SUFFERING DURING STAND UP PEDALING

[Wheelspin]

I ride MTB and am a relatively new comer.

 

My problem is that when i try to stand and pedal I take a hell of lot of strain. Feels like I'm totally cramped over the bars and it just does not feel good. Feels like I lose control of my legs and they tire very quickly.

 

Yet at spinning classes I can stand up pedal all day - well not all day but for as long as it takes.

 

Why should things be so different on my MTB (Giant Trance). Is my set up out ??? Am I using the wrong gears ? ( I do user a much hight gear).

 

i see the fast guys stand up pedaling without much effort and it really ticks me off that I can't.

 

Any advice from the experts would be welcome.

[manbearpig]

I'm no expert but i suggest you just train harder.....and load your gear in spinning classes.

[Hairy]

Ride with a rider who has been around a while to assist you and remember if you are new to real cycling, i.e not spinning on a trainer, climbing will be tough.

 

If this does not work, sit down and pedal

[Tubeless]

Is your bike the right size........ ie, not too small.

[TheV]

1. How tall are you, what size is your bike?

2. Take a picture of your bike and post it here, especially a side view of the bike will help, a close up of your bars and stem will also help.

3. What pedals do you use, what type of shoes are you riding in?

 

Let us know these basic details and let's see if we can spot anything specific.

[HandH]

Dont worry boet..I take a lot of strain when i sit & pedal, stand & pedal....think about pedalling????

So i just dont ride with the fast ou's!!

 

Seriously though, can your back shock lock out? if so then try standing locked out & see what happens.

Maybe u need to pomp the shock a bit harder & if that helps then hey??

Logic says that the gearing shouldn't be an issue due to the fact that the harder you go standing up, the heavier your gearing

should be to maintain the pace??

buy then like i said I k@k off no matter what!!

[Wheelspin]

Thanks guys BUT ...

 

I do push big gears at spinning. When teacher says level 9, I obey, and don't seem to struggle any more than the rest.

 

But on a real bike it's a different story. On a spinning bike the standing position feels so natural while on my bike it feels totally weird. Hard to explain but it's almost like I need to be stretched much more over my handle bars ????

[TheV]

If you don't provide the above details, we can get very tempted to be sarcastic and rip you off for our own entertainment.

 

I.e - maybe you are just constipated and need to take a good kuk?

I.e - maybe your saddle is poking you in a-hole...

I.e - maybe in your spinning classes all your blood flows to your lower extremities because you are busy checking out the tannies infront of you, giving you extra pedaling power...

 

[Hairy]

Dont worry boet..I take a lot of strain when i sit & pedal, stand & pedal....think about pedalling????

So i just dont ride with the fast ou's!!

 

Seriously though, can your back shock lock out? if so then try standing locked out & see what happens.

Maybe u need to pomp the shock a bit harder & if that helps then hey??

Logic says that the gearing shouldn't be an issue due to the fact that the harder you go standing up, the heavier your gearing

should be to maintain the pace??

buy then like i said I k@k off no matter what!!

 

Be careful here before you go and make that rear shock hardtail firm. The giants have excellent rear suspension systems so just make sure your sag is correct and if you have propedal engage this on smoother climbs.

[Hairy]

If you don't provide the above details, we can get very tempted to be sarcastic and rip you off for our own entertainment.

 

I.e - maybe you are just constipated and need to take a good kuk?

I.e - maybe your saddle is poking you in a-hole...

I.e - maybe in your spinning classes all your blood flows to your lower extremities because you are busy checking out the tannies infront of you, giving you extra pedaling power...

 

 

i.e - maybe in the spinning class you are slower than the others, but here they can't leave you behind?

[Wheelspin]

Thanks TheV.

 

I'm about 1,73 and ride a medium Trance. Pedals, I vary between clipless and platform depending on the ride.

 

I'll take a pic tonight.

[TheV]

Thanks TheV.

 

I'm about 1,73 and ride a medium Trance. Pedals, I vary between clipless and platform depending on the ride.

 

I'll take a pic tonight.

 

And shoes? dont forget the shoes...

[Wheelspin]

Ja, maybe those tempting Tannies and home grown honey's at spinning do give me a little extra poke so to speak

[HandH]

Be careful here before you go and make that rear shock hardtail firm. The giants have excellent rear suspension systems so just make sure your sag is correct and if you have propedal engage this on smoother climbs.

 

Agree 100%, I just made the mistake of riding my old Trance with the shock not set for my weight & lost a lot of

power even with the pro-pedal on. Bike felt like jelly when i stood & rode, pumped it up to dikgat & all was well.

[Bike Mob]

1. Standing uses more energy.

2. On a mtb it's not advisable esp on a dual sus as it's wasteful of energy as you don't have the traction you do on the road and the bike will bob.

3. You should aim to keep most of your weight directly over the cranks when standing, not hunched over the bars or knocking your knees.

4. Do number three right and you will lessen the effects of number 2.

[BigGuy]

You have to get the same fit on the spinning bike as on the mtb. This might mean that you have to lower the spinning bike handlebar quite a bit. There is a huge difference when you stand upright (no 2 on the handlebar) and can put your full weight nicely balanced on the pedals, and when you have to use your lower back, butt and legs to pedal. On the mtb you use a lot more upper body strength to exert pressure on the pedals; best exercise in the gym to get stronger is the deadlift. And you really have to turn up the resistance on the spinning bike. You should be in agony for 45 minutes, not being able to go faster than 70rpm, with a look on your face like when the pros finish a TT, iow sweat should be pouring of you with the odd spit and snot dangling off your chin, HR close to max. It must definitely not be pretty. A good test is to sit upright with arms crossed over your chest. If you can pedal more than 20rpm (or do not need to pull with the opposite leg to keep you straight in the saddle) you are probably not using enough resistance. Another good rule of thumb is to turn the red knob all the way until it will not turn anymore, then about 1/4 turn back, maybe 1/2 a turn, maximum. You should not be able to start pedalling from standstill; you have to release a little bit to get the flywheel going, then turn it back up again.