Short & Steep!

Forum guidelines BT super discount
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Short & Steep! Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2012-08-12 11:48 AM


136
10025
Subject: Short & Steep!

Hi Guys,

Have begun to really improve on hill climbs overall, I am gaining confidence and comptence at long and fairly steep.  However, I really struggle on the 'short and steep', my friend I ride with finds this surprising as obviously I don't have to 'try' for very long as the top is not far.  Is it worth doing some calf presses/weights at the gym? or am I better off going back to these steep shorties and practising? the problem is that I literally get to the point when I can't turn the pedal round!!!

2012-08-12 11:58 AM
in reply to: #4359334

User image

Regular
160
1002525
Ponchatoula
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
On the short and steep are you standing up on the pedals?
2012-08-12 1:43 PM
in reply to: #4359334


71
2525
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
And what kind of gearing are you using?
2012-08-12 3:17 PM
in reply to: #4359334

User image

Pro
5892
5000500100100100252525
, New Hampshire
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
Short & steep is very different than gradual climbs... short and steep is pretty much explosiveness (which is actually quite similar to sprinting).

A common mistake is to shift down too quickly... and not standing up to power up the hill
2012-08-12 5:13 PM
in reply to: #4359334

User image

Master
2491
2000100100100100252525
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
Short, steep hill repeats?
2012-08-12 7:56 PM
in reply to: #4359334

Member
796
500100100252525
Malvern, PA
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!

Hill repeats.  

And learn to stand up and power over these shorties.

2012-08-12 7:57 PM
in reply to: #4359334


1053
10002525
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!

 

Start in a lower gear than you would normally, it will save some power for when you struggle near the top.  Stay seated as much as possible, that will also conserve energy.  Can stand to power over the top, and ideally switch to a higher gear as you do this if you can as you use your body weight to help turn the pedals.  Also, if possible, losing weight helps with hills alot Smile.  Weight training has its place, but specific training, such as hill repeats would probably be more helpful.   

 



Edited by ImSore 2012-08-12 7:59 PM
2012-08-12 8:54 PM
in reply to: #4359334

User image

Champion
19812
50005000500020002000500100100100
MA
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!

I second the question what gearing you have.

If you struggle turning over the pedals improving your cycling power will help but my guess is you are over geared for your ability. Do you have compact or standard crank? What cassette do you have?

2012-08-12 10:22 PM
in reply to: #4359350


136
10025
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
Leave pedals to the top as shaky on these
2012-08-12 10:24 PM
in reply to: #4359850


136
10025
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
Compact ....sorry not sure wha t' over gearing refers to...but would like to learn!
2012-08-12 10:27 PM
in reply to: #4359592


136
10025
Subject: RE: Short & Steep!
I guess this makes sense it's just the point where I can turn no more I fall as can't clip out quick enough yet..practice practice, am learning it takes time to improve! Just so loving the cycling want to get better thanks for your welcome advice

New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Short & Steep! Rss Feed