Originally Posted by
f4rrest
For a moderate climb, I prefer to sit up, hands on tops, lift toes to keep heels level, and mash in my low gear (39-25).
If it gets steep, 15% or so, I'll stand and continue mashing up.
You can condition your quads by riding extended time standing in your highest gear on flat, BTW.
This is generally correct, though I would use the word "mash" to describe what I do in my lowest gear...unless it's really steep...
...but it is reported that Alberto Contador will train by riding out of the saddle for 20 minute stretches at a time, of course he has built up to that....I recently rode with a fellow that would stand for a full 10 minute 7-8% climb...All the while I was spinning seated in my 30-28 combination....but it made me think that should train for more standing so I have it when I need it.