ChUkKy Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 The analysis of this generally accepted phenomenon that a lighter rider is a better climber is much more complicated than just having a look at muscle anatomy. Except for a few other body composition, anthropometry, equipment, environmental and scientific principles to consider, the general rule will be that the relative average power to bodyweight that can be developed for a sustained period of time is a good indicator of climbing ability. Climb-Uphill.jpg However, if you see the following and the subject in this pictha get smaller and smaller, questions can be asked about your ability......especially if your have equal bodyweight. shutterstock111147818.jpg Personally, because of my BUFFALONESS, will compliment on the good performance, temporarily appreciate the scenery, and HTFU for the suffer fest. If I see a bum like hers in front of me, I forget all about weight, mass, FTP or how steep the hill is.... I go into some other mode and 1 of the laws is dont lose that wheel / ass.
Bicycle Supply Chain Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 What I have found I weigh 61kg (ride MTB) and am a bit of a mountain goat in my climbing. (4.5-5w/kg FTP when on form) I struggle to hold on the flats (power to drag ratio) against the bigger guys. I like a cadence of around 80rpm, but on longer marathon stages Ill try aim for 90, just to save the legs. on the road i try for 95 rpm as it gives me a slightly higher power output for nearly no additional strain on the muscles to try help stay with the bigger guys. Mike
Eugene Oppelt Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 When I started racing elites I was alot heavier than now, my climbing sucked! I climb alot better now but the downfall is I aint as powerful on the flats as I used to be...so it has it advantages and disadvantages. Sad thing the races here has to little climbing to really benefit the climbers hence the reason I really enjoyed the Knysna race this year, loads of climbing! Reality is you need see any good overweight cyclists so obviously it is better to be skinny for cycling.T rue true, mtb roadie...I think I'll buy me a Scalpel soon to get more benefit on the trails where climbing is more than 10 minsCan't keep up with the roleurs flattening the rollers here in the Cape races.
BDF Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 When I started cycling again (after a 25 year break!) I weighed a mere 95kg (1.83m tall). I flew downhill and well, didn't fly uphill! Now I weigh 82kg and have to work to keep up on downhills and still don't fly uphill. I think hills see me coming and make themselves steeper, longer and always produce a headwind. It only seems to affect me though, none of the other guys racing . In my previous cycling life (25 years ago) I weighed between 68kg and 70kg. Hills were a lot more fun back then....
Anticlimb Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Average rider weight at this years Epic was about 80kg . I was about 104 and my partner 70kg . He attacked all the climbs , including Rusty gate . He obviously waited for me at the top of most climbs , but he was notably shot . I kept grinding on slowly every day . Ja , being skinny really helps . We're not friends anymore .
Wyatt Earp Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Haha, nope.. I wish it was for a movie though. And trying to lose it is not an easy task.I immediately though of Christian Bale in American Hustler when I read your post the first time .
Eugene Oppelt Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I immediately though of Christian Bale in American Hustler when I read your post the first time .He was like anorexic to prepare for the role in the Machinist (craziest deliberate weight loss I've seen for a movie)
Tromp Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 He was like anorexic to prepare for the role in the Machinist (craziest deliberate weight loss I've seen for a movie)Wasn't real , just acting
blondeonabike Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I am interested to hear regarding retaining power while losing weight. At the moment I'm box jumping and squatting to try keep my power on the flats. My climbing is better, my sprinting has got worse.
Wyatt Earp Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I am interested to hear regarding retaining power while losing weight. At the moment I'm box jumping and squatting to try keep my power on the flats. My climbing is better, my sprinting has got worse. You are either a sprinter or you are not .
Iwan Kemp Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 Only if the Uno driver remembers to switch the aircon off. And chances are he needs to get out and flip the bonnet to do this!
blondeonabike Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 You are either a sprinter or you are not .You remind me of my mother at the sweet shop telling me I can have a chocolate OR a packet of chips. I WANT BOTH
Eugene Oppelt Posted December 17, 2014 Posted December 17, 2014 I am interested to hear regarding retaining power while losing weight. At the moment I'm box jumping and squatting to try keep my power on the flats. My climbing is better, my sprinting has got worse. There's sheer top speed (which is handed by the cycling gods to a unique few)Then there's also explosiveness (an important capability too in racing)
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