Hills Are NOT Harder Than Cycling On The Flat (Says Science)

About this video

• Video Title: Hills Are NOT Harder Than Cycling On The Flat (Says Science)
• Channel: CYCLINGABOUT
• Speakers: None explicitly named.
• Duration: 00:12:33

Overview

This video explains the scientific reason why cycling uphill doesn't necessarily require more effort than cycling on a flat road, provided the rider has appropriate gearing. It addresses common reasons why hills feel harder and provides practical advice on calculating the steepest hill one can climb and how to optimize bike gear ratios for easier climbing.

Key takeaways

• Equal Effort Possible: With the correct gear ratios, a cyclist can maintain the same power output, cadence, heart rate, and perceived effort on a hill as on a flat road. This is achieved through mechanical advantage provided by lower gears.
• Reasons Hills Feel Harder: Factors contributing to hills feeling more difficult include less air cooling, psychological intimidation, the inability to coast, difficulty balancing at low speeds, altitude, and unsuitable gear ratios.
• Mechanical Advantage: This concept, derived from gears, levers, and wheel radius, amplifies pedal force to overcome resistance like gravity, wind, and rolling resistance.
• Calculating Climbing Potential: This involves determining a sustainable cadence (minimum 60 rpm recommended for climbing), estimating power output per kilogram of body weight, calculating total weight (rider + bike + gear), and using online calculators to find the maximum gradient a bike can handle with its current gearing.
• Optimizing Gear Ratios: To climb steeper hills, gear ratios can be lowered by reducing the front chainring size or increasing the rear cog size. Compatibility issues are common, so specific products and research are often needed.
• Sustainable Effort: Riding at a sustainable effort, measured by breath, is crucial for climbing, similar to riding on the flat, to avoid excessive fatigue.