Uphill skills

[Dogmama]

I've been following a particular cycling fitness program that suggests "pulling up on the handlebars" when you're pedaling hard, particularly on hills (in the saddle, anyway).

If you're standing, you'll pull on the handlebars a little. Seated? Not really. In fact, you should try to keep the rest of your body as relaxed as possible & conserve your energy for your legs.

Envision the power coming from your hips when you're pedaling in a circle. Your hips are the beginning of each pedal stroke.

When the going gets tough, you may automatically pull a little on the handlebars. I try to minimize that, but sometimes you need to engage your back a little (which happens when you pull the handlebars) to crest a hill.

[RoadRaven]

I've been following a particular cycling fitness program that suggests "pulling up on the handlebars" when you're pedaling hard, particularly on hills (in the saddle, anyway).

.... but this pulling up thing has me perplexed. Any ideas?

Hmmm... I missed this bit when replying earlier... well done Dogmama on picking it up...

I find I almost wrench the bars when going up a steep hill... I really use them a leverege and throw my weight around on them...

Same in a "sprint" situation (though what I do and the speed I go at hardly constitutes a sprint ) ... I stand and throw the bike from side to side.

So I think thats what you/Sidwell are talking about...
I suggest you watch some top racers coming in for sprints or climbing hills (if you dont have anyone local, then something like the Giro or Le tour highlights are readily available and would show you the technique employed - using handlebars - to optimise power output

[Grog]

I know it feels more natural to pull (and it feels good too) but I was taught we should actually push (when seated). It makes sense to me: you want to have more traction, not less, right? Although it could also help having more traction to have more weight on the rear wheel?? Anyway, at least it opens up your lungs...

[Bad JuJu]

I'm familiar with the concept of moving the bike from side to side when doing a standing climb--I guess that helps to balance the force of hard pedaling. I've seen that and done it, too. But for seated climbing, Grog's idea of pushing seems to make sense.

Hmmm, sounds like I need to ride some hills today.