Indoor cycling has a new kid on the block called a Cycle Utility Bar or CUB.
· What exactly is a Cycle Utility Bar?
· What is a Cycle Utility Bar used for?
· What are the advantages of using a Cycle Utility Bar?
· How does a Cycle Utility Bar work?
A Cycle Utility Bar or CUB is just that ... a solid metal bar that attaches to an indoor cycle. The CUB attaches to the seat post under the saddle of the bike by replacing part of the standard seat post clamping mechanism.
The CUB is typically made from one piece (no moving parts) of high grade metal (aluminum or steel) thus providing a durable add-on with the intent that it will last the entire life of the cycle.
The CUB provides a very solid base from which different attachments can be connected thereby providing the indoor cyclist with additional exercise alternatives that are effective, safe, and most of all …. comfortable.
Think of it as “ the Swiss Army Knife of Indoor Cycling”.
Wait … what do we mean comfortable … this is indoor cycling isn’t it ? Indoor cycling is a lot of hard work. Yes, that is true but we quite often do pay somewhat of a price physically during our hard work - especially when it comes to our back, neck, shoulders, and arms … not to mention those poor quads !
The major attachment of the CUB is the handle bar(s) that mount directly behind the saddle and provide the rider the ability to sit in a vertical upright position while still working very effectively. The advantages of the rear mounted handlebars are immediately recognized by the rider soon after grasping the hand grips and aligning their back, neck, and shoulders into a new and much more tolerable position.
The handle bars place the rider in a spine neutral (vertical) position with head, neck, shoulders, and arms the immediate benefactors of this upright position.
It sounds simple and it is actually… you are now riding an indoor bike effectively (quads still hammering away) and more comfortably … or shall we say without less discomfort.
Who would benefit from this position ?
Answer - everyone – at least once in a while. But for some, the ability to cycle effectively in a vertical position may now attract those who shied away from indoor cycling … seniors, those with certain neck or back issues, pregnant women, athletes rehabbing injuries, beginners to indoor cycling, or exercise in general etc.
Note: riders can also gain some in-ride recovery by maintaining their preferred lean forward position while either grasping one rear handlebar at a time while the alternate hand remains on the front handlebar.
Tip: you may wish to try this out to relax your upper body while cycling - while maintaining a moderate lean forward, drape your arms behind you with the back of your bands resting on the rear handlebars palms facing away - no need to grip ...
unbelievable relief is soon realized
Another attachment of the CUB that will gain a lot of attention are resistance bands.
Resistance Bands are typically attached to the CUB in one of several ways:
Bands are threaded through specially provided steel band attachments that are part of the CUB
Bands can be threaded through the unused handle bar slot of the CUB
Note: resistance bands can also be attached to front handlebars to allow additional upper body exercises
Resistance bands also provide an ideal warm up and cool down option while dismounted from the bike.