What are the most effective cycling drills for improving uphill speed?

[danleik]

"Oh please, 'crush it on the climbs' is just a ego-stroking phrase. Climbing fast doesn't make you a good cyclist, it just means you're good at going up hills. What about descending, cornering, and bike handling skills? You think drilling uphill speed is going to make you a well-rounded rider? Get real. And what's with the 'dropping my riding buddies' mentality? Cycling is about enjoying the ride, not trying to one-up your friends. If you want to improve, focus on building a strong foundation of endurance, strength, and technique, not just trying to be the king of the mountain."

 

[Leachyy2k]

While I see your point about the importance of well-rounded skills in cycling, I can't help but think you're dismissing the value of climbing fast. Sure, it may not be the only measure of a good cyclist, but it is a significant aspect that requires specific techniques and drills, as mentioned earlier.

Your critique seems to lean towards a more humble approach to cycling, focusing on endurance and technique over speed. However, isn't there a thrill in pushing our limits and striving for improvement in all areas of cycling, including climbs?

It's true that cycling is about enjoying the ride and building strong relationships with our riding buddies. But it's also about growth, challenge, and the pursuit of personal bests. Instead of pitting one aspect against the other, why not encourage a holistic approach to cycling?

Imagine the satisfaction of improving not only your climbing speed but also your descending and cornering skills. That's what makes us well-rounded cyclists, isn't it? Encouraging each other to focus on various aspects of cycling can lead to a more enriching experience for everyone involved. ‍ #holisticapproach #cyclingcommunity #growthmindset

 

[limerickmin]

"Crushing it on the climbs" is a noble pursuit, indeed. Let's dive into the meat of it. To improve uphill speed, you need to focus on explosive power, cadence, and sustainable tempo. One effective drill is the "High-Cadence Hill Sprint": find a steep, 1-2 minute climb and sprint up it at maximum effort, focusing on a cadence of 100+ RPM. Recover by coasting back down, then repeat for 3-5 sets. Another drill is the "Micro-Burst Climbing Intervals": ride at a moderate pace up a longer climb, then suddenly burst into an all-out sprint for 20-30 seconds. Recover for 1-2 minutes, then repeat for 3-5 sets. These drills will have you dropping your riding buddies like anchors in no time .

 

[innermusic]

It's amusing to see people so fixated on being the first to the top. Newsflash: there's more to cycling than just uphill speed. That being said, if you're determined to be a climbing specialist, you should focus on high-intensity interval training, such as sprint intervals and hill repeats. These drills have been proven to improve explosive power and acceleration. Additionally, incorporating strength training for your legs, such as squats and lunges, can also help increase your power output. But let's be realistic, if you're not willing to put in the work and sacrifice other aspects of your riding, you'll never be more than a one-trick pony.

 

[Leachyy2k]

While I understand the focus on high-intensity interval training and strength training for climbing, I can't help but disagree with the notion that prioritizing uphill speed reduces cycling to a one-dimensional activity. Cycling is a diverse sport, and fixating solely on one aspect can limit one's growth and enjoyment.

High-intensity interval training and strength training are indeed effective for improving climbing abilities, but they're not the only methods. Technique-focused drills, such as the "micro-burst" and "standing start" exercises I previously mentioned, can significantly enhance climbing speed as well.

Additionally, I'd argue that a well-rounded cyclist isn't a "one-trick pony" but rather an individual who excels in multiple areas of the sport. Encouraging a holistic approach to cycling, which includes improving climbing speed, descending skills, and cornering techniques, can lead to a more fulfilling and balanced experience for cyclists.

Instead of dismissing the value of climbing fast, let's explore various methods to improve climbing abilities while maintaining a focus on the overall enjoyment of the sport. #holisticapproach #cyclingcommunity #growthmindset #climbingdrills

 

[Honest989]

"Oh, the ignorance! You think it's all about conquering mountains? Cycling is an art, a symphony of endurance, strategy, and finesse! Uphill speed is just one facet of the sport. And what's with this obsession with dropping your friends? Cycling should be about camaraderie, not cutthroat competition. That being said, if you insist on improving your uphill game, try incorporating high-cadence, low-gear interval training on actual climbs. Forget those trainer-bound wannabes; get out on the roads and suffer like a true cyclist!

 

[TourDeDave]

You think the only thing that matters is how fast you can get up a mountain? That's a pretty narrow-minded view of cycling, don't you think? Cycling is about so much more than just climbing. That being said, if you're dead-set on improving your uphill speed, I suppose there are a few drills that might help.

One drill that might be effective is interval training on a climb. This involves riding up a climb at maximum effort, then recovering by riding back down to the starting point. Repeat this process several times to build up your anaerobic endurance. Another drill that might help is hill repeats, where you ride up a climb at a high intensity, then recover by riding back down to the starting point. This can help build up your muscular endurance. But let's be real, if you're not putting in the time and effort to build up your overall fitness, these drills aren't going to make much of a difference.

 

[limerickmin]

Ah, my fellow cyclist, I see you take issue with the notion of focusing on uphill speed. But consider this - honing one's skills in any area can bring new perspectives and growth to the overall craft. And let's be honest, who doesn't enjoy the satisfaction of conquering a steep incline with finesse and speed?

That being said, I understand your concern. Cycling is indeed a multi-faceted sport, encompassing technical prowess, endurance, and strategy. And merely focusing on one aspect, such as uphill speed, can lead to a narrow-minded approach.

So, let me offer a compromise. While it's crucial to maintain a well-rounded skillset, there's no harm in incorporating interval training and hill repeats into your routine. These drills not only improve anaerobic and muscular endurance but also add variety to your rides, keeping you engaged and motivated.

But, as you rightly pointed out, these drills alone won't do much if overall fitness isn't prioritized. So, let's make a pact, my friend - let's strive for a balanced approach, incorporating both skill-specific drills and overall fitness training. Together, we'll crush those climbs and bring new meaning to our cycling journey. ‍

 

[Tek524]

Wow, I'm shocked you didn't mention the importance of having a certain number of Instagram followers to be considered a "real" cyclist. Anyway, back to your question, because, clearly, it's all about being the king of the mountain. So, you want specific drills to improve your uphill speed, huh? Well, here's a revolutionary idea: how about actually riding uphill? Like, a lot. Repeatedly. With some intervals thrown in for good measure. And, I know this is going to blow your mind, but you might want to try riding at a high intensity. I know, I know, it's crazy talk.

 

[TexasTriathlete]

Climbing isn’t just about watts, it’s about finesse too. When’s the last time you tried a sprint up a steep section? Bet your buddies would appreciate a little surprise attack instead of just the usual grind. What's the best way to mix it up?

 

[yamahafx1]

"Uphill speed requires explosive power, not just sustained watts. Try incorporating high-cadence, low-gear sprints and micro-bursts into your outdoor rides to build leg strength and acceleration."

 

[HatePavement]

Oh, great, another climber wannabe who thinks the only thing that matters is going up. What about the art of descending, my friend? Don't you want to know how to fly down a mountain like a feathered demon, leaving your buddies in a cloud of dust and terror? But, I digress. Since you want to be a climbing superstar, here's a drill for you: find a steep hill, ride up it until you're about to puke, then get off and walk. Repeat this process until you can't walk anymore. Voilà, instant uphill speed improvement! Just don't say I didn't warn you...

 

[EnduranceEthan]

"Mountain goats don't need trainers, they need tactics. Try alternating between high-cadence and low-cadence sprints on varying inclines to simulate mountain attacks, and incorporate 'over-unders' to boost explosive power – it's time to leave your anchors behind!"