Tune in to your body alignment.

One of the neat things about watching pros race is seeing how well their bodies blend with their bikes. Here are two things you can easily check about your own form.

First, where are your elbows? No matter if your hands are on the bar tops or drops, your elbows should be in line with the bike, not flared to the side. If they're sticking out, they catch more speed-stealing air. They also could bang other riders when you're in a group.


Second, how about your knees? Ideally, they'll be in line with the bike, too, not angling into the frame's top tube as you pedal, or pointing out. Out is worse, for the same reasons you don't want your elbows flaring.

It's pretty easy to correct wayward elbows. Just be aware. Keep them flexed and in line between your shoulders and hands. Assuming your reach to the bar is in the ballpark of proper position, it's a matter of developing the right habit.

Knees can be more complicated. If they're out of alignment, it could signal anatomical anomalies or incorrect cleat position or saddle height (probably too low). If your knees want to wander as soon as you stop concentrating on them, check your position with our website guide called "How to Perfect Your Position & Technique" at articles.htm.

It pays to get straight. Otherwise, you'll suffer more than your share of discomfort and even biomechanical injuries. Plus, you won't be riding as efficiently or strongly as you could be.