The flat back position is perhaps the greatest lie ever told in sport, provided you ignore any of the racing we’ve seen in the last decade or two.
It is possible, I suppose, that when we talk about a flat back, what we really mean is that on an elementary level, all curves are really just a series of straight segments connected at an angle; while a rider’s back may look arched, it really is flat in an existential sense.
Because no one really rides with a flat back. Even riders who famously rode with a flat back, like Greg LeMond, actually rode with only the upper portion of their backs flat. In fact, the only rider I can think of who was as happy as a Texan in an Amgen factory while riding with a truly flat back was The Gypsy himself. It bears mentioning, however, that a search through the Velominati Archives shows only intermittent evidence of him riding with a truly flat back.
If you’ve ever tried to get your back completely flat, you’ll have noticed that it feels awful. Your shoulders tense up, your hips roll forward. It certainly doesn’t do your bits any favors. As you try to accelerate, your shoulders and hips tense up even more in an effort to keep the back as flat as possible.
There is a very simple explanation for this: The V abhors a straight line; it requires smooth curves in order to flow freely from the various V-Receptacles spread throughout your body and into the guns where it is processed and converted into Monumental Devastation.
As you pursue the V-Locus, keep the following points in mind:
And yes, Cycling is hell for your posture. If that’s what you’re after, take up yoga.
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@Marcus ditto. Do we go to the same studio? I was about to make the same comment, both the instructors I have are pretty damn hot. I've been doing Pilates for over a year now, the benefits to a 40+ who spends and hour or two on the bike and 8 hours at a desk most of the week, have been obvious (I've dropped the bars, raised the saddle because I can and it's now more comfortable).
@Giles very happy when i clicked on your name to see you are in WA. I wouldnt want to share mine with others.
@the Engine Sorry, you're wrong. He won the French road champs in June 1978, rode the 1978 Tour wearing the jersey then someone else won the 1979 Championships in June of '79, presumably wearing the tricolor into the 1979 Tour.
@Marcus "sit bones" should be your safe word.
@Marko safe words are for the weak of mind and core. You need to be able to perform without a safety net.
My friend Rachel has one of the flattest backs I've seen...
@Marcus
I'll be needing that address.
@brett She seems to be staring down at the stick just in front and to the right of her.
@Marko
"If I look at this stick long enough, maybe I will avoid making eye contact with that creepy fucking bike shop guy taking photos of me again. Cant remember his name but he keeps telling me that we are friends and commenting on my flat back."
@Marcus
Good theory, except I didn't take the photo.