Standing and climbing

[Guest coenie]

Laaik most have said:

 

Standing while climbing is a position on the bike.

Laaik dropping into the bars on the speedy flats or descending.

 

Treat it as a position. Train the position. It'll get betta.

Thanks for all the responses, I will try....

[MaxUmis]

spinning classes, they have made a huge difference to my stand-up!

+1

[The_Break]

When you stand you are able to generate more power and hence ride faster. So if you are generating more power then popping you are probably less fit than they are and/or have a poorer power/weight ratio.

 

There is one trip to climbing out the saddle if you want a bit more power. Climb with your hands in the drops, almost as if you were sprinting. It helps you to transfer more power because your arms are straighter and so you are able to push and pull on the bars to counteract the push and pull of the pedal strokes. You will notice it is easier to climb like this.

 

Your ultimate climbing ability seated or standing comes down to power/weight ratio and how much power you can maintain at your aerobic threshold. Ride above this and you will blow after some time.

['Dale]

I did read somewhere that climbing while standing can take up to 30 % more effort and energy,

To save energy, learn how to climb while being seated.

 

AND to climb with greather woema, train climbing while standing.

[deanbean]

I've found that I have to stand a lot more since I've started riding single speed. Its a matter of tecnique, lift your head up straighter, and ride in an easier gear than you think, and practice, lots.

[The_Break]

I did read somewhere that climbing while standing can take up to 30 % more effort and energy,

To save energy, learn how to climb while being seated.

 

AND to climb with greather woema, train climbing while standing.

It is true you will use more energy to ride standing up than seated when travelling at the same speed. It is because you are using energy to support the weight that is normally supported by your saddle.

 

However, I think the point here is under high power climbing efforts, you will have to get out of the saddle as when seated you do not have nearly as much pull on the crank or on the bars. It is like trying to strint whilst seated when everyone else is out the saddle. You need to match their power. To increase your climbing ability under these high power efforts you need to increase your power or reduce your weight or both. Otherwise to help start the climb at the front of the pack so you gradually drift back and hope you still in the bunch at the top.

 

Seated climbing is for long climbs in non-high power situations as if more efficient when seated in general. Alternating is good so as to give certain parts of muscle groups a change of scenery.

[IdeJongh]

Awesome article about it -

 

In summary its a function of your height and weight and obviously how much you've trained it - so

 

1. Loose some kg's

2. Practice it

3. Hurt the rest of us on the way up

 

Sit / Stand climb article

[MTB_Roadie]

I find it easier to stand and climb than sit....I have quite a big upperbody tho....so i just think it is overall strenght which plays a role as your arms support aswell....

[Guest coenie]

Awesome article about it -

 

In summary its a function of your height and weight and obviously how much you've trained it - so

 

1. Loose some kg's

2. Practice it

3. Hurt the rest of us on the way up

 

Sit / Stand climb article

Thanks

[manbearpig]

Try spinning classes. With proper load.