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

[Biciclista]

CRankin,
it COULD be your bike. I remember when I switched from Bike A to Bike B (I don't remember which now) I was stunned that suddenly it was EASY to stand up!!
and if you are doing 20% grades, you are NOT puny. I am not doing 20% grades. or even 15%.. maybe 11 or 12 sometimes. for a few feet... eeek.

[Eden]

CRankin,
it COULD be your bike. I remember when I switched from Bike A to Bike B (I don't remember which now) I was stunned that suddenly it was EASY to stand up!!
and if you are doing 20% grades, you are NOT puny. I am not doing 20% grades. or even 15%.. maybe 11 or 12 sometimes. for a few feet... eeek.

I'll second that it could be your bike. I've had several bikes that it was near to impossible for me to stand on a climb on, mainly because of the way my weight was distributed. In any case even on a bike that fits me I'm more of a sitting climber. I'll stand to power up short, steep hill or once in a while to stretch out my butt muscles on a long one, but for the most part I'm a seated climber.

[Crankin]

Well, I've been like this ever since I started riding, through 4 road bikes. In fact, the first few times I went to a spin class, I couldn't even stand up there. Now, I could stand all day on a spin bike, although I don't spin much anymore.
I can stand when my bike is on the trainer. Perhaps this has to do with my lack of balance. I always feel like I am going to fall over/crash when I stand. Both of my bikes have been fitted, one is custom and the other went through the laser/computer fitting. The custom bike has a more relaxed geometry, but both are very light weight (14.7 and 16 lbs. without the bags, rack, etc).
I've only done very very short stretches of anything over 15% grades, mostly in Austria and the Berkshires. The 10 mile (17K) climb i did in Spain just about made me puke, but I did it; it was a cat 2 climb on the Vuelta and the markings were all over the road. I just would like to be able to power up a hill for awhile, like my DH does.

[Biciclista]

hmm sounds like a fear issue to me. imho!

[Crankin]

At first, it was. Now, it just feels like I have no strength in my usually strong legs and awkward, hence the feeling I'm going to crash.
But, you're right, Mimi. I am no slouch when it comes to climbing; in fact there have been several times on group rides where the guys (OK, older guys) ask me what kind of training I did to be able to spin up a hill at such a high cadence. The answer is always the same. No training, it seemed like the natural thing for me to do.
I just wish I could stand with as much ease.

[Biciclista]

you sound pretty strong indeed.

[tealtreak]

At first, it was. Now, it just feels like I have no strength in my usually strong legs and awkward, hence the feeling I'm going to crash.
But, you're right, Mimi. I am no slouch when it comes to climbing; in fact there have been several times on group rides where the guys (OK, older guys) ask me what kind of training I did to be able to spin up a hill at such a high cadence. The answer is always the same. No training, it seemed like the natural thing for me to do.
I just wish I could stand with as much ease.

Have you ever tried the "rowing" technique? I learned it at a Mt bike clinic for long climbs but now I use on the road. You slightly pull up on the handlebar in cadence with your pedaling, also not a full upright stand but off the seat about half way .....It sounds like you are way strong and experienced- so maybe it is just a matter of experimenting.......

[Nina68]

I agree with you.