I think it's driven by either inexperience, poor fit, or inability to spin in circles. Unless she only races in crits, how does she eat in a race? Take off a jacket? These things can be done one handed, but IMHO, that is more dangerous that with both hands off the bars.
Doland Cheung SoCal
-------------------- Kenneth Freeman wrote:
I have a friend in one of the LBS, who races CX and road events locally, in her mid-20s (half my age!). While talking about getting some OT handlebars and how I'm not going to friction shift this bike, she said she can't imagine riding without both hands on the bars, and that there is instability if she takes one off for much other than drinking water. This seems new! My more classic frames, 1980 Masi and 1982 or so Mondonico, can easily be controlled and ridden with one hand, and I have nowhere near her skill and fitness level.
She feels she needs this constant positive control in the peleton, but won't have it if she releases a hand.
This change in riding style may be driven by different geometry, in turn driven by not needing to let go of the 'bars. I assume she rides a (ot) Specialized Tarmac or something, maybe an Orbea.