Standing to pedal up hills

[RoadRaven]

Yes. Great idea.

But... it took me about 2 years before I could climb any distance without feeling wasted.

But now I have mastered it, I find I can get into a good tempo and pace up a hill well.

Also, because you should change up a gear or even two when standing, I get up climbs much quicker. So, as Zen's post suggests, short climbs are when I stand. If its longer, I stay in the saddle

If you are new to standing when climbing though, be prepared to feel very puffed as soon as you sit down and for your quads to feel tired - that's because when you stand you are asking your body to do something different and it takes a few attempts (that is several rides) for your heart and legs to know how to respond to your request.

However, as luna points out, climbing seated is a more efficient use of your power and you will last much longer if you can get into a steady rythym and not let those climbing with you phase you if they are quicker.

[ClockworkOrange]

Not that I do much hill riding like most of you guys but I find having a back problem, it always seems to pull, so I prefer not to risk it.

I get up the top eventually.

Clock

[fatbottomedgurl]

Can you guys define a long climb? I'm new do this roadie thing. The longest hills in my immediate area are about 2 miles. The tougher one is 2.3 miles and 465 feet of elevation gain. I did have to drop into my triple for a little bit on that one. The others I can stay in the middle ring.

I know some climbs go on and on and on.

[Zen]

Can you guys define a long climb?

To me, a short hill would be maybe 500 feet What's short to one might be long to another.

[malkin]

It's way past Thanksgiving, but I for one am thankful that:

1. No one videotapes me riding up hill (or anywhere else for that matter)
2. Phil and Paul and Bob Whatsisname have no opportunity for commentary on my riding.

[msincredible]

I usually stay seated on my climbs.

[jobob]

It's way past Thanksgiving, but I for one am thankful that:

1. No one videotapes me riding up hill

I cannot say the same ...

http://callmepokey.blogspot.com/2008...n-youtube.html

[maillotpois]

That video is the BEST!!

(Jo - I had this crazy dream that we couldn't do Hamilton and Sierra on our training ride next year for TNT - so very strange. I was quite disappointed because I have the most fun ride planned for the team. I tend to get fairly invested in my dreams and often wake up tired.)

A long climb is anything that takes 45 minutes or more, so about 4 miles plus. And I generally climb seated for long climbs (as opposed to short power climbs), but I will take frequent breaks where I stand for a while just to work different muscles and give others a break.

I stay on the top of the bars or the hoods, generally, but there are plenty of racers who climb in the drops, by the way. Pantani is the first to come to mind. Standing in the drops.