Dutch Bicycle Sitting Position
Those who prefer a very upright riding position – or have been advised to use this position for health reasons – should keep in mind that, in this position, the arms should not be used for supporting the weight of the upper body. This means that the hands should be positioned on the handlebars relatively low and close to the body.
This is the classic Dutch, or “city”, bicycle position (Fig. 4). With the hands in this position the muscles of the back must remain active in order to maintain the balance of the upper-body, similar to horse-back riding or walking upright.
In this position the spine retains its natural S-shape and is therefore best able to absorb shocks. A suspension saddle or seatpost can also be beneficial when riding in this position.
To test whether the hands are positioned correctly the rider should open her hands and take them off the handlebars. If the hands are positioned correctly (i.e. not supporting the body weight) the upper torso should hardly move when the handlebars are released.
If the upper body “automatically” changes position in order to support its weight then the handlebar position is still not optimal. In this case the handlebars may have to be lowered and moved closer to the rider. This can be achieved either with a shorter stem or with a different handlebar design.
If, after the approapriate changes have been made, a repeated test shows that hand removal no longer causes movement in the upper body then the measurement work on the Velochecker is finished for the Dutch bicycle position.
A higher hand position does not necessarily mean a straighter back because, in this position, the hands and arms are too active in helping the upper body maintain balance. A high hand/arm position causes a rounded back and problems with the shoulders and neck. Furthermore the spine is subjected to unnatural pressures and cannot optimally absorb shocks.