Pedal type for hills?

[Kelvin_C-J]

Removed

 

[Specialeyes]

I can't speak for the folks in other threads who conquer amazing gradients on singlespeeds, but clipless pedals will undeniably allow you to transfer more power, recruit more muscle groups and climb better.
Alternatively, couldn't you fix on a lower gear, or (shhhhhh), refit the front and rear mechs?

 

[rb58]

Do you mean you're riding a geared road bike, but never change gear? If so, which gear combination are you using?

Some people will not agree, but after doing spin classes for many years allowing me to work on my pedalling technique and cadence, I find clipless pedals (spd for me) allow me to pull up as well as push down when climbing.

Also, I find a fixed gear (and by that I mean the pedals are constantly rotating when the wheels are rolling) easier to climb with than when it's single speed - this relates to the fly wheel effect.

 

[Venod]

Is this a wind up ? if it isn't you need to swot up on gearing use.

 

[jack smith]

Uhh? Change gear? Why are you calling it a fixed if its geared? I think changing gear would help alot more than the pedals

 

[MartinQ]

Uhh? Change gear?

That means new cycle top and shorts?

 

[Kelvin_C-J]

Apologies for the trouble.

I didn't intend it a wind up - though I just don't like changing gear personally.

I like being in the 'most difficult' gear in terms of effort required as it ensures that I am having to use maximum power - as opposed to a different gear which reduces the resistance.

Regrading clipless - I appreciate that they will probably help my current limit of pedaling, though expect that in terms of how I cycle - there will be a new 'limit' as to an incline that I can manage in that particular gear.

 

[fossyant]

You are using your gears wrong then. Fixed means no freewheel. One goes fixed or single speed to suit the terrain you are riding on, at a good 80 to 120 rpm.

If you are only doing 22mph on the biggest chain ring and smallest rear sprocket then you are using the wrong gears. That gear is good for 40 mph.

It's not developing strength, and no wonder you can't get up hills. Cycling is an aerobic activity, and you aren't training effectively just using two totally useless gears. You shouldn't be using small front to small rear as the chain line is poor and there is a good chance the chain may catch the shifting ramps.

I ride fixed and can get up 10% hills, but I mainly spin my gears round at 90 to 120 rpm on the flat.

 

[screenman]

How many miles do you do in a 2 hour ride?

 

[Tim Hall]

Top tip: If you want to get "maximum resistance to motion" but change gear as well, ride with your brakes on.

 

[Haitch]

maximum resistance to motion

will bugger your knees.

 

[Tim Hall]

More seriously, you say you're in 2 at the front, 10 at the back. Can you tell us how many teeth on those particular bits? Then some one will do a Hard Sum to work out the "gear inches". Presumably you're on 700C x nn (nn x 622) tyres.

 

[rb58]

I'm not surprised you can't get up hills using that gearing. I couldn't either if it's anything like the gearing on my 'best' bike - mine would be a 52 x 12. As others have said, you'll wreck your knees riding like that, and you won't be improving fitness either.

 

[jack smith]

My road bike is 54-11 and i can hit 50 without too many issued on a downhill uphill i think i could push it til the momentum stops then id fall off

 

[Rob3rt]

Apologies for the trouble.

I didn't intend it a wind up - though I just don't like changing gear personally.

I like being in the 'most difficult' gear in terms of effort required as it ensures that I am having to use maximum power - as opposed to a different gear which reduces the resistance.

Regrading clipless - I appreciate that they will probably help my current limit of pedaling, though expect that in terms of how I cycle - there will be a new 'limit' as to an incline that I can manage in that particular gear.

Fundamental issue, you do not know what power means!

Ultimately, you ride like a plank, change gear....