Quote Originally Posted by bikerHen
I've found that all of my riding is starting to pay off! I can now go up hills in higher gears than previously possible. But here's my question - when going up hills, is it better to pedal harder but slower in higher gears, or easier but faster in the low gears? And please use small words and short sentences for technical advice, or I'll have no idea what you're saying! Which leads me to my other question - is there a cycling book for dummies out there? Or a mag that is published for beginning cyclists? My aged brain needs all the help it can get!
I feel that there's a trade-off. Spinning (fast cadence, high rpms, low gear) is easier on your knees and muscles, and will leave you less pooped at the top. But if you *can* push a higher gear, you'll get stronger by challenging yourself and eventually, I believe you'll get faster. Just depends on if that's important for you.

I kept trying to buy books on cycling and training, but my hubby kept urging me to read the "oldies but goodies" already on our shelves. And you know, he was right. Fred Matheny (of www.roadbikerider.com) lays out the basics for riding and improving in a very clear manner in his book from 1987. I also like Greg Lemond's beginner book from that era, while Chris Carmichael's more modern Lance Armstrong program feels too technical and regimented.