Climbing Technique For A Newbie...Spin vs. Hammer

singlespeedemon

Although I have less than 100 miles experience on a recumbent, I can already feel my overall speed and handling improving and increasing.

Everywhere I read, the preferred method of climbing is a steady spin to the top. I prefer to move faster than my typical 90RPM cadence will allow. What is the negative side to gearing up a bit and hammering up hills instead? The sensation of speeding up a hill while sitting in a lawn chair is rather addictive!

Thanks.

LeakyDuck

If you can keep up a steady 90 rpm you are on your way to being a whiz bang bent rider. As you ride more your "Bent" muscles will get stronger. As your bent muscles get stronger you will be able to spin in a higher gear.

In the meantime, hammer up the hill as fast as you can. If you mash for too long your knees will probably start to hurt, but for a short stretch, enjoy.

Which bike did you get? Add your bike to your sig so we all can say Ohhh!!!

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ChacoBent

In the beginning, I used spinning until I felt pretty comfortable going up hills. Now, for some of the shorter hills, I'll get going 25 or 30 mph, and then hammer my way up the hill at around 20 mph, all the way to the top. But when your knees start feeling it, then it's time to back off and give them a rest.