Mark B
Zen MBB Master
I've known for some time that sitting up in the seat and closing down the pedalling position gives you more power to the pedal. Today, on a long and boring climb, I decided to put it to the test. When I got to where the grade settled down to a steady 6%, I took note of my speed, then sat up and pushed my butt back in the seat.
I found that just like standing up on a diamond frame bike, I was able to shift UP a gear and with the same cadence, jump up three miles per hour. I sat back in the seat and had to shift back down. I did it again, found I HAD to shift up and again, it was a three and four mile per hour gain.
It's a technique, though. You have to pull up on the handlebar while scooting your butt back at the same time. Sitting up is OK, but scooting your butt back is key to keeping your leg extension right. It changes the angle of the dangle for your arms, so maintaining a straight line takes concentration, but is doable. For me, it's not a position I can hold for very extended periods of time just yet, but I imagine with practice, it certainly could be.
Give the technique a try, I think it has great overall potential. I haven't tried it much because I've been able to grind out the little bit of climbing I've been doing. The thing is, though, is this technique affords you not only the opportunity to climb faster, but the opportunity to rest muscle groups while taxing others, just like on a road bike. It's really amazing, when you give it a chance.
Mark
I found that just like standing up on a diamond frame bike, I was able to shift UP a gear and with the same cadence, jump up three miles per hour. I sat back in the seat and had to shift back down. I did it again, found I HAD to shift up and again, it was a three and four mile per hour gain.
It's a technique, though. You have to pull up on the handlebar while scooting your butt back at the same time. Sitting up is OK, but scooting your butt back is key to keeping your leg extension right. It changes the angle of the dangle for your arms, so maintaining a straight line takes concentration, but is doable. For me, it's not a position I can hold for very extended periods of time just yet, but I imagine with practice, it certainly could be.
Give the technique a try, I think it has great overall potential. I haven't tried it much because I've been able to grind out the little bit of climbing I've been doing. The thing is, though, is this technique affords you not only the opportunity to climb faster, but the opportunity to rest muscle groups while taxing others, just like on a road bike. It's really amazing, when you give it a chance.
Mark
