanks, Rich! Glad you liked the video. Stay safe out there!

[@allyc85]

Tried holding the bars between thumb and fore finger yesterday and it made a massive difference, so much more comfortable all round!!

[@jessicao2643]

Loved this tutorial. I think personally for me I have a bit of a fear from changing positions of the handlebars during a ride because my first time ever trying a drop bar I moved from the top to the lower part of the drop bar and I might have put too much weight on it too fast and it turned my wheel down into the ground. I've been afraid to try riding one ever since.

[@ClemensAlive]

My hands are always "falling asleep" on longer rides. I already do use cycling gloves and I also try to hold the weight with my back and not lean with my full body on the handlebars. And no, I dont have capal syndrom.. I dont know what to do anymore, to be honest... it sometimes takes about 4 days until i have full strenght back in my fingers. (especially pinky and ringfinger)

[@JamesBriano]

That's awful. Some people swear carbon handlebars will alleviate this-stiff but forgiving through road chatter. It's possible they're just trying to justify another parts purchase-I'd look into it.

[@timsj6799]

Something that worked for me was keeping my wrists as straight as possible. Bending your wrists and putting even a little bit of pressure for a prolonged period of time can pinch some nerves. So, keep your hands in line with your forearms. Combine this with keeping the core engaged and potentially losing a bit of upper body weight could be the fix for you. If all else fails, try getting a bike fit (I’d recommend this no matter what). Hope this all helps!

[@ClemensAlive]

Got an update that helped me A LOT!!! Saddle was to far in the front^^ Pushed it back just 3 cm. Had a 110k today - no numbness anymore. (Just bak pain, because my muscles are not used to it xD)

[@jonpoon3896]

Saddle too high, reach too far, bar drop too low? All possible. Probably more tension on your neck and shoulders than you realize

[@150metri]

Get a proper bike fit. Even if it costs a bit, it will benefit your body a lot.

[@iancollins6104]

Thumb and forefinger is probably the most most important tip ever. Saved me a few times.

[@Retinen1]

Thank you. I was trying to brake from the drops like an old man (as I am). I didn't know about the hood and braking. Nice to learn something new.

[@ishka5828]

As a newbie i really feel like crashing everytime i hold the dropbar. Lol.

[@bruce_356]

Same

[@MrBenandbriar]

Wait, I’m supposed to grab them with my hands?? I thought they were for decoration. Thank you GCN!

[@lucashuang1320]

I've owned my gravel bike for a year and a half already. I realized only recently holding onto to the top tips of the hoods is the best for me (not the whole hood). I can pedal the fastest, most aero, and most comfortable at that position!

[@douglaspate9314]

I live in the mountains in Andorra so experience with descending, and unfortunately many of us with experience coming off while descending. So the number one tip especially for those when on holiday in the Alps or Dolomiti not used to long descents, while descending please: "Drops not Tops"

[@antonhelsgaun]

I'd probably ride on the tops while descending

[@p1gnone66]

what ever happened to gloves? lycra backed, chamois shock absorption, and road sand/glass shedding either in a fall or when cleaning a tire when in motion.

[@jameskerr7828]

Came here to find this. Always wear gloves for the extra padding, soak up the sweat, keep my bar tape nice etc. But most importantly, if in the worst case there is a crash - hands are protected!

[@arneemc4966]

Cleaning a tire when in motion, hahaha 😅. Firstly spit in your gloves is my tip, then clean your tire when in motion.

[@Enzo575]

I was hit by a Dodge Charger while riding today

[@jonotajian6678]

that sounds badass

[@adamsalchenberg779]

@@jonotajian6678if it wasn’t just a charger maybe it would be.

[@maksstefan6291]

I know it was 3 years ago but hope you doing good mate👍

[@owenchuarbx]

Conor's one tall bloke. Just look at the size of his Pinarello Prince

[@gubber123456]

stood beside him at the irish nationals last year....his head was in the clouds couldn't see his face lol

[@Jcgalik2]

Best looking bar tape job

[@carsonbagley3274]

I’m 11 years old and I have a 50 mile race coming up on august 7 My dad is getting me a road bike and I have been looking all over the internet so when I get the road bike. I feel nice and good.

[@user-wr9iz3kr9k]

i wouldn't like to do taboo referred in video due to your facial expresssion. the effectiveness is magnificent. thank you.

[@seanmosernyc]

GOOD TO SEE RIM BRAKES!

[@Echo_Recon_01]

0:47 Thanks for the reminder GCN.

[@esripuppy8872]

Good to see GCN displaying spacers under the stem! Do not obey fashion at the expense of practicality and comfortable fit !

[@nathanwilliams9695]

This guys cycling is on another planet. I can’t tell if he’s quick or not.

[@petinka721]

Conor is the new Matt Stephens! In a giant formate! :))

[@jaliljeffersonsabas3579]

the Drops and the hoods are the BEST grips and it was common use for roadbikes

[@cyclenutter2715]

Just waiting for how to sit on your saddle like a pro...

[@fukav1am]

It may be surprise to you but many people *are* in fact not sure how to sit properly and where exactly on the saddle. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4uXi553bcaGobM

[@markstone722]

Followed up with how to get on your bike with part 2 being how you get off.

[@simonpeneau7802]

Recently i change my position on saddle, i can say this little change make riding more confortable and allow me to ride during 3h without pain on a**. Before change after 1h it was horrible with the same short and saddle (fizik Arione)

[@trillbrown3686]

@@markstone722 they've actually already made that video. Seriously

[@makkomise]

You spoke too soon mate :D

[@tempusfugit3635]

I’ll also say two positions were missing: 1) hands on top of hoods, pinky under lever, arms parallel to ground; 2) forearms on tops, “invisible aero.” 1) is actually my preferred position at all times, even climbing out of the saddle!

[@duartecid3978]

Where was this filmed? I'm sure I recognise some of those pot-holes.

[@alexjoy8418]

Castle Combe

[@mididoctors]

That head tube is insane

[@marcoleung368]

1:20 best part of this video

[@anthonyhilchey8215]

Climbing definitely tops descending in the drops. On the flats I’m on the hoods.

[@namronraj5649]

Respect for the camera man

[@fukav1am]

Really nice tyres. No-one first today.

[@sevenrats]

I used to road bike but in the last 15 years I have been exclusively mountain biking and just bought a new road bike to get back into it. I was really surprised how light and twitchy the handling is comparatively the first time I got out on the road bike. Especially on the tops. It took a few minutes to get used to it.

[@abel2cycle989]

That's a great looking bike man👍

[@transnd]

I try to minimize weight on wrists (avoiding soreness and potential arthritis from grinding) by activating core and legs more, lessening pressure of forward lean.

[@trdboi4208]

you should make a video about bike computers

[@ghostrager_4525]

I don't even use that kind of bike I use a beach cruiser which surprisingly works very well and I usually can keep up with cyclist on road bikes, So beach cruisers can do it too.

[@carlosdiaz4685]

Just bought my 1st toad bike today. Wow, was not expecting to feep that different to a straght bar, anyways I hope I adapt

[@marciorrs]

That's a beautiful Pinarello!

[@giantkidtiff]

so helpful. thank you.

[@mookjapuet1183]

I'm a beginner, beginning to learn here.

[@Romace13]

Great video, cheers!

[@leedorney]

What a nice light video 👌

[@generosadumo2496]

Nice group set

[@8000RPM.]

On my 50 year old bike, I still find the center-pull brakes, with my hands positioned above the Drops, the most comfortable with INSTANT access to the brakes. Quick maneuvers are too difficult, when riding on the Tops. (P.S. I'm an urban rider with the need to perform evasive/emergency maneuvers instantly.)

[@chesdriane]

Really want to ride! But ughhh quarantine lockdown

[@urbanjungle9600]

The epitome of relaxed hands on the bars look no further than Maurizio Fondriest. The guy is poetry in motion and I’m sure he could play a Casio keyboard whilst dropping a wattage bomb.

[@CAC2024USA]

Find your perfect position is the key

[@oOoACFREEMANoOo]

I put my hands in front of my eyes when desending and when watching the new gcn Videos. Dudes, we are all on lock down. Make appropiate Videos and save these ones for later!!! #stayhomestaysafe p.s. put your thumbs behind the bars, do as you say and not like you show!

[@Greg-1080p]

"Me using flat handle bar" wow really useful

[@jay297610]

Very helpful ty

[@fabianwylie8707]

Nice video GCN ☝️👍

[@robertbotta6536]

Well done.

[@buckcitycrunk]

i climb on the drops when seated and climb on the hoods when standing it's so much more comfortable. i sprint on the drops, decend covering the brakes.

[@buckcitycrunk]

i can get up to 35 mph in 6-7 pedal strokes in a sprint

[@javaquickscope7300]

I can finally watch this because I bought my first road bike. Trek madone 2.1

[@federicomaisch6812]

Thank you

[@vinnyjhawer7847]

You got a cool bike Connor.

[@SamTeller]

"How not to hold your handlebars like a pro" haha

[@DanWallis86]

Question for the followers. Is the cameraman A. Riding on the back of an old Vespa? B. Filming out the window of a vintage VW beetle? C. Filming in a modern car while Nan is thrashing a sewing machine?

[@6ft8incyclist]

We need a show on Coner’s bike

[@Mike_in_Thailand]

@ 1.50 Connor says to tuck in, stay low and get out of the wind in group in group rides ...I'd like to see you do that Connor, when the others behind you are about your saddle height. They could sit up straight behind him and still be out of the wind ! No way he could get out of the wind if he was behind them.

[@robinkowen]

That headtube is ridonkulously huge 🤣😫

[@CykelSierra]

He must be really tall

[@emmetfoster7430]

It's taller than my down tube

[@erengokkaya]

When past a few mins. i have neckpain in this position. what should I do?

[@lovenottheworld5723]

According to Bernard Hinault you put your hands on the piano when you climb a hill.

[@wawarrior101]

The faces are brilliant 😂😂

[@knightshintingpeter7246]

I use the drop at all time

[@Unboxcityunboxcity]

That chicken wing in the end haha

[@markj.a351]

Went for the rim brake bike I see? Someone needs to watch GCN tech more often.

[@sevenrats]

I just went with rim brakes. I don't ride in bad weather or do death defying descents. Rim brakes are simpler, cheaper and lighter. My mountain bike has discs of course though.

[@xkingofnuthinx]

@@sevenrats plus , most crashes = poor grip while cornering not poor breaking. Rims 4 ever

[@Calispeedboi]

Number one thing I learned from racing is, Most people ride bars that are too wide for the I’m a pretty big guy and I ride 38cm center to center bars.

[@ibrahim.abouelseoud]

Where do you put the bell on drop bars? Maybe you can do a video for it ?

[@Elfenklatschen]

The first two tipps are just for beginners or average joe. If you are doing 15-20k/year and have raced a lot it is no big deal doing this things. Other tipp: IF you want to corner very fast switch to the drops to lower the center of gravity. The bike gets much more controllable.

[@Hambini]

You've run out of content, you need to get me on the show to liven things up!

[@crypto_que]

Just the feeling of being clipped in, but not having control of the bars b/c I'm resting my forearms on the bars is terrifying.

[@Fmladek]

Crypto Que give it a try if you trust yourself. it’s not horrible. you could get less drag, more mechanically optimal position of the body and you could rest your palms and wrists. it’s not like you don’t have control, you can still turn slightly and come over bumps etc. if you expect them with proper weight management.

[@johnm91326]

@@Fmladek not sure how a tighter hip angle is more 'mechanically optimal'. It certainly isn't from a biomechanical perspective, why do you think time trial bikes have short cranks and saddles as far forward as allowed?

[@steeviekouadio9311]

I used to ride the drop bar during many years ... i’m so used to it since years and I also have a fixed gear for in town and I saw that I have more from if I hold hard the drop bar for climbing hill but I don’t know if i’m doing wrong cuz I don’t do the same on my road bike but hills in town are more higher in degree

[@dan_lazaro]

There's a video with the same video title but 7 years ago on this channel. I feel old.

[@jesusenriqueriveratellez531]

That’s an enormous bike 🚲

[@cyclingbrothers7362]

On the hoods for me!

[@ninocabang7490]

All the time iam looking at the frame '' that is a big frame '' hahaha

[@pretzelogic2689]

All this time I thought that was a foot rest. Thanks GCN. Where do my feet go now?

[@battlefieldslayer1138]

With this quarantine situation there are not as much car, kinda classed as closed roads

[@cheesesandwich1236]

So many people have their bars slammed yet they never use the drops.

[@yurimow]

so many people have 11 speeds and never go beyond the 15T cog

[@jockalladrick8255]

...probably because drops aren’t the most aero position.

[@simonr7097]

@@jockalladrick8255 sure, it is more aero to ride on the hoods with your forearms horizontal, but it is also more strenuous. People who don't use the drops are unlikely to ride in the aero hoods position.

[@GNX157]

I prefer to have my bars lower so I can ride on the hoods but with my forearms parallel to the ground.

[@mrkickback3105]

Great video- thank you Isn't the way you said to hold the bars o the climbs the same way that you said not to hold them prior though? Or am I getting my wires crossed? Red bar tape looks cool man.