How To Perfect Your Climbing

Everyone wants to climb mountains better and faster. Here are a few more tips on how to thrive when the road gets steep.

We've covered the fundamentals in other videos, but aside from the obvious things like losing weight and thinking about technique, id there a shortcut to get to the top quicker?

Firstly, think about pacing. The most effective way to the top is putting out a nice, even effort from bottom to top. Use of a power meter or heart rate monitor can help you with this.

If you're racing or really want to drop your riding mates, a timely attack will help to distance yourself without blowing up yourself. You can train this ability with sprint intervals on climbs.

Think about your equipment - anything you can do to gain an advantage on the climbs is right here!

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The Global Cycling Network puts you in the centre of the action: from the iconic climbs of Alpe D’Huez and Mont Ventoux to the cobbles of Flanders, everywhere there is road or pavé, world-class racing and pro riders, we will be there bringing you action, analysis and unparalleled access every week, every month, and every year. We show you how to be a better cyclist with our bike maintenance videos, tips for improving your cycling, cycling top tens, and not forgetting the weekly GCN Show. Join us on YouTube’s biggest and best cycling channel to get closer to the action and improve your riding!

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Music - licensed by Cue Songs

[infinati]

I'm finding these older GCN vids to be way better than the current day stuff. Lesser production value, but better content!

[chrlslindsey]

Outstanding video. You were on one of my favorite climbs in my area. The views cannot be beat. They make the climb less painful. If you had kept going across the top of the ridge, you could have come down the very twisty Painted Cave/San Marcos Road descent and taped a 'How to Descend' video. Hats off to Simon for being able to chat so easily on that climb.

[saleemwaheed]

Climbing is cool! I love the pain. I learned it is mostly mental. Embrace the pain and keep pushing up that hill.

[Houseguy]

I'm concentrating more on losing bodyweight. It's much more affordable than getting a lighter bike, and I can use the bike I have to help me do it!

[zmertzie]

I was there the day they filmed, Took a great picture with Matt and I think I got a marginal pains session in before I started my own climb!

[infinitereason]

I just cant explain why i love climbing.. i love to compete climbing, it doesnt matter if i win or loose.. loosing from a stronger opponent gives me more encouragement to train hard..

[DavefromCA]

Late to this comments I know...but I've just started working on my climbs on this same road (Gibraltar) in Santa Barbara. Great video!

[seimela]

i love climbing with all my heart every time when i see someone climbing i feel like i should take my bike and ride

[olliesmith]

Si climbing at a decent pace and talking calmly throughout..almost as much of a Boss as Lloyd..

[ShermanSitter]

It seems like a lot of the science comes back to 'what feels right for you' but i appreciate the honesty and also the extra tips were great. I'm ready for a climb now! Good thing I live in California and we have some great mountains thanks to all those historic earthquakes and fault lines! :)

[jacquepearce]

Which adult movie did you get the music for this video from?

[bikerguysmith]

I am scarred by the image of Dan and Matt running on the beach. And blinded by the paleness.

[georgegilles]

Very helpful advice. Thanks for the upload.

[bengt_axle]

Very funny, the part about aerodynamics. Alberto Contador, perhaps the best climber ever is known for his iconic running-upright on-the-bike stance, which is the least aerodynamic position. Aerodynamics don’t matter much when you are moving at less than 20km/hr, like on a steep climb. A smoother helmet or aero wheels won’t do anything — except on the way down!

[bikeanddogtripsvirtualcycling]

a very useful video.thank you. i have recently signed myself up to do the Everesting challenge, just under 9000m ascent in 24 hours and am giving myself a year to train towards it. Have any of you guys attempted it yet? - and Dan, no batteries allowed.

[brunokabbaz]

as a double-undergraduate I can relate to that "no cash, heavy bike" I have a 9, 5Kg full aluminum (except for the fork), Isn't that bad, is it ??
Thanks Si for that video, very very instructive!

[reincarnate]

Hey GCN, can you do a video (for geeks like me) explaining the difference between pedalling on the flat versus pedalling up hills. For example, I have read that it's common that a lot riders put out higher powers on climbs, but are unable to replicate this on the flat?  Also, because you are going slower on a climb (with different intertia), and will slow down much quickly if you stop pedalling (as when compared with flat riding), apparently the muscular contraction per revolution is longer in duration (so as to avoid that fast deceleration if you're to stop pedalling), whereas on the flat the contraction is very fast and only at the top of the pedalling circle. How much of this is true?

[cameronwebster]

Chariots of Dire

In a bid for GCN swag, please accept "Chariots of Dire" as a winner and send me a bidon.

Thanks for the tips Simon - power meter now on the list.

[mariob.c.]

Can anyone say whrere he says he is in minute 3:20? Im not a native speaker and i dont understand what he says

[sbsb]

Awesome.Next video-How to Shave, and brush your teeth  when cycling to work.You can do two things at once.