Hills -- is it true?

[RoadRaven]

I have been following this thread with interest and I think the consensus seems to be to climb seated.

Everything I have read agrees... climb seated, that will make you strong...

From what I understand, standing should be reserved for short power bursts - like getting across an intersection quickly when the lights turn green, or sprinting in a race (essentially the same thing, really ).

Standing on a hill is also a short power burst. If you are training yourself to stand, then stand whenever, wherever you choose to. But in a training/commuting/racing situation, my understanding is that to monster a hill you climb in the gear you can most comfortably get on top of - seated. Near the top, or at a steep pinch, you stand so that you can maintain your speed (even though you have increased your power output).

In a hill situation, standing should not mean legs wildly spinning because the gear is too low. It should mean a continuation of the rythym you had before for a short time frame. (As I said earlier, when I first started standing, my HR would rocket so high the most I could do was a few pedal rotations.)

The goal should be to get up and over hills relatively comfortably, without blowing your heart rate or your legs... and ALWAYS remember to keep going over the hill... to stop at the top gives the lactic acid no chance to disperse and increases the discomfort you will have. So crest the hill and start gpoing down the other side, and keep your legs moving round even if there is no resistence.

After 2 years riding, and only this year being able to stand, and only the last few months being able to stand for a length of time, it is about practice and feeling what is right for you and the type of bike you ride.

Listen to your body - it tells you sooooo much.