While I'm aware there is little evidence to support powering through the circle being better than mashing, I was on a computrainer tonight.

I "raced" an older diabetic gal. On a numbers scale, mine were bigger by twice. However, during our "competition", I watched the gap between us and where it fluctuated.

Hills. She could close on the hills despite putting out less power. At one point on a 12.5 grade, I darn near stalled in first gear going pump-pump-pump-pump with my legs. Talk about ugly. She was so much smoother. Sooooo much. I'm quite convinced, all things being equal, a smoother pedal motion will win the day.

Flame politely, now.

Smoother pedal motion is also a result of a higher level of fitness so it might not have been just the form. She could have been just toying with you

I don't doubt better fitness. I have a feeling in a"real world" situation, it would have been much closer. It was amazing to watch the feet start to fall off as I began to fatigue and slow and she just. kept. going. Despite a sizeable lead, watching that kept me fearful.

I also think she stayed under 170 bpm and I spiked at 184.

Was she lighter than you? That makes a big difference in hill climbing.

I assume the computrainer software knows your weights. W/kg is really the only thing that matters on a hill.

Good point about the w/kg.