Starting out

[Cyclecorfu]

Hi just started up, and finding I'm really enjoying it. Just a few questions, I find going up even slight gradients tough, I manage them but feel it after one that's long or steep. Don't get me wrong they are not hills! Will it come better more mileage in the legs.

 

[bpsmith]

Most definitely! The more that you do, the easier it gets or the faster you go. It depends if you want to do the same routes with less effort, or still put the same effort in to get faster.

I only started this year and can already feel a massive difference. Stick with it and enjoy it. It's the best thing that I ever did.

If you want to track your progress, then give Strava a look.

 

[mynydd]

Yep, keep at it, you'll be surprised how quickly you are effortlessly getting up those hills.

I delayed cycling for years as I live pretty high up in the mountains of north wales and couldn't face the clmb home, the climb home is now the best bit

Be warned though, it's pretty addictive!

 

[bpsmith]

Most definitely addictive. I have done little sport for years and wish I had found this earlier!

 

[Dave 123]

Keep at it.
Hills will get a bit easier, but they'll always be a challenge. In the end you enjoy the pain...

 

[Shut Up Legs]

@Cyclecorfu: to make the hills easier, try a few things (you may already be aware of them, but I just thought I'd mention them):

• use a lower gear riding up the hills, to reduce stress on your knees and thigh muscles;
• as you approach the hill, or an increase in grade, change from the higher to lower gear slightly before the grade change, and you'll find the transition easier;
• just ride up at your own pace, because as others already mentioned, with time you'll improve, and "your own pace" will improve also!

 

[helston90]

You will definitely improve over time- to the point where you don't even notice the gradients, and then you stop noticing small hills and before you know it you only notice proper climbs.

 

[Easytigers]

Try 'spinning' up the hill. A lower gear and higher rate of pedalling...feels weird when you first start but I find it the most efficient way of getting up hills

 

[Retribution03]

Inclines can be deceiving although they don't look steep the length of them can take it out of you so where a hill can be a steep 200 yards say an incline can go on for 3/4 mile as one on my route does but as others have said the more you ride the more your body will become used to it.happy riding

 

[Cyclecorfu]

I'm also wondering if the bike is right size for me. I may go and get fitted so to see if I'm on the right bike to start with. It does seem big for me.

 

[Easytigers]

What size is the bike? What's your height etc?

 

[Cyclecorfu]

I will get the tape measure out.

 

[Cyclecorfu]

16inch frame I think, and I'm around 1.7 metres.
I went on same 10 mile route today and it felt a lot easier.