Yet another gearing question

[kelownagirl]

There are a lot of articles on how to decide what cadence you should use for hills. Each person is different. This article was a in recent RoadBikerRider newsletter. Here's the start:

7. Try This on Your Next Ride o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o o^o

Take Testa's Test to find your best climbing style and cadence.

Max Testa, M.D., is a former pro team physician who now directs a sports medicine clinic in Davis, California, owned by Eric Heiden of speedskating and cycling fame.

According to Testa, the key to discovering your most-efficient cadence is to pay attention to what happens when you're about to blow on a climb.

"What fails when you're trying to keep up on a climb?" he asks. "Do you shift to a lower gear and spin fast because if you go to a bigger gear and grind your legs die? In that case, you need strength. But if, when you use a smaller gear and spin, your breathing goes out of control, you need more cardiovascular conditioning."

Try Testa's Test when you're doing hill repeats:

The test is at: http://www.roadbikerider.com/255e.htm

Interesting, SadieKate, thanks! I think I am a spinner for sure - a spinner with exercise-induced asthma, so I can relate to the out-of-breath thing too. As long as I use my puffer now though, I am much more comfortable spinning than mashing. I know this is definitely true when I'm dong hills on the mountain bike. I can spin without getting too tired, even up steep slimbs. I have only been riding for 5 months so I still have a long way to go as far as leg strength is concerned but already I have noticed a huge difference since the beginning of April. Is riding 100-150 km a week enough or should I be doing strength exercises as well? I usually just do weights for arms, back etc.. Guess doing more hill repeats would be good too eh?


Emily - thanks for the suggestion. I think I will talk to the boys at the LBS. I do think I'd like to be able to spin up a little more - I don't even care what speed I'm doing.


Kano - LOL on your description. I can totally relate - glad to know I'm not alone! I LOVE my road bike but must admit I was disappointed that it didn't actually help me improve on the steep hills. It's much faster on the flats and the gradual climbs, but when I hit the steeper stuff, I am dying. No more spinning up. I must say I do like the fact that MTBiking is much easier now that I've been riding the road bike so much..