5 PRO TIPS FOR TACKLING COBBLES

3/11/2024 – Alex Filippov

5 PRO TIPS FOR TACKLING COBBLES

You have your bike ready for an adventure á la Spring Classics, with chunky tires on and the fragile carbon bottle cage removed. You've put some electrical tape on your seatpost to prevent slippage (yes, it’s a thing) and you’re ready to take off. Now let’s talk about riding position when you ride cobbles.

HARDER GEAR, LOWER CADENCE

The last thing you want on slippery cobbles is your body jumping up and down as you pedal. You are unlikely to overtake or sprint on cobbles. What you’re after is stability and momentum. That’s why pro riders opt for bigger chainrings for Spring Classics and use them as often as possible. So gear up!

SPEED UP

As counterintuitive as it seems, higher speed makes riding on cobbled roads safer and more comfortable (except if you crash). By building more horizontal momentum your bike will fly over small dips and go over obstacles way easier.

shutterstock_1135182140.jpg

TRY ROUVY WITH A 7-DAY FREE TRIAL

BEGIN MY FREE ROUVY TRIAL

STAY RELAXED

At 40+ km/h, riding on wet cobbles is anything but relaxing. So what do we mean by staying relaxed? The trick is to not tense your muscles and joints when you’re getting hit by cobbles. Gain momentum and let your bike float under you. Have you ever watched jockeys during a horse race? Riding on cobbles is very similar. Relax your fingers, elbows, and hips, and let the bike do the hard work.

STEER WITH YOUR WHOLE BODY

It takes one overreaction to cause your front wheel to lose traction on grimy cobbles. Remember, you should let your bike float under you. Instead of arms, try steering your bike gently with your hips and core. Don’t fight your bike when things get dicey. The more you trust your bike and treat it gently, the more forgiving it will be.

LOOK UP

There is a very popular saying among motorbike riders: look where you want to go. Over-focusing on objects and obstacles can lead to overreactions or complete freeze-ups. If you concentrate on every cobble that sticks out, your mental power will be consumed and you will make costly mistakes. Instead, lift your head up and look where you want to go. All the immediate small obstacles will be handled by your bike and muscle memory, keeping your brain calm and focused.

FREE! Try out ROUVY

Ride with ROUVY, the world’s most realistic cycling app. With 1,300+ real routes, pro training plans and more, staying motivated is easy with ROUVY, Get a free trial!

TRY ROUVY FOR FREE

Související příspěvky

Saddle as a service? Meet 3D-printed Joyseat

Posedla crew from the Czech Republic makes the most customizable saddle in the world - the Joyseat. Say goodbye to sore muscles, back aches and wrist pains.

Přečíst článek

Why you should look for a Zwift alternative this winter

ROUVY indoor cycling app could add a new level of realism to your training this winter. Try the ROUVY app as an alternative to your Zwift routine.

Přečíst článek

All you ever wanted to know about chamois cream and were afraid to ask

In this article, we are focusing on your butt and discomfort while riding longer routes. Learn about saddles, chamois creams and bike fitting.

Přečíst článek