Grip and Go: Tips for bike grip positions from Team Amino Vital

Now that you have a better idea of the type of gear you need and know how to pedal like a pro, we asked some of our Team Amino Vital athletes for their advice on proper bike grip positions. See what they suggest! Pro Athlete Andrea Hutchins:

"In the winter, our hill riding gets a little lazy. Remember to engage your core!  Sit up, grip the bars high and pull your core into the hill."

Everyday Athlete Paul Barr:

"Make sure you are not leaning too much on your handlebars or too far the other way.  Depending on the kind of riding you do (road, mountain, etc) it will change your approach.  For mountain riding, I like my handle bars a bit lower and flat but with good Ergo grips to help with wrist numbness.  I’ve had rides where I can’t feel my hands toward the end and that points to either a bad position or your core strength is not what it should be.  For core strength, I like to do plank workouts, supermans and push-ups a few times a week.  I also do a bit of Yoga to keep flexible.  Again, a bike shop can always help you dial in your seat and handlebar positions."

Ara "Fuzz" Movsessian from Backbone Adventure Cycling :

"The bike, especially the front end of a mountain bike with suspension, needs to have play so it can do its magic. Gripping the heck out of the handlebar is counter-productive. Be loose with your grip and allow the bike below you to float. A tense grip will make your arms tense, which will make your shoulders tense and finally will make your riding tense. Just like Bruce Lee once said in an interview, 'Flow like water'. Depending on your preference for a mountain bike or road bike, one-finger or two-finger braking is ok. I use the one-finger braking so I can have four fingers on the grips for more control. Just like gloves or shoes, try different grips for girth, width and feel."