Stem Length, the Pro's Shoe Size?

Recently on the Cyclefit's trip to the Etape Expo, I got to have a look at one Andy Schleck's bikes on the Specialized stand. This was interesting for me as we are pretty much the same height, weight, and have similar body proportions (long body/ short legs).

From a fitter's point of view, it was horrific. The drop from the handlebars to the stem was approximately 15cm. He had a 140mm/-17degree stem on a special pro short head tube model frame, combined with having the brake hoods low on the bar! I remember reading that his hamstring flexibility was something in the range of 60-70, which is the average flexibility we have with our clients at Cyclefit (mainly city workers). In my experience, an Olympic Gymnast would have issues with a 15cm drop.

The only explanation I can see of having such a huge drop is some kind of macho theory that the more drop and longer stem you have, the more of a man you are. It seems to be rampant among the pro peleton with virtually every rider with the longest lowest set up possible, regardless of frame geometry, body shape, or flexibility. The position has far too many drawbacks to be for any other reason.

• His back is rounded like a scared cat to try and open up the hip angle to produce power.

• His legs are going everywhere because he cannot control the lateral movement (see previous post) in such an extreme position (maybe the cause for his early season knee troubles?).

• His hips are rocking in the saddle due to the tension in the hamstrings

• He seems to have a recurring Achilles problem- maybe due to constant high tension in the hamstrings and calves?

• His bike handling and descending is widely accepted to be sub-par. How can you descend or handle the bike correctly if you are straining to reach the hoods and don't have a hope in hell of reaching the drops?

Considering how close he was to winning the tour this year, he's doing pretty well with all these handicaps. Maybe he could beat Contador next year if he came to Cyclefit!