Optimum weight for hills?

[GLC1968]

Look at pro cyclists. They are not built like charles atlas. That's a lot of extra bulk up there that you have to carry up the hills. And if they're naturally built like that, it's a detriment.

Not entirely true. I can't find it now, but I saw a recap of the height/weight numbers for the top women and top men cyclists (top climbers). The men were as you say - very lean and very strong. The women, on the other hand, were not so lean...or I should say, not so light. They were obviously lean and fit, but overall, the best women climbers were relatively heavier than their male counterparts. I think that this is because women need more muscle to retain their strength where as men can be more of a 'wire-y' strong (if that makes sense).

I remember one woman's numbers specifically because they were so close to my goal. She was 5'4" and 136 lbs. That is 8 lbs heavier than a 2:1 ratio and yet she was one of the best in the world at climbing.

[Biciclista]

8 pounds heavier and I'll bet that is all muscle. She fits into the generalization quite well.
Women can afford to carry more apparent weight because they're generally speaking, shorter. fits quite well.
It's a generalization. It's like saying, It's better to be tall if you want to be a pro basketball player. Then someone's going to trot out this guy who is 5'8" and is a dynamite basketball player. Yes, but most of them are way over 6 feet tall...

[limewave]

This is interesting. I wondered what would be an "optimal" cycling weight for myself. According to "the ratio" I should weigh approx. 134.

That is quite a goal for me to achieve (i'm 183 right now). I do feel like a dead-weight when I hit those climbs. I've managed to master downhilling (I do more mntn biking) and find that I'm able to keep up with Sport women quite well because of my downhill skills. I would LOVE to be able to climb faster though. Then maybe I could move up to Expert . . .

[Biciclista]

This is interesting. I wondered what would be an "optimal" cycling weight for myself. According to "the ratio" I should weigh approx. 134.

That is quite a goal for me to achieve (i'm 183 right now). I do feel like a dead-weight when I hit those climbs. I've managed to master downhilling (I do more mntn biking) and find that I'm able to keep up with Sport women quite well because of my downhill skills. I would LOVE to be able to climb faster though. Then maybe I could move up to Expert . . .

Limewave, it isn't going to happen if you're not built like a rail! You sound like you're very strong. YOu can't sacrifice muscle to make up for how you're built. Instead, stay healthy and have fun. Know your strengths and work towards goals. but you are what you are...