Originally Posted by
minnesotamongo
I think the hills would be easier if I could stand up on my pedals -but I'm still a little cautious about that with all that weight on the pedals - I fear I may break something. But all in good time I guess.
.
Hills are what that 28 tooth chain ring is for, the bike's got low gears, don't be embarrassed to use 'em. standing to climb is hard on the knees, it takes more energy to produce the same amount of power, and so if the hills are even modestly big, standing isn't going to get you up them any faster. that said, I don't think you're going to break the cranks standing on them. Standing does use different muscles, so standing for a stretch will give some parts of your leg a break.