excess leg muscle speculation thread

[astrov]

I've heard that biking should be avoided by technical climbers because it builds excessive leg muscle. I got a road bike a few months ago and have been riding at least a few times a week. I go on 40~ mile rides frequently and even did 94, somewhat spontaneously, last Monday. I usually incorporate hill climbs in my rides.

 

I recently noticed that my leg muscles look slightly more bulky and definitely more well-defined. (See post in Cafe Sensitivo forum for pics, if interested.)

 

At what point are the aerobic benefits bicycling offset by the additional muscle weight gains in the legs, for a climber? I have no desire to lead anything beyond 5.10+. Physically, I am mostly leg.

 

 

[genepires]

if you are having fun, do it. how about ride the bike to the rock gym and get built all around?

[nordicpunk]

Long rides shouldn't add too much bulk so I would say keep at it! Also, the endurance training is way better for your health than climbing and will help get you fit for the mountains. Bike riding will not keep you from 5.10 or 11 or 12...

[kerwinl]

Will you put on some muscle? Yeah

 

Will it make a significant difference in your climbing? No

 

You might even climb better, because all the pack hauling and walking will be a bit easier with stronger legs.

[boadman]

You'll never send the gnar with chunky thighs. These trips look pretty awesome though:

 

http://frontdooradventures.blogspot.com/

[layton]

unless you're climbing 5.13 or above and want to progress or at least have maxed out your genetic potential you have other concerns

[GerritD]

I raced bicycles for a couple of years and I can assure you that there is nothing to worry about. You won't accidentally get huge legs.

 

A lot of women don't lift weights because they think they will turn into the hulk. Look at the top pro climber women. They are not very yoked despite many of them spending a lot of time lifting weights.

 

Below is a picture of the top sprinter year after year in the Tour de France. He lifts a lot of weights and rides his bike and still his legs are pretty reasonably small.

 

[rob]

YMMV

 

[Pete_H]

In the 90's the rumor was that a famous french sport climber would make his girlfriend carry his pack up the hill to the crag so he wouldn't develop more leg muscle.

 

I've tried to convince my wife she needs to carry my pack for the same reason but its never worked.

[David Sharad]

Hi Guys.!

Such a nice and informative discussion guys. I am happy to read all the post in this thread. Thanks for sharing this information for everyone who is in the community.