Bit of an update

[EazyDuz]

So since my first thread, i have indeed upgraded tyres to some City Jets at 1.50, to replace the knobblies i had on it.
Ive also adjusted the seat so my leg is just shy of being fully extended at 6 o'clock.
Tyres inflated to 80psi, and im finding riding a lot easier.

Hills are still a bit of a killer, i can be going along at 12mph+, but reach a hill and im downshifting to the point where im spinning at anywhere from 6 to 9mph. 'Standing up' and powering up the hill makes things worse.

The ride i want to take to the city (17 miles) has a lot of even steeper hills on the way, so i still wonder, is it just a case of getting fit, or is there something else i should be doing with regards to my riding habits?
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To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

[AndyB1989]

Riding up hills is all about finding a technique that works for you and what technique will work depends very much on your fitness levels.

On the Aproach to the hill find a gear that you will be able to "spin" up the hill in so an easy enough gear that will allow you to maintain a constant cadence that is within your aerobic range. This will normally be quicker then the standard bloke thing of leave it in a big gear get halfway up not manage to finish the hill and downshift a load killing your momentum.

[EazyDuz]

After my ride today i think the spinning technique when approaching the hill is probably best. Though if i do that too long even in the easiest gears, my legs will fatigue, yet as i said before, im not really out of breath. I guess with time this will improve.
If the hill isnt too long, i find that if i slow down, then pick a midrange gear, stand up on the bike and kind of drop my weight slowly on each pedal, this works well too
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To shreds you say? Tss tss tss

[G]

I tend to be a more 'torquey' rider - in that I prefer a higher gear and to push hard with my legs than to really spin.

Basically, do whatever feels best for you - noting that it's generally recommended that faster spinning in a lower gear is better.

If you're tiring, take it a bit slower, so you don't .

Do also consider your nutrition and hydration.

A while ago I was cycling up a pretty long and steep climb; a lycra clad road bike came past and I tried to keep up, but found it really tiring and had to let him go.
Realised that while I wasn't that far in to the ride, I had already run 12k earlier, had eaten a foot long subway but only had one or two cans of coke zero for 'hydration' despite a reasonable amount of exertion.

Stopped at a convenient icecream van near the top of the hill, had a can of (sugared) fanta and an icecream and was fine after that.