Originally Posted by
kenshireen
I am a recreational rider and have always been told that you are better sitting back on your seat when climbing rather than standing.
Now I am not talking about steep mountain roads but gradual inclines that go for maybe 1/4 miles or so.
I tend to sit and get in a low gear and pedal very slowly.... If I stand I find that my quads really get fatigued.
Is there any correct technique for a recreational rider
Wait, you're really talking about "gradual 1/4 mile climbs" as in quarter mile, right? What do you consider gradual, 3-5%? A quarter mile at that pitch is so short (a minute or two at most) that you really don't need to do anything different than your normal riding, which should always involve a relatively high cadence (90+ for me, but YMMV).
For steeper and longer climbs, like 15+ % for 7 or 8 miles, I prefer to get into the "imaginary aero bar" position (IAB) where your forearms balance on the tops, you clasp your hands between your brifters, and I put it in my 53/11 and spin away until I'm at the top. I tend to be ON THE RIVET on my saddle throughout the climb.