Quote Originally Posted by nscrbug View Post
Perhaps I'm doing something wrong, but the "boobs to the tube" method doesn't seem to work for me. When I lean too far forward on a climb, my diaphragm feels like it's getting smooshed and I can't breathe well. I have to do the exact opposite, and sit very tall and upright with totally relaxed shoulders and light hands on the bars. This opens up my chest and lungs so that I can take in nice deep breaths. With all that being said, I still suck at climbs.
Linda,

I agree completely. I don't get the "boobs to the tube" advice at all. If you watch good climbers, they sit up and back with shoulders down and relaxed, and hands light the handlebars, sometimes with fingers open. The position opens the lungs, keeps you from expending energy in the arms/hands which is useless, and allows you to use the big muscles in the back of your legs/butt, which are much stronger than those in the front. It's not an aerodynamic position but you don't need that on a climb generally.