Post-hill recovery?

frkrygow

Rick Onanian wrote:

>
> On Sat, 17 Apr 2004 23:34:46 -0400, "frkrygow"
> <"frkrygow"@omitcc.ysu.edu> wrote:
>
>>So I'd advise riding just a tad easier (say, one gear lower on that
>>particular hill) and keep moving.
>
>
> Easier is a good idea, but I was concerned about choosing the right
> gear. IIRC, if your legs burn, you (seems counterintuitive to me)
> should shift to a taller gear/lower cadence, and opposite if your
> lungs burn. The first gear I chose to stand in was too easy; I
> didn't feel like my stroke was sufficiently smooth, and my legs
> burned quickly. When I shifted up, the leg burn discontinued it's
> increase, so I figured I had it right.

About legs versus lungs, the usual advice is: if your legs give out
first, you need to ride slightly lower gears. If your lungs give out
first, you need to ride slightly higher gears. But I'm not sure that
applies very well on a single, very tough hill. I think it's more about
tough rides in general.

However, when you go from sitting to standing, you'll probably need to
upshift one gear at least (depending on your cog sizes). This is one
time when brifters are nice - although I do it with bar end shifters.

> Should I have used a lower gear, continued to stand, slow down, and
> concentrate on a smooth stroke?

I'd say so. If a hill is super-steep (and if I don't want to use my
granny) I'll put it in my lowest regular gear and climb it slowly while
standing. I don't really think about a smooth stroke. I do sometimes
think about pulling up a bit in back, and about using my arms, etc. I
rock the bike a bit, too.

BTW, I never use my granny unless I'm doing loaded touring, or on a
tandem. I figure I build muscle by taking hills in a more "normal"
gear. When I'm carrying packs on the bike, I figure it's time to treat
myself easier.


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Frank Krygowski [To reply, omit what's between "at" and "cc"]