Why?

madandybell

When me and my mate go out he always murders me on long uphill sections, however when we get on the flats and short uphill sections I always find myself easily getting away if I'm in front or coasting along nicley (but could go faster) when behind him.

We did 26 miles yesterday, and on the last 2 miles I was a long way in front. He said after the ride he had nothing left but I could have easily done another 15 - 20 miles.

He's 12st 6 where as I'm 14st 9 and thought I was a long way behind in the fitness stakes. He's been going to the gym and working out for the last 3 or so years where as I 've just started in the last month or so.

Infamous

It's because he's lighter than you (so can go quicker uphill) but you have more power and endurance than him.

Gary D

Yep. Purely a weight thing

Ask him to put on a rucksack and then fill it with 2st 3lbs of ballast, go out on the same ride, and then see how you compare :shock: :shock:

It would be great leveller!!

Gary.

t0ny

Why not lose some weight instead.

madandybell

Thats the idea! Lost a stone and a half already, the same again would suit me!

daveclow

are you the same height?

does longer levers make a different to your cycling performance as it does in rowing?

Mister W

Some people are better climbers than others. I can pull away from most of my riding buddies up the hills then get caught on the downhills and flat sections. Losing weight will help but it may be that you just aren't built to be a climber.

rogerthecat

What would the ideal climber look like then?

kingrollo

Isn't it obvious ?.....you need a better bike.....one of the full carbon cervello or pinarello thingies !

madandybell

Tell me about it, only had my Boardman since January and I've already been looking at the Orbea Orca's. Just can't really justify that amount of cash at the moment though!

My mate is roughly the same height as me, maybe an inch smaller. We have the same size bike but I have my seatpost quite a bit higher than his (longer legs, short body)