Climbing. Read this numpty guide

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Typical rot isn't it. Too simplistic for the experienced rider and not enough explanation for the beginner and the guy is a University Lecturer:ohmy:
 

Fab Foodie

hanging-on in quiet desperation ...
Location
Kirton, Devon.
Mr Pig said:
I never stand up climbing a hill. The only reason I do stand up is for balance.
Standing's fine, but you have to do it properly.
The whole issue about relaxing the upper body is not widely understood IMO.
 
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Bigtwin

New Member
Fab Foodie said:
from a quick scan, He's spot on.
relaxed upper body is perfect.
Watch the pros.

If you are a pro, I doubt that you need "tips" of this calibre.

Watch not pros - relaxed upper bodies my arse.
 
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Bigtwin

New Member
User3143 said:
What parts of the upper body are you refering to?

Above the waist.
 
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Bigtwin

New Member
threebikesmcginty said:
Ooooo are you a doctor Bigtwin? - you appear to have extensive medical knowledge there!


Eeeh?

Leaving aside the obvious fact that if your upper body is completely relaxed you'd fall off, you try spinning up any sort of hill (hill, not slope) just resting your fingertips on the bars, or no handed.

The last one of these I read (and I can't be arsed to find it now) expressly identified the technique of pulling back on the bars, tensing the core to transfer the leverage to the leg push. Which is what pretty much everyone does.

Why does everyone get all excited about core strength? It's not for flats and descents that's for sure.

Here - Dave LLoyd:

"The best way to climb these hills is to grab hold of the centre of the bars and pull with your arms, whilst sitting “back” on the saddle and concentrating on your pedalling...think “power” !! This is where work in the gym on the upper body really comes into it’s own and is a very important part of my athletes work. You can’t climb efficiently with poor upper body strength… Get down to that gym !."

It makes no sense to talk about a relaxed upper body if you are pulling on the bars and pushing from the back of the saddle using all that gym-developed strength.

Frpom Cobr: The action is quite athletic - your arms should ache as much as your legs after a hard climb.

Again, doesn't fit with having a relaxed upper body - how can you be relaxed and get to and athletic ache at the same time?
 
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Bigtwin

New Member
threebikesmcginty said:
I only asked about the Doctor bit because you knew the upper body was above the waist!! :sad:


Ahh - typical amateur mistake of the layman.

Only if you are standing up or seated.
 
I always thought that if you were turning a wheel up a hill then the upper body is neutral. If you then add on a flourish to the pedal by pulling back and up then you push on the bar and if the flourish is forwards and down then you take a pull on the bars.

It's all elementary force according to Isaac Walton.
 
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