Old 03-11-17, 10:20 AM
  #10  
cyccommute 
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Originally Posted by TreyWestgate
I'm not sure if this is specific to only some people, but I am tall and I have found that I think I can climb and accelerate better on a comfort upright bike because of how I can utilize my core muscles more.

and it also makes me able to get a fast start with taking off.

Yet I do know that aerodynamics will suffer such as once I am up to speed or going down a hill.

I just wanted to know if you really get climbing power by leaning towards the handlebars and bending over in the common position that a mountain bike will put you in, since people associate a aggressive position with maximum performance.

But I think I get a lot more by being upright and so you would be surprised that I can climb some very steep hills on a comfort cruiser that would actually be harder on a different bike.

you would not believe how a cruiser can be a climbing machine.

but am not sure if this is only an advantage because of my height 6.4
I don't think it really matters when climbing. Climbing is about force and leverage while having very little to do with aerodynamics. In fact, being a bit less aerodynamic...i.e. standing up to pedal...has advantages on a climb. Most people I've observed stand at least occasionally on a climb.

I'm wondering, however, if your "advantage" on the cruiser bike has more to do with gearing than with your rider position.
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