Originally Posted by terrymorse
Climbing a long grade in one position will be tiring to your muscles, so it's good to switch between standing and sitting. They each use different muscles, and switching back and forth is a good way to give your body a break.
There is even a commonly used climbing exercise that swtiches the rider between sitting and standing.
The rider that climbs in just one position seems to be a rarity. I switch off, 30 seconds of standing for every few minutes of seated.
I agree that switching positions and muscle groups is a good idea. Although I usually sit for the entire climb. My question is: Why only 30 seconds of standing for every few minutes of seated climbing?
My thought is because while standing changes the muscle group and gives others a chance to rest, it is not as efficent as seated climbing. I believe that is what the OP is trying to get find out. I also agree with the fact that standing has a place on short hills that can be "sprinted" up, but not for the long haul.