Find your most efficient climbing position.

Is it seated or standing? The best position is highly individual because it depends on muscle fiber type, body weight, fitness and training.

Generally, heavier riders climb better seated because standing requires them to support their body weight. This exacts a larger energy penalty. Virtually all weight is carried by the legs, none by the seat.

You need to find which position is more efficient. Here's how:

Test 1: On a hill that's representative of those in your area, ride to the top standing all the way. Record your time, heart rate, perceived exertion and, if you have a power meter, your average wattage.

Recover for 10 minutes and repeat the climb, this time seated. Record your data. Ride each test with your most comfortable cadence and gear. Don't try to spin fast like Lance. Be yourself.

Test 2: Several days later, climb the hill again. But this time, make the first ascent in the saddle and the second while standing. Record data and compare.

After several tests over a week or more, you should see a pattern. The position that produces a lower heart rate, lower perceived exertion and a faster time (or higher wattage) is the most efficient for you.

Be careful with these results. It's a rare cyclist who always climbs better either seated or standing. Most riders will be faster and more comfortable when they alternate being in and out of the saddle on the same climb.

It takes quite a bit of climbing experience to determine the best mix. What you want to know is which position you should use for max performance when you need it.