Standing while climbing -- does it really help that much?
11-23-09 | 12:37 PM
#51
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11-23-09 | 02:15 PM
#52
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The "old wisdom" regarding standing or not involves the rider's size.
If you watch Le Tour or other pro races, you'll notice that most of the guys who are "dancing on the pedals" on ascents are smaller. Think Marco Pantani. The guys who sit in the saddle and slog it out are bigger. Think Indurain, Ullrich...Guys like that. Most anyone can power over a short, steep hill by notching up a couple of gears and standing, but to keep it up for a longer climb definitely increases the demands on the body.
At around 200 pounds, I find that even brief periods of standing would send my heartrate monitor up towards the red zone, whereas I could sit and spin in lower gears without problems.
Selecting a proper gear is critical; it's going to be higher than the gear you would use to remain sitting.
If you watch Le Tour or other pro races, you'll notice that most of the guys who are "dancing on the pedals" on ascents are smaller. Think Marco Pantani. The guys who sit in the saddle and slog it out are bigger. Think Indurain, Ullrich...Guys like that. Most anyone can power over a short, steep hill by notching up a couple of gears and standing, but to keep it up for a longer climb definitely increases the demands on the body.
At around 200 pounds, I find that even brief periods of standing would send my heartrate monitor up towards the red zone, whereas I could sit and spin in lower gears without problems.
Selecting a proper gear is critical; it's going to be higher than the gear you would use to remain sitting.
There is no one-size fits all 'best way' to climb...everyone is different. Do what works best for you.
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"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
11-23-09 | 02:39 PM
#53
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11-23-09 | 02:41 PM
#54
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I might agree with this if it wasn't for the fact that I'm comparing riding up a hill in the small ring verses riding up the same hill a couple hours later while using the big ring. Absolutely nothing to base this off of other than feeling. I am much stronger anaerobically verses aerobically.
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