Quote Originally Posted by DDH
When DH and I got back to the starting point after the ride, they were still there and he came over explaining his technique again, and well, you know, although I really appreciate him trying to help, I just cannot do it. It wears my legs out way to quickly. I asked him how often they ride and he says "oh, the wife and I don't ride very often, just on occasion"
This is why this guy could hammer up the hills. I'd bet he had a hard time walking normal the following day, too...

DDH - it's more than just your knees. When I first started riding, I was riding with all hammer-head guys (at work) and it took all I had to keep up with them. I'd be worn out after a 14 mile ride and I just couldn't imagine ever, ever doing 100 miles! Then as I began to learn...I figured out why. Hammering up hills (ie using high gears and standing) is great if you are doing short rides or you want to build your strength/speed. But if you are riding to go the distance, hammering is not the way to go. When DH and I rode our century last weekend, we were passed by TONS of people on the first 30 miles or so as they all cranked up the hills in big gears. Guess what? At mile 50, we were passing them as they were spent. Our legs were still strong and we were spinning up the hills way faster than they could even hammer....

When you hammer, you use your legs and body weight...when you spin, it's more your cardiovascular system that gets challenged and you save your leg strength for the rest of the ride. Save the big gear grinding for short training rides or racing. When doing rides for fun and/or trying to increase your distance...spin. Your legs (and knees) will thank you!!