Climbing like Contador

[Cat2forLife]

Find some hills and go up them all the time. I worked out a nice hilly route that I ride almost every night after work. My climbing has improved massively. The best way to ride is what's best for you. If it's easier/ more comfortable for you to ride the whole climb seated, then do so. If it's easier for you to stand, then do so. It's all about the individual. Yes, you might not look as cool as Contador, but I've had to come to terms with not looking as good as Brad Pitt, but we can't have everything.

 

In terms of cadence, more and more research shows that there isn't really a sweet spot. It's all about what's most comfortable for you. Your body will tell you when your cadence is comfortable.

[Guest]

I ride a SS mostly for fun but have found it has greatly improved the time I am able to stand and pedal on a regular bike.

[VeloRacer]

Don't forget about the aero advantage of sitting. Apparently that's what's driven Chris froome to train his style of staying seated, even during attacks.

 

These guys climb at ridiculous speeds tho, so I guess it's a real thing for them.

 

I stand to give my legs a rest when I'm spinning, and when the gradient is ridiculous.

 

The main reason Froome remains seated when he attacks is due to the Osymetric chain rings.

If he stands those chain rings dont work efficiently and he loses power

[Andrew Steer]

[Grey Hubs]

There is a certain beauty watching a talented cyclist climb a hill standing... It does make them look more powerful and graceful.

Perhaps standing on climbs is part of a posturing, clever strategy to put the fear in competitors hearts and legs

 

For me climbing is more about finding a good rhythm I can maintain up a gradient, with a little squirt of energy near the top to empty the tank. 

[Thor Buttox]

There is a certain beauty watching a talented cyclist climb a hill standing... It does make them look more powerful and graceful.

Perhaps standing on climbs is part of a posturing, clever strategy to put the fear in competitors hearts and legs

 

For me climbing is more about finding a good rhythm I can maintain up a gradient, with a little squirt of energy near the top to empty the tank.

The look is definitely why I do it, cos speed isn't an option.

[fanievb]

Clenbuterol-product-image-1.jpg

[Jewbacca]

So from years of riding a SS I have figured that getting out the saddle on a geared bike helps you accelerate the wheel and create momentum, meaning you can accelerate then push a larger gear at the same cadence you were spinning at.

 

So expending some energy getting the bigger gear/rear wheel rolling then sitting to push that gear with the same effort you were, but going faster. Climbing in a harder gear at the same cadence and torque equals going faster... If that makes sense.

 

Training for it would be to do explosive power sets or train on a SS once or twice a week so you are forced to either mash the gears (which isn't great) or accelerate and sit and see how long you can keep going before you are forced to stand again.

[TIB]

 

Off topic and sadistic......

Full 8hours to go before my steak goes on the fire

[eddy]

 

Off topic and sadistic......

 

 

 

Yes, but it does answer the original question perfectly. In retrospect, everything else is off Topic.....

[Patchelicious]

Most of my regular training partners are larger guys that prefer flat and sprinty efforts. Something I seriously dislike. So when I get the chance and we head to suikerbos is to set a decent tempo up the climbs then get out of the saddle and drop them hard.

 

What I noticed, sometimes I'll go at a higher cadence (+-90-95rpm) where if I'm more tired I'll select a heavier gear to go at a steadier pace (+- 75-80 rpm) 

 

I was watching Contador climb today and he just makes it seem so effortless, but he hasn't responded to my tweet yet

 

What type of intervals are there to actually train climbing out the saddle, and what is better - heavy gear/lower cadence or lighter gear/high cadence. 

 

Also, at what gradient is it more effective to stay seated vs standing?

 

And please don't say just ride out of the saddle more

 

Well thats exactly what Contador says himself. He says that he does 20min out the saddle intervals to prepare for races. Ends up standing so long that his arms get tired before his legs.

 

Even the title is the same as your question.

 

[Blokman]

A rider who only ate hake

Then ordered a big juicy steak

I believe that somehow

This old Spanish cow

Will put me ahead in the break.

[Jase619]

Well thats exactly what Contador says himself. He says that he does 20min out the saddle intervals to prepare for races. Ends up standing so long that his arms get tired before his legs.

 

Even the title is the same as your question.

 

 

Nice to see people posting and talking about GCN without being ridiculed for mentioning the name. . . 

[Francis1]

Favorite bike is a SS and this has helped greatly with my climbing. Also did a 6 month strength and power training session that has increased my FTP dramatically. Single speed riding has taught me to run at a little higher cadence which has helped the legs. I run a big gear on weekends (34 oval x 15 ) that forces you to get your cadence up other wise the amount of force punishes the legs. On the climbs I try and maintain the cadance as far as I can and then stand for the rest of the duration.

 

 

Just finished the Baviaans repeat on a SS and hit 14 PR's. 

[Thor Buttox]

A rider who only ate hake

Then ordered a big juicy steak

I believe that somehow

This old Spanish cow

Will put me ahead in the break.

 

There once was a lad called Alberto,

Who climbed like he played a concerto,

But with clean butter rolls,

And no millimols

He couldn't cause others to hurt... Oh.

[Grey Hubs]

Nice to see people posting and talking about GCN without being ridiculed for mentioning the name. . . 

Brilliant Video...