Hoods

On road bikes, hoods refer to the brake and shift lever grips located at the top of the curved road bike handlebar (drop bar). Most modern road bike brakes are integrated brake/shift levers (e.g., Shimano STI, SRAM eTap, or Campagnolo Ergopower), and the hoods are the ergonomic rests for the hands.

Advantages of the Hoods position

1. Comfort – Your hands rest comfortably on the hoods, which is comfortable on long journeys.

2. Control – You have good leverage and can both brake and shift.

3. Efficiency – Ideal for flat terrain or light climbing as you have a more upright riding position.

Many riders use the hoods as their standard hand position, as it offers a good balance between comfort and control. When more aerodynamic or stable performance is needed (e.g., during sprints or descents), they switch to the drops.