Hi, I am currently training for road cycling, I would like to race next season. I am still pretty new at the sport, even though I've always been cycling and always been a cycling fan. I am having problem going up hills ... any tips? Or is it just that ... the more hills I'll cycle, the easyer it will get? Thanks
2007-05-24 00:00:58 · 8 answers · asked by Caroline M 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
I am a racing cyclist and as most people know its usually your size that says wether you are any good at riding hills as its all about power to weight ratio. But its also about psychology as well. Many riders i know who live in areas where there are few hills find that suddenly encountering hills was a problem. I am not the smallest of riders but by training constantly in hills you become used to them and can suffer more when getting up one. keep adding them to your training routes and you will soon be flying up hills!
2007-05-24 00:39:04 · answer #1 · answered by Stuart P 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Hill climbing is very much a science, Yes there is a genetic proponent that will in part determine what your strengths are as a cyclist(flats, descents, climbing, TT) So much of climbing is body position, seated climbing as well as getting out of the saddle. Climbing is a true art form, and you must pay your dues by going out there and figuring out the different positions, and alot of brutal work! Dont be discouraged, it is a hard discipline and if you stick to it i promise you it gets easier!
Also there is the hard work ethic which can help anyone to a point regardless of genetics. However, on the elite level, All most all world class climbers have less then 5% body fat and have a exceptional strength to weight ratio.
A few things you can do to help your climbing speed to begin with is:
1.get your bike as light as possible
2. get your body light as possible without compromising strength
Watch a few utube clips of some of the famous climbs/climbers like pantani, lance, etc and notice the small things like hand position, and how they weight and unweight there front and back wheels(body position)
GOOD LUCK! KEEP AT IT!!!!!!!!
2007-05-24 10:49:49 · answer #2 · answered by quadzilla 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Follow Stuart P's advice. Also train with someone who is a better rider, this will keep you motivated when you are ready to back off a bit. If you are training by your self and climb the same hills each time, set personal goals as to how fast you climb or pushing past the point where you backed off on your last ride. When you get conditioned to climbing start taking on new challenges as attacking the hill with sprints.
2007-05-24 08:47:23 · answer #3 · answered by MtBikr 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A lot of people I ride with will stand up in the pegs in order to place enough power into the downstroke to push a bigger gear. This has the advantage of placing your weight forward, over the front wheel, making hills a bit easier.
I tend to move forward in the saddle a little, dump the gears down and peddle very fast. This means that, although peddling faster, I am not putting so much strain of myself, or bike.
Another tip, try lowering your handle bars. This will place your weight forward on hills, although if roady you probably have fixed spacing.
Luck
2007-05-24 07:57:25 · answer #4 · answered by Alice S 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It'll get easier with time, in the mean time concentrate on exercising your leg muscles. Try squats and lunges and if you can get to a gym then use the leg curl machines for your calfs and the muscles in the top of the legs. Also do raises where you stand straight with or without weights and just go onto to your tiptoes and then down again, repeat this a few times and it gets quite hard. Good Luck
2007-05-24 07:05:47 · answer #5 · answered by simon j 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Another tip for those who don't have alot of hills in their area is to choose a route that maximizes you riding into the wind. Riding into the wind provides a similar benefits as going up hills.
2007-05-24 11:35:14 · answer #6 · answered by ftbloffl 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi there, i used to race bikes alot and if u r serious about it u need to get a training bike which is heavier and set yourself a route out which as many hills. do the journey several times and time ur self each time and try and improve on your time. get int o a good breathing pattern as u go up them and try and remain seated using your arms to pull on the handle bars.
then go back to your lighter bike and u will see a great difference. hope this helps u babe. xx
2007-05-24 07:07:33 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Practice Practice Practice.
Get out on that bike up and down those hills as much as possible.
2007-05-24 07:46:03 · answer #8 · answered by Mr Deejay 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋