Hills

[Cuchilo]

Do what you want I find . If I feel I'm slowing up I stand and get the speed up but I can feel ive done it so get back in the saddle . I noticed last week that I used my arms and mid body more to go up a hill , the legs just kept spinning but the rest really helped me fly up it to my standards .

 

[the_mikey]

I sit and spin in a low gear, anything else is a waste of energy.

 

[Kies]

Sit and spin on long steep hills. Stand if it's a short one . Don't attack the base and think by going faster the hill will be easier ... It won't.
Lastly - learn to love hills and look at them as good fun

 

[MattE72]

I used to stand (well at least try) when I first started riding again, until my legs gave out and I ended up having to get off and walk or sit on a fence! i now select a much lower gear, relax, try not to think about the climb and look forward to the inevitable descent that's coming when I reach the top!

 

[cyberknight]

Whatever works for you would be the best reply !

 

[Louch]

im woeful on hills, but finding them a lot easier this year by take a slow steady pace, rather than trying to bomb up and end up having to stop at the top and recover

 

[T4tomo]

Generally approach sitting and spinning a comfortable gear, but as you approach a steep bit, move up to the front whilst staring out your fellow riders, get you backside out of the saddle, hands on the drops, shift up a couple of gears and sprint off Pantani style.

 

[Easytigers]

Do what you want I find . If I feel I'm slowing up I stand and get the speed up but I can feel ive done it so get back in the saddle . I noticed last week that I used my arms and mid body more to go up a hill , the legs just kept spinning but the rest really helped me fly up it to my standards .

I'm the same

 

[SpokeyDokey]

Whatever you do don't throw yourself from side to side when out of the saddle - you will strain your neck, back, knees etc. Just stay smooth as you can.

 

[Cringles]

Sitting & spinning works for me. Also not looking at the top of the hill helps amazingly well Sometimes I stare at my feet & tell myself I'm on a flat surface haha.

 

[HLaB]

Its weird but I find sometimes looking at the top is good for me, pschologically I can tell my self, I'm almost there, or can put it into perspective before I start or establish a target; I think though when I was new to them it was the exact opposite

 

[KneesUp]

I look up if I know I've nearly finished, otherwise I prefer blissful ignorance as to how much is left

 

[snorri]

Hi
I have just started cycling again....... That was how I used to do it years ago........

No one has asked how many years have passed since you "used to do it" , that could be an important factor.

 

[Hacienda71]

I will just attack short sharp hills but I do find myself breaking long climbs I know well up into parts. It allows me to pace myself and also attack the steep bit out of the saddle and sit back down and tap out a decent rhythm on the lesser gradients. Climbing hills you don't know is definitely harder and I suspect that is why pros quite often will do pre race reccy rides.

 

[flyingfish]

Hi all
Thanks for the advice. It's 30 years since i cycled any distance. Living near the airport the only way home is uphill
Pete