QUESTION: I'm 70 and take a spinning class two days a week and train on the road two other days. Then I ride with a group of 40-somethings on Sundays. On climbs, I can stay with the group nearly to the top before I reach my max heart rate and have to back off. I've tried slowing my cadence and standing as well as increasing cadence and sitting, but I reach my max at about … [Read more...] about How Can I Maintain My Speed Up Hills?
Climbing
Should I Stand and Crank or Sit and Spin on Long Climbs?
Question: On a long climb, is it better to sit and spin or stand and crank? I can spin faster seated, but it feels better to stand from time to time. Which is better? -- Art S. RBR Replies: This sounds like a simple question, but the answer is complicated. It depends! … [Read more...] about Should I Stand and Crank or Sit and Spin on Long Climbs?
How Should I Train to Ride Haute Route Ventoux?
Question: I am interested in learning more about training for climbing as I am preparing for Haute Route Ventoux. Any information would be welcomed. Thank you. —Jared N. … [Read more...] about How Should I Train to Ride Haute Route Ventoux?
Best Tips For Handling Long, Steep Climbs
By John Marsh, Editor & Publisher Day 2 of the Tour de Wyoming in July was the kind of epic climbing day that defines us as roadies. Before the ride, I warily eyeballed the course and elevation map for that day, knowing it would test everything I had as a rider. Before starting the Tour, I had only been riding the road again for 3 weeks and 350 miles after … [Read more...] about Best Tips For Handling Long, Steep Climbs
How to Find Your Balance Point on Standing Climbs
When you stand on a climb, do you have the tendency to lean way over the front of the handlebar, much more than necessary for the grade you're on? It's something we often see riders do, but it's a technique flaw that is easily fixed. Here's why you want to fix it: Leaning so far forward puts too much weight on the front wheel, which grinds the tire into the pavement and … [Read more...] about How to Find Your Balance Point on Standing Climbs