Best way to climb a hill ..sitting down or standing up ?

[Veronica]

Try it standing up - just to see what happens.

You'll probably want to use a harder gear than you would sitting. Don't try it on too long of a hill or a really steep hill.


Veronica

[indysteel]

There is no one right or wrong way to climb a hill. If you get to the top, you've succeeded.

Climbing out of the saddle will work different muscles. That can be beneficial if your other muscles need a break. It can also be effective when you need a short burst of power or speed Sometimes, if you've otherwise run out of gears and the climb steepens, you may have no choice but to get out of the saddle. I often get out of my saddle on short climbs because it's kind of fun to power up something like that.

Some people--and a lot of women from what I've gathered from past threads--really prefer to do seated climbs. That's perfectly fine. Past discussions on TE suggest that some bikes have better geometry for out of the saddle climbing. Regardless of what you prefer, I think it's good to get comfortable with both if your body and bike allow. It's just another tool to have in your tool chest for tackling whatever the road throws your way.

[Giulianna23]

Try it standing up - just to see what happens.

You'll probably want to use a harder gear than you would sitting. Don't try it on too long of a hill or a really steep hill.


Veronica

I do it at times but for some reason I feel the bike a lot heavier than when I am sitting.

[indysteel]

The bike's not heavier; you are. Well, not literally, but if you're seated, the bike is supporting your weight. When you stand, you're supporting your own weight.

[Giulianna23]

The bike's not heavier; you are. Well, not literally, but if you're seated, the bike is supporting your weight. When you stand, you're supporting your own weight.

yes that's what I thought....I try to alternate both but I do feel more comfortable seated in low gear spinning all the way up.

[Slowspoke]

I climb with my heart pounding and my mouth gaping open like a fish out of water! Oh yeah, and usually sitting down. When I run out of grears, I stand but it is hard for me to transition at that point.

[jobob]

If you're watching the tour, notice how on many climbs, riders try to get away from Wiggins by standing and accelerating.

And Wiggins eventually catches up to them by keeping a good tempo while sitting, rarely standing out of the saddle. Seems to work well for him!

[maillotpois]

If you're watching the tour, notice how on many climbs, riders try to get away from Wiggins by standing and accelerating.

And Wiggins eventually catches up to them by keeping a good tempo while sitting, rarely standing out of the saddle. Seems to work well for him!

Yeah - I was noticing that: does he ever stand? Obviously standing works well for some, Armstrong, Contador, etc.

I do a bit of both, mostly to use different muscles and give the butt a break. It also helps to get you over smaller rollers, etc., without shifting down.