Tips for biking up hills?

Question

Well not hills, more like mountains. Anyway ive always had trouble going up hills with bikes. Ive heard of some mental and physical techniques, but i havent heard most of them. I use a duel suspension mountain bike. I also have a hard time knowing which gear to use at the right time. Any tips?

Answer 1

I'm also not that good for going uphill. When I get tired I remember that there is a nice downhill run after the top!

Music can help you intelectually, so don't discard it yet. Well, don't put Enya or soothing music, but something with a strong tempo and sort of repetitive. But something you like.

Low gears are good for long distances, specially when your climbing seated. For long climbs, don't stand up, just move to a lower gear (even 1:1), pick up a tempo, and stay seated.

If you get to a steep climb, but short, that's where standing up is going to work! Start with a mid gear, since that 1:1 gear will only make you spin out your rear tire, not good. This will only work on short climbs, for longer ones, you will get tires. Think of this like nitro climbing or something, very powerfull for a short while.

Mentally, don't look at the top of the climb, only on the next 5 or 6 meters. If you decide to stop, don't do it right away, rather say, 'I'll stop after that rock' thats a bit further.

Answer 2

First of all, forget about using an ipod to get up a hill. I don't know of any mp3 players that will help you climb better. You didn't say if you're riding on the road, or on dirt. If you're riding on pavement, I can tell you what the problem is right away. It's a dual suspension mountain bike. A dualie will lose a lot of your pedal power to the front and rear suspension. If you do most of your riding on roads, then find a light weight road bike or hybrid. For offroad, a hard-tail bike or at least one where you can lock out the suspension may make climbing easier. Dual suspension mountain bikes are always heavier than hardtails.
Now, for techniques.... for long hills, start the hill in an easier gear, you can always add more gear towards the top if you're feeling good. Remember to spin, power through the entire pedal stroke and use your muscles to pull up, not just push down. Keep your arms wide and breathing going.
The best thing you can do for climbing is to lose body weight... most people that aren't good climbers are packing extra pounds on their waist.

Answer 3

The weight of a mountain bike may be slowing you down. A road bike is much lighter and therefore faster, especially uphill. There is no easy way to go uphill. It's a gravity thing. All you can do is practice to get your endurance and strength up. If you notice, all the strong climbers in the Tour de France are the smaller guys. That is why the sprinters have such a hard time in the mountains, they are usually much taller and heavier.

Try to find a gear to keep your cadence in the 75-85 range. Alternate between standing on the pedlas and sitting, but use your arms to pull back on the handlebars to help give you more leverage.

Answer 4

Gear up to an easy gear and go down a little at a time.You will know when you have the right gear for you and the hill.
When you are going up them,grip the handle bars and use them as a brace.
Use your seat as another brace and do not depend upon your legs to do all of it.The seat can be used as resistance against your legs an butt.It works.
Bring along some music,whether it is a radio or an iPod.
If you are listening to something that you like,it will help a lot.
It can be a make or break when it gets boring way out in the middle of nowhere.

Answer 5

I hope that you have a light bike first. it makes it alot easier. alternate staying in the saddle and coming out. but dont come out too much cause it uses more energy ad leg work. start on smaller mtns. work at it. dont go too hard in one ride, pace urself.start in a high gear and once ur legs get strongeryou will go faster and switch to a lower gear. I try to look down(this is what I do on road hills) but alot of times that doesnt work because of the roots, soft ground, etc. if you can listen to music but stay alert. hope this helps.

Answer 6

I would ask a professional biker, or go to a biking shop, thats the best way. Another tip is to don't stop pedaling, you can't slow down before starting up the hill, and then until you hit flat ground continue pedaling, if not you may not get to the top and then your sliding down, especially on mountains if theres no paved path.

Answer 7

Switch to a lower gear. The high gears are great for downhill and flat land seed. The low gears make it easier to crank. Also you may want to switch breathing through your mouth up the hill and through your nose down.

Answer 8

As Thomas Edison pronounced, "Genius is one % thought, ninety-9 % perspiration." mountain climbing a hill on a bicycle is greater psychological than actual to me a minimum of. placed your self right into a psychological approach of "attack" the hill. Get a run at it - if accessible. commence pedaling at a extreme cadence - above that standard 70 - ninety rpm fee. Shift gears each and every time necessary. staying power & hill mountain climbing features do no longer are available one day. you ought to artwork at it.

Answer 9

Build up your stamina by running up hills or mountains, you can also practice that if you have a trademill. When your running inhale by the nose and exhale through the mouth, keep that rythm since breathing its a essential part to improve your workout. Good luck!

Answer 10

bring an iPod, pace yourself, and switch to low gears. theres not a set gear for something, just set the gear to whatever feels easier for you while going up the hill