Do you sit or stand up when riding uphill on your bike?
First, consider the relative energy expenditure of sitting versus standing uphill. Generally speaking, cyclists perform best when they can find a rhythm and stick to it. By staying seated uphill, you may go a little slower, but you should be better able to maintain a consistent rhythm for a long time. By standing up, your rhythm is immediately disrupted. That's because changing position disrupts your riding momentum and increases your heart rate, making the ascent more difficult.
Also, uphill performance is related to your weight, with lighter riders generally climbing faster than heavier riders. Conversely, greater weight tends to glide faster on the way downhill.
Climbing is an exciting and hard thing, and riding uphill can be a challenge even for experienced cyclists. All you can do is take a deep breath, focus on the top, and keep going. |
