Originally Posted by
Griffish
Hey guys and gals, I finally started riding again. My wife and I ride about 10-20 miles a day now(about 2 months into this highly addictive drug called cycling). I am a clyde at 5ft 9in and 226 and this thread inspired me to get on the bike...thank you all! Stupid question probably but...I ride in Florida which is very flat, and I ride on the Pinellas Trail. It is very flat and scenic where I ride, but at about mile 5 I hit an overpass over a busy street. You go from very flat to very steep. What is the best way to get over these things? I am always able to do it, but am very winded at the top. We usually just accelerate going into it and try not to have to shift too much, but it kills me! Is it best just to hit a granny gear and keep the same pace, or accelerate and try to race up these short (probably 50 yrds.) inclines? Anyone know what I mean? Thanks in advance!
Griffish
For short hills (up to around 200 yards), I just stand up. There is some technique to it, however. Get your speed up before you hit the bottom of the hill. You should be spinning fairly fast but you don't what to be in too low a gear to start. As you stand, you'll need a slightly higher gear than if you were seated.
As you transition to the hill, make sure you hands are on the hoods, elbows slightly bent and a relaxed grip on the bars. Depending on the steepness of the hill, you'll need to move forward towards the bar. Don't worry about traction since road bikes usually have it in spades. I pull on the bars and throw the bike from side to side although you don't have to.
Here's a pretty good video showing how the pros do it. Of course you'll be doing it for a shorter distance and you'll have to keep a good line, i.e. not weave all over the road.