Climbing technique

[Halfmanhalfbike]

Just been out for a ride which had a short sharp steepish climb. I'm not one of those who get out of saddle for a climb but prefer to sit there and spin.

This time I put my weight further back on the bike and changed my pedalling action so that my foot was more parallel to the slope and I was pushing into the slope not down on the slope.

I really felt a difference. The climb was easier and I didn't feel so much strain on the legs or knees.

Is this a proper technique or am I in danger of damaging something

 

[Fab Foodie]

Sounds fine if it's working.

Sitting back is a great start, the second most important thing is to relax the upper body, arms, shoulders, grip on the bars. Next find the gear that works for you, some spin the pedals in a low gear like a hamster others like me tend to push hard and slow in a higher gear. Experiment to see what works for you. Oh, and relax!

 

[colly]

I'd agree with Mr FF . Relax and do what feels best and feels comfortable.
I used to grind up hills out of the saddle. It got me to the top ok but on a run with lots of hills it takes it out of you, and it can be hard on the knees too.

Over time I have got more into sitting down and pushing a low gear but try not to have my legs going like the clappers.

If the climb kicks up I'll get out of the saddle or even if it's a long climb I will, just to ease the legs for a few yards.

Like you I slide to the back of the saddle. It seems a better position for climbing.

 

[HLaB]

With me it depends upon the hill, sometimes if its short and sharp and I'm going a reasonable speed I prefer to stand but other times I prefer to sit and as the OP does sit up and shift my weight back slightly, drop the gears, adopt a high cadence and spin up the hills.

 

[jimboalee]

Sounds like you are doing the 'alternate leg press' technique.

It is a great way to climb. Find some archive video of any of the famous riders - Eddie, Van Impe, Jan and especially Indurain .

Watch and see how relaxed they are... although they are pushing hard.

BTW. I learned a new cycling word in California. A bit spooky 'cus its about this subject.

Getting a strong climbing rythm = "Hooking up".

 

[montage]

I just "spin like a hamster" ... It may be due to my lack of experience in cycling but if I am tired then the moment I stand up on a hill my thighs feel like they are on fire. Whether this means I just need to practise more, or I am doing something wrong, I am unsure. Most people say standing up for a bit stretches the legs, but I find it pure agony.

 

[BIGSESAL]

I have only been riding a road bike for a few months so I am still getting used to it. I tend to get out of the saddle just before the start of the incline. I also change to a low gear early so as not to loose momentum during the climb.

 

[cadseen]

I think you will find the best way to get up hills is training and a reasonable position

 

[yenrod]

Sounds fine if it's working.

Sitting back is a great start, the second most important thing is to relax the upper body, arms, shoulders, grip on the bars. Next find the gear that works for you, some spin the pedals in a low gear like a hamster others like me tend to push hard and slow in a higher gear. Experiment to see what works for you. Oh, and relax!

Just like Fab says here relaxing the upper the body is very important !

 

[yenrod]

I think you will find the best way to get up hills is training and a reasonable position

Most of the best climbers in the tour de frances over the years have quite an upright riding position...

 

[Randochap]

I have only been riding a road bike for a few months so I am still getting used to it. I tend to get out of the saddle just before the start of the incline. I also change to a low gear early so as not to loose momentum during the climb.

When you stand on a climb, gear up; when you sit back down, gear down.

Easy to remember: Up/up; Down/down, or: Up/high; Down/low.

 

[tyred]

Sometimes I spin, sometimes I grind. It depends on the mood.

 

[HLaB]

Sometimes I spin, sometimes I grind. It depends on the mood.

+1 and sometime I do both.

 

[Over The Hill]

I found as soon as I had the gears I needed (hamster on red bull) I get up there OK.

However I did a long hilly ride recently and just as I got to the top of Watership Down a woman parked in her car gave me a round of applause! Not sure if it was because I made it look easy or if I looked half dead.

 

[Joe24]

I used to be a sit down spinner, then i got a fixed and turned into a stand up honk a big gear climber. I was in Derby and came out the big ring for one hill, but ended up through the block.
How i do it, is grab the hoods, relax my arms and hands, but enough so i can lever on the bars, and just put some power in.
When im on the fixed, i will do short hills/rises sitting down pulling on the bars if i can, but if i need then i stand up, get a good grip on the hoods if its steep, relaxed grip if it isnt too steep and go for it.
Some short rises i will change up a gear and go standing up upp the way.
Going on a long hilly ride helps because you find out how you like to climb.
When i first went up a steep hill on the fixed, my thighs were burning like mad. I kept going and they now dont burn at all.
Thing with standing up when its wet/slippy is to keep a smooth peddling, i found that i yank in certain places, which when its slippy makes the back wheel move from side to side. If i lean back and climb, it just doesnt seem to work for me, so i go back to leaning slightly forward.