Climbing advice

[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