Quote Originally Posted by DDH
You know, after reading your post, I was more confused myself.

We went on an organized ride last weekend. Of course I was pretty much in the back of the pack, and one guy road up beside me and started telling me that when I climbed the hills to stay in the higher gear and stand and pump.
Now it seems more effcient to do this because you peddle a few pumps, stop and then peddle a few and stop and so on and so on. He told me that I would get in shape faster and be able to do the hills better doing this.

Of course, I have tried that a couple of times, but it about kills me. I end up staying in the lower gears and peddling up the hill sitting down in my saddle.

So, what is correct for climbing. Do you stand and pump up in the higher gears? I mean I see them do this on the big rides like the Tour de France and stuff.

I am confused myself.
I tend to think that peddling in the higher gears is so much harder on your knees and legs. I mean if I do this, it wears my legs completely out within no time.
Did you take advice from a MAN?

Yes, you CAN work a lot harder doing it the way he said but if you're not ready to do that; DON'T!

My husband always says it too. But he says it differently; "when you are feeling stronger on that bike, you can try...bla bla bla bla"
and it's true. but until then, since your bike has 23,293,439 gears, use 'em!
Use 'em all!
and one day; you'll notice that you can stay in the higher gears as you go up a hill.
If you keep riding, it will come!
m