Road Cycling

So, I've got some easy to reach climbs to explore... But wonder if this is really the best way to 'get better at climbing'? (throwing myself up the steepest/longest climbs I can find)? Invariably I'll be spinning up many in my 36*32 until I'm strong enough to power up them stood.

Losing much weight isn't really an option (I'm down to 75kg and don't really want/need to be thinner, so getting lighter not really on the cards) so is working on my threshold power on these steep inclines the way forwards?

https://www.strava.com/segments/8405623
https://www.strava.com/segments/5715427
https://www.strava.com/segments/2523137
https://www.strava.com/segments/2641705
https://www.strava.com/segments/7185033
https://www.strava.com/segments/4485444
(the last 2 I'm not sure how passable on a road bike/tyres)
 
Roady said:
https://www.strava.com/segments/8405623
https://www.strava.com/segments/5715427
https://www.strava.com/segments/2523137
https://www.strava.com/segments/2641705
https://www.strava.com/segments/7185033
https://www.strava.com/segments/4485444
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  • No.1 being a 2.3m Cat 3 will be quite hard work but is long and steep enough that if paced properly could yield some decent benefit.
  • No.2 mid section looks pretty grim.
  • No.3 looks quite well suited to some over/unders (as it sounds, working below and above FTP - or what feels like if you don't have a PM) as the gradient looks quite consistent even though it undulates.
  • No.4 as above.
  • No.5 & 6 look more like trails.

Long climbs that aren't so steep that they're too challenging mean you can focus on things like breathing, technique, positioning and practicing seated/standing transitions rather than worrying about just trying to make it up them without falling and/or dying :D

Shorter very punchy Cat 4's are mostly what I do my climbing on but my FTP represents this as I found out recently.

Seated climbing I find is very muscularly fatiguing. I mentioned a few posts back to 'Pick your poison' - spin up them seated which is quicker but more taxing or get out the saddle and tackle them stood but it's less efficient and slower.

When tiring whilst seated I stand for 20-40s to stretch and flush out and then resume climbing seated.

Thinks like relaxing your grip, dropping your shoulders, relaxing your face too (:p), deep belly breathing along with refined pedal technique are all tips I picked up from TrainerRoad which, unsurprisingly, do really help to keep your HR down and you more relaxed overall :)
 
ThaReaperGuy said:
Recommended CO2 pump & cartridges?
Click to expand...
Isn't it best to get a CO2 pump with a gauge and shutoff valve so you can accurately pump a tyre and not waste a cartridge if you have a slow puncture?
SDK^ said:
Thanks for update - Wiggle have agreed to swap mine but with the hassle of posting and potential of them ripping again i'll just fix them myself.
Click to expand...
I'd be getting a refund! Free returns (Just collect+ dropoff)! :)
BennyC said:
Long climbs that aren't so steep that they're too challenging mean you can focus on things like breathing, technique, positioning and practicing seated/standing transitions rather than worrying about just trying to make it up them without falling and/or dying :D
<snip>

Thinks like relaxing your grip, dropping your shoulders, relaxing your face too (:p), deep belly breathing along with refined pedal technique are all tips I picked up from TrainerRoad which, unsurprisingly, do really help to keep your HR down and you more relaxed overall :)
Click to expand...
All good info and all things I need to practice! I guess the main thing I'm finding with climbing is that I'm uncomfortable at my threshold for any extended periods. I'm getting better at holding it standing but equally I know I can output the same 'power' seated at far lower effort levels. It's this I need to practice as it's key for fatigue levels on longer hillier rides... Like the ~70 miles & ~6500ft climbing I've got on sunday...! Trial by fire anyone?! ;)

Climbs 2 & 3 will be done, possibly in the same ride (as it forms a nice semi-loop). Climb 1 I'll probably do again as a loop involving some others... The ride to Knighton and on towards Newtown is incredible for hills (and the route they used in the ToB 2014, must dig that out...)! :)
 
Roady said:
Isn't it best to get a CO2 pump with a gauge and shutoff valve so you can accurately pump a tyre and not waste a cartridge if you have a slow puncture?
Click to expand...

I thought that, but the trigger speed seems to only inflate when you press it onto the valve so it shouldn't waste any CO2?

Saves the hassle of using 2 hands to press on and control the flow?
 
SoliD said:
Carbon clinchers with 50mm rim depth from reputable ebay sellers are £250 including postage. or thereabouts with better hubs.
Click to expand...

Could you point me in the right direction? I've looked at Farsports, Deng Fu and Hong Fu and none of those come close to £250.
 
Roady said:
The ride to Knighton and on towards Newtown is incredible for hills (and the route they used in the ToB 2014, must dig that out...)! :)
Click to expand...

Think this was the route!: https://www.strava.com/routes/5653139

Really tempted by that long climb & this one back! :o
ThaReaperGuy said:
I thought that, but the trigger speed seems to only inflate when you press it onto the valve so it shouldn't waste any CO2?

Saves the hassle of using 2 hands to press on and control the flow?
Click to expand...
Probably, I don't own one! Just going by what I read & my understanding of their function! :)
Jon33 said:
Could you point me in the right direction? I've looked at Farsports, Deng Fu and Hong Fu and none of those come close to £250.
Click to expand...
Think FT's frame is a Deng Fu so I'd certainly not have a problem trying wheels from them...
 
I picked up Lapierre xelius, and I'm thinking about pedals. Time Xpreseo or similar are what I'm thinking but looking for recommendation really. Something with plenty of adjustment to avoid long distance knee injuries, etc.

Thanks
 
Django x2 said:
I picked up Lapierre xelius, and I'm thinking about pedals. Time Xpreseo or similar are what I'm thinking but looking for recommendation really. Something with plenty of adjustment to avoid long distance knee injuries, etc.

Thanks
Click to expand...

Price range? If you're looking for adjustment I've heard Speedplay are great.
 
My frame was from Flyxii. Dengfu are meant to be good too though.

For wheels you'll generally get them cheaper buying via Aliexpress or eBay.

Jon33 said:
I think I was quoted ~$470 including delivery for a 50mm 25mm wide wheelset which comes in at around £363 according to google.
Click to expand...

With the pound to dollar rate at the moment you might be a bit fudged. An eBay seller would probably be a good bet as they may have already set the price in GBP and have not yet adjusted for the exchange rate difference.
 
ThaReaperGuy said:
Regarding the Zuus wheels, I got them mainly for the peace of mind (hopefully) if anything went wrong, would rather deal with a UK seller then an eBay/AliX seller that could shut up shop whenever they fancied! :eek:

Plus warranty & Crash replacement sounded quite nice.
Click to expand...

Don't suppose you weighed them before putting them on?
 
Roady said:
Isn't it best to get a CO2 pump with a gauge and shutoff valve so you can accurately pump a tyre and not waste a cartridge if you have a slow puncture?
Click to expand...

Tbh a 16g CO2 cartridge will inflate a 23c tyre to about 120psi IIRC? At less than £1 each they aren't what I would call expensive and you will probably be familiar with the firmness of your tyre to be able to guesstimate when it's inflated adequately :)

All good info and all things I need to practice! I guess the main thing I'm finding with climbing is that I'm uncomfortable at my threshold for any extended periods. I'm getting better at holding it standing but equally I know I can output the same 'power' seated at far lower effort levels.
Click to expand...

Chances are you are mistaken, much like I was. Each pedal revolution will feel easier and more powerful but in reality it's not as the weight of your body is doing the majority of the work. Your cadence and subsequently speed drop by a large enough amount that your average power goes down and your speed drops. Guarantee if you keep an eye on your speed as you get out the saddle and 'maintain' power your speed will decrease, sorry :p

It's this I need to practice as it's key for fatigue levels on longer hillier rides... Like the ~70 miles & ~6500ft climbing I've got on sunday...! Trial by fire anyone?! ;)

Climbs 2 & 3 will be done, possibly in the same ride (as it forms a nice semi-loop). Climb 1 I'll probably do again as a loop involving some others... The ride to Knighton and on towards Newtown is incredible for hills (and the route they used in the ToB 2014, must dig that out...)! :)
Click to expand...

Over & unders are good managing fatigue and suffering. Best placed to do the overs on the higher gradients of the climb and unders on the lower, so you can fully recover. Last thing you want to do is gas it on a 5% slope and then try to recover when it kicks up to 15% :D Obviously best done on climbs you know well or have scoped out at least.

(I don't know how experienced you are so forgive me if any of that comes across as patronising as I'm genuinely trying to help rather than be condescending and I don't claim to know it all because I don't :) )
 
I saw these on many of the TDF riders and wanted them :)

My new cycling glasses.
Oakley Jawbreaker Prizm Road Sunglasses - Tour De France Special Edition.

A TDF logo on the bottom left lens and a red polka dot graphic on the top to reflect the jersey given to the "King of the Mountains".

27572069464_c0f1466351_o.jpg
 
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