Question: After rounding a corner, should I stand when pedaling back up to speed? — Chris H.
Coach Fred Matheny Replies: The main reason for standing is to accelerate quickly to regain the speed lost in a corner. So the decision depends on the type of turn and your need to resume riding fast.
After sweeping turns or downhill turns where you lose very little speed, it’s not necessary to stand. But if a corner is tight and you have to slow down to get around, standing will help you regain your cruising speed faster than accelerating from the saddle.
Remember to shift into a lower gear if you do lose significant speed in a turn. Otherwise, it’ll be hard to get moving again no matter if you’re standing or sitting.
Another reason to stand is to remove pressure from your rear end and stretch your legs and back. If you get in the habit of standing for a few strokes after most turns, you’ll ride more comfortably.
If you’re racing or riding with a fast training group, the lead riders will usually accelerate hard out corners in an attempt to drop riders behind them. You won’t have a choice then. Get out of the saddle and sprint back up to speed — or wave goodbye.
Coach Fred Matheny is an RBR co-founder who has four decades of road cycling and coaching experience. He has written 14 eBooks and eArticles on cycling training, available in RBR’s eBookstore at Coach Fred Matheny, including the classic Complete Book of Road Bike Training, which includes 4 eBooks comprising 250 pages of timeless, detailed advice and training plans. The Complete Book is one of the many perks of an RBR Premium Membership. Click to read Fred's full bio.
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