Originally Posted by
Tourist in MSN
I never stand on the pedals to accelerate or power up a hill. I did that a few too many times and my knees suffered for it, instead I always just gear down and stay in the saddle.
If you had to walk up hills, does that mean that your lowest gear is too tall? If so, you really need to stop at a bike shop and get a smaller chainring for your granny gear. If you are riding a double instead of a triple, you might need a new triple crank which might mean new front derailleur and maybe new shifter. My smallest chainring is a 24t, what is yours?
I don't suggest standing to accelerate or power up hills. I suggest because it alleviates the constant grind that you can get into on long uphills. It's much harder to do on a loaded touring bike but, thankfully, I have a stiff framed Cannondale that lets me throw the bike from side to side better than the noodly steel frame I used to ride.
My lowest gear on my touring bike, by the way, is a 20 tooth with a 34 in the rear.