Improving hill climbing

[Kell]

I'm too heavy for hills, and always thought that was it. I'm normally in the top 30% of all people on most Strava segments (despite being 42 and 16 stone) but I'm almost always in the bottom 10% on hills.

However, last weekend, I did what I should have done ages ago and looked at my shoes to see if my cleats were in the right place. They weren't - they were too far forward which meant that my seat was then too high etc etc. I need to look at how I sit on the bike properly, but even making those adjustment meant that not only did it feel easier to climb my usual hills, I got pbs on several on them.

This isn't exactly scientific, different days etc, but it's worth looking into to see if you're as efficient as you can be.

[bridgdav]

Plenty of good tips here:

http://www.active.com/cycling/articles/cyclist-s-g...

[budgie smuggler]

Kell said:

However, last weekend, I did what I should have done ages ago and looked at my shoes to see if my cleats were in the right place. They weren't - they were too far forward which meant that my seat was then too high etc etc.

How can you tell?

[Kell]

budgie smuggler said:

Kell said:

However, last weekend, I did what I should have done ages ago and looked at my shoes to see if my cleats were in the right place. They weren't - they were too far forward which meant that my seat was then too high etc etc.

How can you tell?

They're meant to be set up so the middle of the pedal axle sits in between the joint on your big toe and the joint on your little toe.

Mine were way too far forward so I was pedalling on my toes - and have been for probably 20+ years.

I've only been out once though so my test is by no means scientific.

[MC Bodge]

I have my cleats even further back to reduce load on my calves.

Plus, If the heels drop, the balls of the feet are over the axle.

[helix402]

I moved to Shaftesbury where the famous Hovis boy on a bike advert was filmed. My commute to work sometimes includes this hill. Living in a hilltop town certainly improves your climbing. Each ride ends with an uphill. I find it helps to spilt the hills into sections you can mentally tick off.

[helix402]

I moved to Shaftesbury where the famous Hovis boy on a bike advert was filmed. My commute to work sometimes includes this hill. Living in a hilltop town certainly improves your climbing. Each ride ends with an uphill. I find it helps to spilt the hills into sections you can mentally tick off.