Climbing advice

[ladyjai]

also consider pulling. It can increase your speed going up, which can minimize climbing time, but it also takes more out of you. but it is more efficient, which is part of what standing is about.

while your body is pushing the weight down on one pedal, you are pulling the other up. It eats up the distance much faster.

I'd say this requires much practice, as climbing standing burns me out quickly, but if I calculate how I get burned still sitting, I'd say the energy usage is almost the same. It comes down to my mental ability. If I think I'll collapse before I make it up if I take the "long" way, then I stand, and push-pull up the distance, and arrive at the top panting and breathing, and thinking I did it!!!

You could try practicing standing and pedaling on flats if you are having problems rocking. Your hips should rock slightly, but the bike not so much. Once you get the balance and feel down, it shouldn't be a problem to apply to climbs.

[Trekhawk]

You could try practicing standing and pedaling on flats if you are having problems rocking. Your hips should rock slightly, but the bike not so much. Once you get the balance and feel down, it shouldn't be a problem to apply to climbs.

ladyjai - thanks for the tips. I will try it on the flat and maybe some small hills until I get a bit better and a little more confident. Perserverance is fast becoming my middle name as I tackle new biking challenges and having this pool of great knowledge and support at TE really helps.

Thank You all.

[Trekhawk]

Just an update for all the ladies that offered up some great advice. I have tried getting out of the saddle on a few smaller hills and well wow Im getting better. I still wouldnt say it looks pretty but its such a big improvement on before.

Thank you - I just wanted to let you know that the advice you offer to us newbies does get taken in and really makes a difference. In the beginning I was a newbie forty year old with all the gear and no idea - now perhaps its all the gear and a little bit of an idea thanks to you all here at TE.

[Veronica]

Just to throw in a monkey wrench - I often don't stand when climbing, particularly a really long climb like Diablo. I will stay in the saddle the entire way - even the last bit at 17%.

Staying seated is much more efficient than standing. I really discovered this last year on the DMD staff ride. Mount Diablo was the first climb at 3,000 feet and I didn't want to burn out when I had 9,000 more feet of climbing and a hundred more miles to go. Now I do it all the time because standing doesn't seem to do much for my speed. Of course this only works if you have the gearing to stay seated.

I will stand on short hills to power over the top and avoid having to shift.

V.

[Trekhawk]

Just to throw in a monkey wrench - I often don't stand when climbing, particularly a really long climb like Diablo. I will stay in the saddle the entire way - even the last bit at 17%.
Staying seated is much more efficient than standing. I really discovered this last year on the DMD staff ride. Mount Diablo was the first climb at 3,000 feet and I didn't want to burn out when I had 9,000 more feet of climbing and a hundred more miles to go. Now I do it all the time because standing doesn't seem to do much for my speed. Of course this only works if you have the gearing to stay seated.
I will stand on short hills to power over the top and avoid having to shift.
V.

Veronica - thanks for the advice. I dont think I will be out of the saddle much either but I did feel it was a technique I should know. I like to be prepared for all situations. Its pretty much hills all around here and so far I have managed all of the ones on my route sitting down. I guess if these hills dont kill me I will become stronger - well lets hope.

[cindysue]

Just to throw in a monkey wrench - I often don't stand when climbing, particularly a really long climb like Diablo. I will stay in the saddle the entire way - even the last bit at 17%.

I will stand on short hills to power over the top and avoid having to shift.

V.

I'm with V on this one. I truly feel like I expend a lot more energy if I stand.

I just did a ride today with a 17% grade (this was at mile 50 after 5000 feet of climbing.) It was 2 brutal miles with a grade between 13-17%. I sat the entire time (brought to my attention by another rider). By the way - I have a compact double (50-34) with a 27 cassette.

But, like V - I will stand when going up SHORT hills to avoid shifting..

Oh - and I am in the hoods

[bikerbarb]

My bit of advice here is to be careful not to pull on the handle bars when going up super steep grades. We have some in Pittsburgh (the kind with steps, not sidewalks next to them) and I actually pulled my front wheel off the ground a couple times--scary. Standing was not an option because of stability.

This is what I mean about Pittsburgh hills: http://wpwbikeclub.org/pgh_hills.html

[Trekhawk]

My bit of advice here is to be careful not to pull on the handle bars when going up super steep grades. We have some in Pittsburgh (the kind with steps, not sidewalks next to them) and I actually pulled my front wheel off the ground a couple times--scary. Standing was not an option because of stability.
This is what I mean about Pittsburgh hills: http://wpwbikeclub.org/pgh_hills.html

okay bikerbarb that is just plain scary. Im not sure I would even attempt a hill that steep. If I ever do become fit enough and possessed by the hill demon for a few rash moments and attempt something that steep I will remember your tip.

Thanks Trek