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Form fundamentals

Elbow Angle

Whether your arms are softly bent (good) or locked out (harsh and twitchy).

Healthy range: ~150–165° elbow angle (slight bend)

What good looks like

Elbow angle150–165°Back angle40–55°Hip angle45–55°Knee extension30–40°Ankleinformational

What it is

A slight, relaxed elbow bend absorbs road shock and keeps steering smooth. Locked-out arms transmit every bump straight to the shoulders and neck; heavily bent arms suggest a cramped cockpit.

Why it matters

Locked elbows are a frequent cause of hand numbness, shoulder fatigue, and a harsh ride, and often signal a reach that's too long.

How we detect it

We measure the shoulder-elbow-wrist angle (median across the clip). ~150-165° is a soft, slightly flexed arm.

How to fix it

Shorten the stem if your arms lock out; lengthen it if your elbows are heavily bent. Aim to keep a relaxed bend at all times.

Recommended drills

  • •Shorten stem if arms lock out
  • •Lengthen stem if elbows over-bent
  • •Keep a soft, flexed arm

Run these 2-3x per week. Expect to feel a change in form 4-6 weeks in.

Common symptoms when this is off

Hand numbnessShoulder/neck fatigueHarsh ride feel