Help me on Hills!

[NeilEB]

So, as you may be aware, I'm new to cycling - at the weekend I easily did an 11 mile round along pretty flat terrain. So far so good.

However since then I've gone for two bike rides after work, and hills just kill me. Adn these don't even have to be that steep, a low but long incline make me knackered.

So, either it's a case of a day at work makes me tired, or my hill technique is rubbish. Frankly it's possibly a bit of both, but seeing as lots of people commute home after a days work, I'm looking for tips on techniques.

It's easier 'standing' on the pedals, but I can only maintain this for a very short time. If I sit down, I find myself dropping into the lowest gear possible, whihc makes pedalling easier, but means I get nowhere and therefore tire.

There must be something I'm missing?

 

[HLaB]

Its sound like you are gearing right (if that's an actual term); I like to alternate, standing up and sitting down to gain the right balance for me that's come with practice, practice will make things easier (or (b) just as hard but you get hills a lot faster )

 

[sabian92]

I'm in the same position, and any time i go out, I HAVE to go up a hill (a decent sized one at that, at least for a new cyclist). It's horrible cause I'm knackered by the top, I reckon it might just be bad fitness, no strength and no experience, at least for me.

 

[al-fresco]

There must be something I'm missing?

Yes - it's practise! (Lots and lots.)

 

[NeilEB]

Yes - it's practise! (Lots and lots.)

Meh - I was hoping there was a secret button that I'd missed that ignited the jet engine at the back of the bike.....

I'm seriously rubbish - I went about 3 miles yesterday and had to keep stopping every few minutes to have a rest

 

[al-fresco]

I'm in the same position, and any time i go out, I HAVE to go up a hill (a decent sized one at that, at least for a new cyclist). It's horrible cause I'm knackered by the top, I reckon it might just be bad fitness, no strength and no experience, at least for me.

You'll notice that as your fitness improves your recovery time will come down - in fact my old PE teacher used to say that's what fitness was - it's not what you can do but how fast you recover from having done it.

 

[NeilEB]

it's not what you can do but how fast you recover from having done it.

I thought that's what being a horny 17 year old boy was?

 

[NormanD]

Nope it's pretty much down to you getting yourself fitter, the more you cycle the easier it will become, a day at work and a cycle trip home will pretty much drain anyone new to putting their bodies under more stress than they're used too, that is until their body adapts.

You'll soon adapt and things will become a lot easier, but remember your body also needs to rest, so a few days off the bike will help you along too.

 

[TheBoyBilly]

They say hlls never get easier, you just get faster climbing 'em. It is just a matter of getting the miles in and you will soon feel the benefit. Drop down to a low enough gear, then settle in to a nice smooth rythm - sitting is more effective - and set little targets (the next lamp post or parked car for example) then move on to another target. Don't worry too much about speed, it's not a race.

 

[lulubel]

It will get easier.

The first cycle ride I went on after not being on a bike since I was a kid, I had to stop twice on the hill from my house up to the main road. (It was about half a mile long.) A few months later, I was thinking: Hill? What hill?

Also, one thing I tend to find myself doing on long hills is changing down to my lowest gear, and then pedalling as fast as I can to try and get to the top as quickly as possible. This is generally a BAD thing to do when you're just starting because it wears you out. If you are doing that, try pedaling a bit slower and see if your breathing gets easier. It will take a bit longer to get to the top of the hill, but it will be a lot less of a struggle. And as your fitness improves, you'll soon find yourself able to start going faster again.

 

[Friz]

It just takes time. It sounds like you are doing everything right. And don't, don't, don't be afraid to stop for a minute or two when you feel you need it. There's one hill on my way home that has a moderate incline (6% Grade) for about 3 kms. I used to have to stop twice on it. Only for a minute each time. Then that went down to once.


Now a few months later I'm up outta the saddle for the whole thing seeing how fast I can do it....



It just takes practice.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

As has been said the only way to get better at hill climbing is to ride more hills. You can improve base fitness my riding on the flat but the power needed to climb comes from climbing. Sorry fella. I wish there was a magic button as well

 

[Twigman]

I'm seriously rubbish - I went about 3 miles yesterday and had to keep stopping every few minutes to have a rest

Such a relief to hear that it's not just me.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Meh - I was hoping there was a secret button that I'd missed that ignited the jet engine at the back of the bike.....

I'm seriously rubbish - I went about 3 miles yesterday and had to keep stopping every few minutes to have a rest

You need to build base fitness first by the sound of it. Flat rides will help with that (if you have any flat circuits). Failing that just take it steady and listen to your body. You will soon tell the difference between "I'm tired" and "I need a rest". Pay attention to the latter and ignore the former

 

[TheSandwichMonster]

I still struggle on hills and I'm sure that I will do for some time to come, but all of the advise above (esp. about practicing!) is good. However, some other possible points to consider in addition:

• Do you have clipless pedals, or clips and straps? If so, make sure that you're spinning effectively. Rather than push, push, push, imagine that you're dragging your foot backwards as if you're scraping something from the sole of your shoe.
• Shift your weight. By moving forwards and backwards on your saddle, you can engage different muscles and get some respite.
• Are you eating/drinking properly at work? Or are you sitting at a desk and forgetting to fuel yourself? Plenty of hydration throughout the day and ensure you get some carbs into you at lunchtime. If your belly is hungry, then so are your legs!

But ultimately, time on the hills converts to time off (up) the hills... I normally commute to work each day - roughly 6 miles each way with a train ride in the middle. Yesterday the weather was nice and I decided to ride the whole (17 miles) back home for the first time. The route is essentially 8 miles up, a bit of flat, then 8 miles down... I knew there was a hill, but from driving it, I was sure that it was pretty long, but quite gradual. 50% of the way up, whilst I tried to stop aspirating my lungs and force some fluid down me, I realised just how wrong I was!

Keep going. Use the gears that feel right for now. Know that it gets better!