[andyzee]

Originally Posted by Marc

Depends on a lot of things. How steep, how long, where in the ride, and whether or not I'm trying to keep up with someone else.

When I'm alone, I sit and spin for as long as possible, switching hand positions and front to back on the saddle. On long or especially steep climbs I'm up out of the saddle.

I have using the standing more and more, I can sometimes find a better rhythm that way.

I think that's a common mistake. I'm no great climber, but I found the more I stay seated the better. Yes there are times you have to climb out of the saddle, but I try to avoid as much as possible. I think that when you are climbing and get out of the saddle, you exert more energy due to the fact that you are now using your whole body as opposed to just your legs, yes initially your body weight may help, but in the long run, you exert more energy. I found that if I stay seated as long as possible I do far better. I think the most important think to keep in mind is your breathing. Try to keep those lungs open through the proper position. Sit up straight, hands on top of handle bars, keep the lungs expanded as much as possible and try not to move anything but your legs. At first this may seem more difficult, but if you stick with it, you'll find it gets easier all the time.Just my opinion, found it works for me, hope it helps.