Originally Posted by
SaiKaiTai
Spin like mad. Me? Right.
If I've learned one thing it's that conditioning does not come back in a year and a half after 20 years off.
I've tried spinning up hills and my HR blows up (and my pipes close up) pretty fast.
So, it's slow and steady for me. In terms of my heart and lungs, slow and steady does it. I grind up at 55-60rpm. If you can spin at that pace, I'm doing it. But I don't think hitting it cold is the way to go.
The key is not to strain early in the ride.
I'm not quite sure what you are doing, but it is not what I'm suggesting. Spinning up hills should be easier than pedaling slowly, not harder. If you can't spin or easily turn your lowest gear, then you probably need a lower gear that you can spin. A 30x26 may not be low enough for you on the hill you are climbing.