I know riding on the rivet (creeping forwards on the saddle when really laying the hammer down) is not uncommon. I found myself doing this all the time in vo2 or more intense intervals as well as in the final stages of a ramp test. However ever since making some for adjustments including shortening my cockpit and reach, I’ve noticed I can stay put anchored on the widest part of my saddle even for anaerobic efforts. I’ve tried moving forwards and not sure if I am getting any power benefit whilst losing some sitbone contact with the saddle.
Do people use this strategy of moving forwards on the saddle to get that last bit of power perhaps at the very end of a ramp test when you feel like you are starting to fade? Or if set correctly, is staying anchored the most ideal for seated power production even at the highest intensity?
Interesting question. I’ve noticed the same thing myself.
My solution: inline seatpost and saddle shoved as far forward as possible. Butt comfortable, lower back comfortable, lots of power, saddle height unchanged no matter what (no moving forward and thus shortening effective height).
Cons: more hand pressure when going slowly. (But why would I go slow? Use another bike for touring.)
You can sit on the rivet or all the way back with your bum anchored against the back of the saddle. In the end of the day, it really doesn’t matter that much.
What’s important is that when you sit, you hinge properly, so you don’t put strain on your lower back.
Basically, try to replicate the position you would take when you do your deadlifts, but on the bike instead.
I’ve basically made the same bike fit adjustments as you regarding fore/aft saddle position and use of 0 degree offset seatpost. Would be curious to hear others’ thoughts particularly if moving forwards on the saddle garners you a bit extra wattage at the extreme limits?
Riding “on the rivet” is not really about generating more power…it is usually about two things 1) high cadence and 2) aerodynamics.
When you move forward on the saddle like that, you can rotate your hips more and get lower in the front. IME, it is intuitive reaction to your speed and seeking to reduce your aerodynamics. I can’t think of a single time I have ever gotten “on the rivet” on the trainer, mostly because there is no wind resistance hitting me. I therefore don’t feel the “need” to get lower. Even high cadence drills has my butt pretty well locked in place on the saddle.
You really don’t need to get on a rivet to work higher cadences or get lower. Working on getting your form right can achieve the same effect without going into extreme positions.
Well, that wasn’t exactly what I said…I said getting on the rivet was a natural reaction to increased wind resistance, especially at higher speeds.
It generally happens at very high speeds, when you are getting stretched to your max and spinning at a high rate due to the circumstances.
You can absolutely work on cadence / lowering yourself w/o being on the rivet. Being in that position is a by-product of the circumstances, not a requirement to produce them.
Sure, I can put out the same power and be comfortable further back, but then I have to raise and shorten my reach/bars to be able to breathe. The back and neck pain is also an issue when you’re way too folded. In other words, I can rotate back around the bottom bracket. Cons are worse aerodynamics and shitty standing position.