Best Climbing Tips (...EVER!)

[Greg-O]

Originally posted by umberto


A good overall tip for people out there who bought cheaper bikes, take off all things you wont seriousl need. is the kickstand really nessissary? Takeing reflectores off the seat post and wheels is also good, it makes the bike look smoother and cleaner. Believe it or not, even though the reflectores only weight like nothing, it is weight, considering that it it rotational weight. if you dont use your bike at night or around the city, there arent going to be any cars on the single track So you wont need them. [/B]

taking all of those small parts will barely help.

if you want to make any significant difference in climbing by losing some weight, lighter rims would be the way to go. The ultimate solution is training and technique. As one user previously stated, lowering the elbows and using a "rowing" motion with the handlebars is an excellent technique. Also, getting out on the bike and riding and getting in shape will do wonders.

taking off reflectors and a kickstand? Yes you should be taking them off, but not to remove weight. the kickstand will bounce all over the place, and the reflectors could shatter when you fall.

instead of buying things, removing things, or cutting things, train.

 

[Greg-O]

Originally posted by umberto
lighter rims would help anything, but you also have to stay alert on durability if you're going to launch of 4ft jumps. the tires would help being lighter, but lighter tires tend to have less grip, so you would have to put the psi of the lighter tire lower

running a lower tire pressure would make it wear faster. also lighter tires are not necessarliy less durable. do more research.

 

[Mr_Kingkillaha]

Originally posted by sugufish
is 24 speed enough for climbs or would 27 do wonders?

if climbing is your concern you can just change your gears to closer match the low end o a 27, you just wont have as high of a top speed. lighter wheels are always better as long as they can take the abuse you give them.

 

[Cowboyathlete]

Originally posted by terrya
I'm not a natural climber, but have learned to climb pretty effectively, so here's a couple of things I do while climbing.

If you know the ride and know you're starting a long climb, pace yourself, no use going out too hard and bonking badly before the summit. If you're on hardpack or relatively secure surface, try get a nice cadence going, spin a gear you're comfortable with and shift your position on the saddle periodically, as well as standing from time to time.

If you're on V technical terrain, scan ahead for roots, rocks, ruts and try plan your route to acommodate them. Nothing worse than climbing a steep hill and losing rhythm/momentum by hitting annoying obstacles

On really steep or shifty (terrain) climbs, Umberto's advice is good. Also don't be scared to use your upper body...will add power to your pedal strokes.

Try control your breathing, relax, and also be sure to shift your hand position as well.

I'm no climbing authority but those have helped me a lot.

T

I agree with virtually every one of your suggestions. I also know it can be a ***** to be making progress on a difficult climb, only to slam to a stop because of some root. The only addition I would make, depending on the type of surface you ride on, is to make sure you have some good knobby tires.

 

[big Den]

I am an average mtb racer approaching 50,i find on steep climbs i come to a stand still,let alone keep spinning[i am in lowest gear 22/32]. Yet i see others ride the same climb. Is it strength,technique or what?

 

[trembler50]

I find that on very steep climbs, getting off and walking works well.

Even better, If I plan ahead I find I can often ride around any large hills.

This makes climbing much easier.

 

[big Den]

I find that on very steep climbs, getting off and walking works well.

Even better, If I plan ahead I find I can often ride around any large hills.

This makes climbing much easier.

it's a bit difficult to go around those steep climbs if they are part of a race course.

 

[Greg-O]

I am an average mtb racer approaching 50,i find on steep climbs i come to a stand still,let alone keep spinning[i am in lowest gear 22/32]. Yet i see others ride the same climb. Is it strength,technique or what?

how long have you been riding? just keep going at it. climbing is a combination of technique and strength. these can only be achieved by going out there on the bike.

 

[Trialsman]

Hello, riders!

I have written a somewhat detailed article on my thoughts on climbing. It covers several different concepts that are key in effective climbing, especially for someone like me that has a 40lb. active full suspension bike with 5" travel in the front and 6" travel in the back (1995 Foes LTS). And I must say, I can climb anything you hard-tail guys can climb because roots, boulders, switchbacks, and loose trail are no problem for me. They shouldn't be for you either. Check out the article. And hang in there, it's not short.
http://http://www.discovermountainbiking.com/tr/bn/trbngears.asp

Enjoy!

Trialsman

 

[Greg-O]

Hello, riders!

I have written a somewhat detailed article on my thoughts on climbing. It covers several different concepts that are key in effective climbing, especially for someone like me that has a 40lb. active full suspension bike with 5" travel in the front and 6" travel in the back (1995 Foes LTS). And I must say, I can climb anything you hard-tail guys can climb because roots, boulders, switchbacks, and loose trail are no problem for me. They shouldn't be for you either. Check out the article. And hang in there, it's not short.
http://http://www.discovermountainbiking.com/tr/bn/trbngears.asp

Enjoy!

Trialsman

link doesn't work.

 

[Trialsman]

Ah, sorry about that. Had http:// twice because the forum automatically adds that at the beginning.
http://www.discovermountainbiking.com/tr/bn/trbngears.asp

Trialsman

 

[Shawenuf]

I'm 46 yrs. old and just got back into mountain biking after 10 years off, and I've found out I have to just keep pushing harder and harder and the improvements will come. It's just that they come a lot slower than I would like them to. Let's just hang in there!

 

[aTmSpectre]

If you guys are on a climb and you get stopped becasue of on a obstacle do you try and get back on yoru bike and keep going, or do you just throw your bike over your shoulder and get up the rest of the hill?

I have a pretty light bike and i've done alot of hiking so if the hill isn't too long I just throw my bike over my shoulder a hoof it cyclocross style until i get a couple feet of level or downward grade.

 

[WINGNUTT]

High cadence + focus on pedalling 360 degrees + stay seated.

 

[ridebudride]

High cadence + focus on pedalling 360 degrees + stay seated.

I agree, high cadence is a must for quick climbing. I find that the farther forward I am on my seat while climbing the faster I am able to pedal.

 

[RubberSideDown]

One thing that I haven't seen here is dropping the wrists. I read an interview with a XC racer who advised to drop your wrists when you climb. I've tried it and I do feel more in control. Not sure if it's just a mental thing... "Hey if a pro does it, it must work!" type thing, but along with cadence, breathing, leaning over, gearing... dropping the wrists below the handle bar seems to work for me as well.

My $2 worth. (inflation)

RIDE ON!
RubberSideDown

 

[sungchang]

Wondering if bar types make any difference in climbing, i.e. straight bar vs. lowe riser vs. high riser? Also does bar length make a difference? If so, what are you guys running on (bar length)?

Just upgraded from Giant Rainier HT with low riser with 25in to Titus Racer X FS with low riser with 27in. Wondering if I should move to straight bar with 23 - 24in length.

 

[umberto]

Wondering if bar types make any difference in climbing, i.e. straight bar vs. lowe riser vs. high riser? Also does bar length make a difference? If so, what are you guys running on (bar length)?

Just upgraded from Giant Rainier HT with low riser with 25in to Titus Racer X FS with low riser with 27in. Wondering if I should move to straight bar with 23 - 24in length.

I have a high riseing carbon monkeylite ea70xc or something, i like it beacuse it is so much wider than other light wieght bars out there, climbing u dont need to worry about areodynamics, so having your chest real spread out and putting down the zipper at my chest feels great

 

[sungchang]

Took out the Titus RX for the first time today on flat surface (about 15miles). I will be heading to the hills tomorrow, but I couldn't wait. The RX felt quite nice. I am still trying to get used to 27in low riser (EA50). 27in seems awfully wide. Not sure if I should cut it down to either 25in or 24in. I will make my decision after tomorrow's ride. Any thoughts?

 

[umberto]

Took out the Titus RX for the first time today on flat surface (about 15miles). I will be heading to the hills tomorrow, but I couldn't wait. The RX felt quite nice. I am still trying to get used to 27in low riser (EA50). 27in seems awfully wide. Not sure if I should cut it down to either 25in or 24in. I will make my decision after tomorrow's ride. Any thoughts?

dont cut it, at least i wouldnt, take some more time to think about it, you will get more and more used to it, its a plus climbing, i think my monkeylite is 26in. but do whatever suits you