Question about climbing

[auswi2]

Hi all,

I am looking for advise on climbing hills approx 6% - 10% grade. I currently have a 99 branded bike carbon with full 105 5700. (53/39 Crank)

I am just under 6ft and weigh 107kg. My average speed on the flat say over 40ks is about 22kph - 25kph. My goel is to be able to ride with a group on Sat Mornings where the pace is 25kph to 28kph

I normally go up hill in either the biggest cog on the rear or the second biggest cog on the rear sitting down. I have tried standing up but can only do it for a very short time. I would say alot has do do with my weight and overall fitness.

Any advise on changing bike componants or training tips would be great

Thanks

auswi2

[mitzikatzi]

What size cassette do you have? a 12 to 28 should fit/work, 27 will definitely work

A Compact crank set would be one solution ie 50/34 rings.

Shimano Tiagra Double 4600 10 Speed Chainset cheaper than a new cassette. Other crank sets on that site too.

[auswi2]

I have a 11/25 rear cassete

http://99bikes.com.au/bike/ninety-nine-sestriere/19

Thanks

auswi2

[gururug]

Yep, try a 28/27 cassette. Get it cheap with a lockring tool. Go from there.

Also force yourself to stand and climb at the base of the hill until you tire, then sit down, drop down the gears and maintain your cadence as best possible. Purely for the purpose of forcing yourself to get out of the saddle more often. After a few weeks, go back to your natural style.

[auswi2]

Will a 105 cassette 11/28 or a Ultegra cassette 11/28 fit straight onto this bike?? I was looking at Chain Reaction Cycles

Will I notice the differnce with an extra 3 teeth on the biggest rear cog

Thanks

auswi2

[mitzikatzi]

Will a 105 cassette 11/28 or a Ultegra cassette 11/28 fit straight onto this bike?? I was looking at Chain Reaction Cycles

Will I notice the differnce with an extra 3 teeth on the biggest rear cog

Thanks

auswi2

Yes.
I notice the extra couple of teeth. Will you I don't know.
FSA also make a 38 tooth chain ring. The smallest you can put on a 130mm BCD chain ring.

[antipodean]

If you are averaging 25kmh on 40k flat rides the obvious answer is ride more, your fitness is the issue more than your equipment.

[familyguy]

If you are averaging 25kmh on 40k flat rides...

...that's perfectly fine. The more you climb, the better you'll get. Exhibit A: the TdF every year. They hit the big mountains and sprinters abandon all over the shop. Fitness for purpose?

Jim

[eeksll]

Not sure if you are the same but when I first started riding, standing and climbing = full out riding and I'd blow myself up.

Now I have learnt (good or bad) to just pick a rhythm I can maintain while standing. This allows me to change my position and use different muscle groups over a longer hill ... and yes I am slower when standing.

Also 39/23(or25) combo on a 6 to 10% hill is not that bad. Very bloody good if its 10% (compared to me at least).

[toolonglegs]

At that weight / fitness ( going off your average speed ) on a steep hill you will struggle... A 28 will help over a 25... A 34 will help a lot more over a 39.
Depends on how many hills you ride if it is worth it.
Standing will tire you quicker as you are supporting your body weight as well as climbing.
The main thing is to climb comfortably with out having to grind too much.

[ozdavo]

A Compact crank set would be one solution ie 50/34 rings.

Shimano Tiagra Double 4600 10 Speed Chainset cheaper than a new cassette. Other crank sets on that site too.

This! Will make a massive difference to your climbing.

[foo on patrol]

Hell that is cheap!

Foo

[PawPaw]

auswi, the compact chainset is where you are at fitness wise, especially for 6-10% climbs.
I'd also suggest you get a cheapie 11-28 cassette.
Both of these are cheaper than hurting your heart, or stalling on a hill with passing traffic, due to blowing up on too high a gear.

If you are older than 30, and been sedentary for some time, in addition to being a lot overweight, don't let anyone talk you out of 50/34 on the front, and 11-28 on the rear.

I'd also suggest you go see a dietitian, seriously..... Getting that weight will have a myriad of health benefits in addition to improving your climbing times more than any other factor.