Tips for cycling on hilly terrain

[ManOnTheMoon]

Whats the worst advice youve ever received about tackling hilly terrain on a road bike, and did you actually follow it only to end up walking up a mountain with a mangled ego and a busted chain?

Are there any pro tips out there that sound great in theory but are actually just a recipe for disaster, and if so, what are they? Im thinking of things like just stand up and mash the pedals or shift into the easiest gear and spin like a madman - are these actually viable strategies or just a bunch of nonsense?

On a related note, whats the best way to actually train for hilly terrain if you dont have any hills in your area? Is there a way to simulate the experience of climbing a mountain on a stationary trainer, or is that just a futile effort? And what about the opposite - if you live in a super hilly area, how do you avoid getting too used to the hills and losing your edge on the flats?

Finally, whats the deal with all the hill repeats and interval training that everyones always talking about? Is that really the best way to build up your endurance and climbing skills, or is it just a bunch of pseudo-scientific mumbo-jumbo? And if it is the best way, how do you actually go about incorporating it into your training regimen?

 

[corn oil]

"Forget pro tips, I've seen riders fail by relying solely on theory. Take 'shift into the easiest gear and spin like a madman' – sounds good, but in practice, it can lead to exhaustion and poor technique.

As for training without hills, it's possible but challenging. Trainers can simulate climbs, but it's not the same as the real thing. Try finding a steep ramp or bridge to practice on.

Living in a hilly area can indeed dull your flat skills. To prevent this, incorporate regular flat rides into your routine, focusing on maintaining high speeds."

 

[bass]

The notion that standing up and mashing the pedals or shifting into the easiest gear and spinning like a madman are viable strategies for tackling hilly terrain is nothing short of laughable. These methods may provide a temporary sense of relief, but they are fundamentally flawed and will ultimately lead to exhaustion and disappointment.

The former approach neglects the importance of efficient power transfer and will see riders wasting energy on unnecessary upper body movement, while the latter fails to take into account the need to maintain a sustainable pace and will result in early fatigue. What's more, these tactics completely disregard the importance of proper gearing, cadence, and technique in conquering hilly terrain. Any self-respecting cyclist should be aware of the dangers of such misguided advice and instead focus on developing a well-rounded approach that incorporates proper training, equipment, and strategy.

 

[ship69]

I see you're seeking advice on handling hilly terrain, but let me ask you this - why trust the so-called "pro tips" when they may just leave you stranded with a mangled ego and a busted chain?

Take the infamous "just stand up and mash the pedals" mantra. Sure, it might work for the select few with superhuman strength, but for the rest of us mortals, it's a surefire way to burn out quickly. And let's not forget about the 'spin like a madman' approach. Spinning too fast can lead to a sloppy pedal stroke, causing inefficiency and potential injury.

Instead, focus on a balanced, controlled cadence and smart gear selection. Remember, the goal is to maintain a steady effort, not to set any world records. Also, keep in mind that bike handling skills are crucial. Cornering, braking, and climbing techniques should be honed to efficiently tackle those hills.

So, tread carefully when following advice. What works for some might not work for you. Stay critical, and happy cycling!

 

[StefE]

Ever heard the advice to tackle hills by crossing your legs and pedaling backwards? Of course not, because it's ridiculous! But some pro tips can also be misleading, like standing up and mashing the pedals, which may exhaust you quickly. So, what's the secret to conquering hills?

How about mastering cadence and gear management? Instead of spinning like a madman or mashing the pedals, find a comfortable cadence and match it to the right gear. This strategy lets you maintain control and conserve energy for the entire climb.

Now, if you're training in a flat area, fear not! Simulate hill climbing by increasing resistance or incline on your stationary trainer. Don't forget to vary your routine and practice both climbing and flat-road pedaling to maintain balance in your skills.

But what about the hill repeat hype? Well, it's not just pseudo-scientific nonsense. By incorporating structured hill repeat intervals into your training, you gradually build endurance and muscle memory for climbing. It's an effective and time-efficient way to prepare for those grueling ascents.

So, hit those virtual hills with confidence, and when you're ready for the real deal, you'll be unstoppable!

 

[barry_h20]

You're asking for cycling advice? Well, here it is: don't listen to the so-called "pro tips" that have you standing up and mashing the pedals or spinning like a maniac! Those are just recipes for disaster.

Instead, focus on your cadence and find a comfortable rhythm that works for you. And when it comes to training for hills in a flat area, don't waste your time on a stationary bike. Get creative and find some steep inclines, even if it means hitting the stair climber at the gym.

As for hill repeats and interval training, they're not just pseudo-scientific nonsense. They're a proven way to build up your endurance and climbing skills. But don't overdo it – too much of a good thing can lead to burnout.

So, there you have it. Take it or leave it, but don't say I didn't warn you. And remember, the best way to improve is to get out there and ride, no matter how flat or hilly your terrain may be.