Originally Posted by
RChung
It's hard to give an exact diagnosis without additional info but it could be that
- you have relatively good power/weight but relatively poor power/CdA.
- your gearing is relatively appropriate for climbing but relatively inappropriate for high speed on the flat.
- they're pacing differently so they're steadier (in terms of power output) while you're powering up the climbs and taking it easier on the flats.
Or some combo of the three.
1. Doubtful my power to weight's any good - in fact, I'm almost certain I'm pitiful here :-P. I usually ride on the hoods, but even with bent elbows (tucked in) riding in the drops, I rarely reel anybody in.
2. I haven't checked recently, but I hold a cadence between 70-75rpm, and I have a corncob between 11-17 in the back. I'll shift up, only to shift back when my legs have decided they've had enough
3. You're the second commenter to suggest this - I might have to try taking it easy on the climbs, just to see what happens. I've always gone by the "it never hurts less, you just go faster" mantra, so maybe I should try making those climbs hurt less...