Tips for faster/better hill climbing

[Peteaud]

I assume you are referring to my misplaced apostrophe.

Nope.

 

[Born2die]

It's all hills by me. Even though I didn't get out of the area today within 12 miles I had 5 tough climbs I'm now sat as I can't stand

 

[ayceejay]

I have made a study of guys pushing a wheelbarrow and my thesis report may be of some help here.
When approaching a rise in the ground or pushing up a ramp most pushers will go fast at the approach which invariably slows them the instant they hit the ramp proper, on the other hand more experienced pushers maintain a steady speed and engage the bigger muscles in their legs and lean forward slightly.

 

[lukesdad]

I have made a study of guys pushing a wheelbarrow and my thesis report may be of some help here.
When approaching a rise in the ground or pushing up a ramp most pushers will go fast at the approach which invariably slows them the instant they hit the ramp proper, on the other hand more experienced pushers maintain a steady speed and engage the bigger muscles in their legs and lean forward slightly.

That depends on how big the ramp is.

 

[Sittingduck]

What was in the wheelbarrows?

 

[Peteaud]

Did they have balloon tyres or plastic ball ones.

Was the tyre pressure correct?

 

[ayceejay]

See what I mean? The last three posts have proved the similarities. How big is the hill, how heavy is the rider and is the equipment suitable?

 

[Wigbank]

It's not a dick measuring contest, the guy just want's some advice.

If it helps, I'd back myself in a drinking contest

 

[Wigbank]

On a serious note though, went out or a 20 mile ride tonight that had some uphill sections, I made a conscious effort NOT to use my lowest gear and it worked all bar one hill (that's pretty steep anyway)

All in all, it felt pretty good and also made a conscious effort to push down on every pedal stroke rather than go through the motions as it were

 

[Dusty Bin]

made a conscious effort to push down on every pedal stroke rather than go through the motions as it were

Also known as 'riding harder' - which is always good

 

[Winnershsaint]

There are a lot of valid suggestions within these replies.This may not add anything in the way of advice as it is a personal perspective, but I have found that there are certain climbs that before I have started up them I am actually intimidated by. Can't explain it other than having bad experiences perhaps when less fit/heavier and less experienced. The response is one of dread prior to the climb followed by blind panic and reverting to the lowest gear possible way before I perhaps need to when on it, resulting in another bad climb etc. etc... It goes round and round, suggesting that all being equal a fair bit about climbing is in the head as well as the legs. I'm no amateur psychologist, just telling it how it is for me.

 

[PK99]

There are a lot of valid suggestions within these replies.This may not add anything in the way of advice as it is a personal perspective, but I have found that there are certain climbs that before I have started up them I am actually intimidated by. Can't explain it other than having bad experiences perhaps when less fit/heavier and less experienced. The response is one of dread prior to the climb followed by blind panic and reverting to the lowest gear possible way before I perhaps need to when on it, resulting in another bad climb etc. etc... It goes round and round, suggesting that all being equal a fair bit about climbing is in the head as well as the legs. I'm no amateur psychologist, just telling it how it is for me.

I always use Ditchling Beacon to illustrate that point - it has a fearsome reputation but is in fact pretty straight forward if you treat it as 7 short steep hills linked by less steep sections* and just keep a steady/consistent pace/effort and avoid speeding up the less steep sections, using them instead for recovery. Much more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

* Which used to be flat in the days of horse drawn carts, as rest areas for the horses, graded to a slope when cars came along.

 

[Kies]

Ditchling is the only hill I have ever walked up. But I was carrying a heavy lock and a rucksack full of crap on the recent fnrttc.
Doing more hill training in prep for the next time Ditchling and I meet.

 

[ColinJ]

If you are having to walk up hills like Ditchling Beacon, then you simply do not have low enough gears for your current state of fitness.

Riding quickly uphill does involve significant fitness, but just getting up hills doesn't, as long as you are willing to gear down, spin, and take your time.

Ok, at extreme gradients above (say) 20%, things do get difficult, but 10% should be doable for anybody who doesn't have health problems, but does have sensible gears.

 

[Mickthemove]

As ColinJ says, make sure you have gears that are manageable with your state of fitness. As you get fitter/lighter etc, you will find you do not need the big cog as much.

At 19st on an 11-25 i found it near or nigh impossible on proper hills whereas now at 16 and a half stone on an 11-28 i actively look for the next hill to climb !