Hill Climbing –Where do you stand?

Thursday, September 2, 2010 - 09:21

A featured article in Cycling Weekly recently discussed how to be a better climber. What caught our attention were the tips of when to stand during a climb.

When do you Stand on the Climb?
Staying in the Saddle

• More efficient since all the oxygen can go to your legs
• Leg strength will improve
• Increased coordination in transferring the drive from one leg to another

Standing in the Saddle

• Produce higher power outputs for steed gradients
• Standing from time to time will keep you in better shape
• Can be used to attack and accelerate up hill

Weighty Issues

• Most of the best climbers weight (in pounds) no more than twice their height in inches. So a 6ft rider would weight approximately 144pds.

Tips for Climbing

• Look ahead
• Ride at your own pace
• Move towards the front of the group at the beginning of climbs to give yourself slipping room
• Time when to change into an easier gear so you don’t lose momentum.

More cycling tips are available in the SIRC Collection.