what's that lump under the lycra...?

[Elliot M]

no, no that...

something that i have noticed a few times in photos of pro road riders is a strange squarish lump on their upper backs under their jersey,

especially in time trials, although this beastway rider seems to have one http://www.beastway.com/series2004/index.html

is it some weird spinal disorder you develop from tucking too low over the bars, an oversized heart rate monitor, or an aerodynamic device?

cheers

[Dan B]

HRM, buddy. Can only be the chest strap.

It used to be sponges. There's a great photo out there of Bernard Hinault charging for the line, and he and the other two guys in shot look like hunchbacks.

[Elliot M]

aha... a mystery solved!