Northern California - Hill Climbing Question

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sinclac
09-16-09, 10:52 PM
Is it better to stay in a seated position when climbing a hill or standing, maybe a combination of the 2?

What are you thoughts.




Chuck


powpow
09-16-09, 11:08 PM
Both. You get more power while standing, but you use more energy. I like to stand on short, steep climbs. Standing is also good for stretching out a bit and using some different muscles. I probably stand for 5-10% of most climbs.

johnny99
09-16-09, 11:59 PM
Depends on how long is the climb, how quickly you want to climb it, and what is your fitness level. People tend to sit a lot more on longer climbs.


jeffy1021
09-17-09, 10:29 AM
I'm sitting most of the time while climbing. However, if there is a really steep section, if I start to feel tired, or if my HR is too high, I'll get of the saddle for a bit. Also as powpow mentioned, it gives certain muscles groups a break.

calamarichris
09-17-09, 10:36 AM
Sitting and spinning in fluid circles is more efficient, but whenever girls are watching or someone points a camera at me I upshift 3 gears, stand, flex and show my Badger teeth.
http://davesbikeblog.squarespace.com/storage/06_hinault.jpg

sinclac
09-17-09, 09:54 PM
Thanks for the reply's, i find my self now staying seated untill i need more ump then i stand.

VaultGuru
09-17-09, 10:07 PM
"However, if there is a really steep section, if I start to feel tired, or if my HR is too high, I'll get of the saddle for a bit."

According to Exercise Physiologists (and numerous stress tests) your HR should increase by about 5-7 BPM while standing. However, it sure feels better than muscle spasms while staying seated on a long, steep climb.

jeffy1021
09-17-09, 11:42 PM
"However, if there is a really steep section, if I start to feel tired, or if my HR is too high, I'll get of the saddle for a bit."

According to Exercise Physiologists (and numerous stress tests) your HR should increase by about 5-7 BPM while standing. However, it sure feels better than muscle spasms while staying seated on a long, steep climb.

That's probably right. I don't ride with a HRM so I have no proof anyways. It's probably because I'm using different muscles so I have the perception that I am catching my breath because I start to feel less fatigued while my HR is actually the same or higher. Although, sometimes if I am really feeling tired, I may get out of the saddle and not shift up at all or only one gear. This seems to allow me to slow down my cadence enough to lower my HR, but again I don't have a HRM so I don't know for sure.