Hi Everyone,

As I am still a newbie, hope you wouldn't mind me asking the right way to climb while standing up. E.g. should my knee always point towards the front? etc...

Coz after riding frequently while standing up, I start to feel a bit strange with my right knee in particular. Seems like the ligament on the sides of my knee feel most weird. I just don't know what's wrong, one of the reason might be my riding position or riding technique. That's why I need your helps.

So please help. Thanks a lot in advance.


EdSH

In general, you use less energy climbing if you sit and spin in a low gear, rather than standing up and mashing a high one. It's also easier on your knees. There are times when it's fine to stand--for a quick sprint, to use different muscles for a moment on a long climb, or to jam up a short, steep hill when you don't want to shift down. As a rule, though, and certainly on a long climb, gear down and spin the pedals.
Since you've posted in the Beginner's Forum, I'm assuming you're a newish rider, and you may find that the knee thing goes away as you gain strength and fitness. My knees hurt every spring, and it takes a month or so of fairly gentle riding before they get strong enough to do what I ask them to If that doesn't happen, it's probably worth talking to your doctor. It's way better to address joint problems early than to wait until they're serious.

also, you probably shouldn't ride bow-legged when standing or sitting.

your weird knee feelings will probably dissipate as do more climbing while standing. BTW, I've got my share of knee weirdness when I climb standing, too. I get that strange, netherworld knee feel. If I do it for too long a period my knee muscles cramp. I also find that climbing while standing takes a whole lot more lung power than climbing while sitting. Thus, I really don't do it all that much. I'd rather just ooch all the way back in my saddle, and use the back of the saddle to press against as I grunt my way upward.

Thank you guys.

...my knee muscles cramp.

psst. there aren't any muscles in your knee.

also, you probably shouldn't ride bow-legged when standing or sitting.

ditto :thumbsup:

It's more tiring to stand up but if you want more power, then yeah. Tour riders do that for climbs too so hey, why not? :D

Ok nvm bout the tour riders comment... Just adding some fun.

Climb whichever way you feel is best for you. But, yeah, try standing at times as it works different muscles and well, yeah. Or if you wanna mash up.