Hills or miles ?

[SpokeyDokey]

I'd say both but i am no expert on training or cycling in general tbh.

I do hilly rides every time I go out due to where I live but still like to throw in the occasional extra hilly ride - good for strength in the legs and also good to know you can dig deep and tough it out mentally when it gets hurty!

 

[Doyleyburger]

I'd say both but i am no expert on training or cycling in general tbh.

I do hilly rides every time I go out due to where I live but still like to throw in the occasional extra hilly ride - good for strength in the legs and also good to know you can dig deep and tough it out mentally when it gets hurty!

I must admit it's the same here. As the nights are drawing in there is less time for longer rides so I'm tempted to say a hill ride will be a better workout at this time of year. I just wanted to see what others think.

 

[vickster]

Miles will be better for conditioning your nether regions for several days in the saddle

 

[Andy clarke]

Good thread as I'm really unfit and want to know the best way to build some endurance in the legs

 

[vickster]

Ride lots and don't knacker your knees

 

[ianrauk]

Good thread as I'm really unfit and want to know the best way to build some endurance in the legs

Cycle... just get the miles in. That's all you really need to do.

 

[DooDah]

As other have said; mix it up. Around my way I can't cycle for more than 10km without meeting some steep hills, so I have no choice. Mind you, I also find it difficult to find time to cycle due to work and family commitments, so often I do a very hilly 15km circuit (up to 16% gradient). This nearly kills me, but hopefully it will improve my climbing, or kill me!

 

[Doyleyburger]

As other have said; mix it up. Around my way I can't cycle for more than 10km without meeting some steep hills, so I have no choice. Mind you, I also find it difficult to find time to cycle due to work and family commitments, so often I do a very hilly 15km circuit (up to 16% gradient). This nearly kills me, but hopefully it will improve my climbing, or kill me!

Where abouts are you then fella

 

[Andy clarke]

Ride lots and don't knacker your knees

How to not knacker the knees?!

 

[vickster]

Make sure that the bike is set up right and spin don't grind...

and whatever you do, do not fall off and damage them

 

[solidthegreat]

Can't offer any different advice, but if you find a decent short sharp hill try a few hill repeats up it then carry on.

 

[DooDah]

Where abouts are you then fella

Dordogne, france

 

[Hacienda71]

Probably makes no difference to my fitness, but I get a far greater sense of achievement doing a hilly ride rather than a flat route.

 

[Linford]

My summer rides were miles, my winter rides are hills. Was in Mallorca last week and did a 30 mile ride (with a mix of hills and flat). Am on enforced rest this weekend and next due to a shoulder problem, and I am missing it...what really worries me now i'm going to drop my fitness levels due to this enforced abstinence

I get much more out of a hill ride than a flat ride as it is such an achievement to do it.

 

[Mickthemove]

London to Paris has more climbing than people expect, and depending on routes, you may have 4-5,000 ft of climbing each day over 3 days, i would start my training getting 50 milers in with 2-3,000 ft of climbing, as winter softens, you can build up to 90 miles or so with 4-5,000,

I suppose what i am saying is you need both, time in the saddle and a slope!