Quote Originally Posted by Quillfred
I saw something the other day on my commute home that I would like to try. A guy was riding in a high gear on the flats--in other words he was off the seat, doing a standing pedal.

Of course the balance issues are different but this should create some of the same aerobic needs as cycling up hill.

Quillfred

My best pal has been riding 25 years-She is often out of the saddle on flats, and she can climb any mountain just about without sweating or even breathing that hard. (and she rides a 37 pound Rivendell) I have ridden behind her for 3 years now. I have begun to do what she does, high gear, out of the saddle. It builds your core. especially with aheadwind, and it helps you with climbing eventually.It helped me.