6 Techniques to Climb Faster without Getting Fitter

Explaining 6 techniques you can use to climb as fast as possible for your current fitness level.

Check out @ChrisMillerCycling for his video of the race up to Charlotte Pass.

And if you do end up registering for the event in 2022, tell them I recommended it 🙂

0:00 My climbing race
0:43 High cadence to reduce fatigue
2:01 Assist body temp regulation
4:18 Optimise CHO intake
7:12 Pace to your strengths
8:38 Flexible power pacing
11:20 Standing climbing

[LouieBaLLz]

Can you hook us up with a link or how you setup the sliders on your Infinit Custom Blend?

[wyattvigilante]

The best thing I’ve done during endurance rides is that after every 5 minutes I’m out of the saddle for 60 seconds. It’s helped so much with my climbing ability and being able to be efficient while out of the saddle.

[superluvver]

Thank you jesse, you are spot on ! I did stelvio, gavia and mortirolo in one day, the conditions were attrocious snow and rain and i had a flu that just woulnt go. I used all the stuff you mentioned. The two most critical were core temp and getting comfotable out of the saddle. Sincs you have given so many excellent tip, one of my favs on really steep climbs is to NOT look up! Thanks for tip about liquid carbs tip- this is really good. I have seen lots of YT vids and you are the real deal.

[michaelquinlan]

I think you’re overly dismissive of the heart rate value. As long as you accept there is a range that may be even as much as 15 bpm and you’ve got a little bit of experience from looking at it in different situations, it’s still very valuable as a measure of how your engine is performing. Your always going to have to temper anything you use by how you’re feeling, including power. Loving how your videos make me think. Great insights on tactics and head games too!

[anthonypetterson]

Saw you and Chris last Sunday near Perisher. You were climbing, we were going back down. There was also a nice little tailwind on the climb, which helps to climb faster! It was nice to see you in person after watching your videos for the last couple of months. Keep up the great work!

[craigg]

Great set of tips Jesse. I think this is the first video (of many on YT) about how to climb faster without increasing fitness that delivered.

[StanEby]

Jesse, your take on things, point after point, shows more common sense and intelligence per square inch than I usually find anywhere. You make 'em rise up and fall back, ha. Great job. Thanks.

[emailForDye]

I really like the idea behind removing the HR metric from view. I sometimes feel I use it too much as the red line and just back off as soon as I hit the red line, even though the body is telling me things are okay.

[philadams]

Wow, that's the ultimate clickbait title. I'm in!

[nearfox]

Man, Thanks Jesse for this adding to my list how i climb in pace and not getting tired.

[leroy_who]

I found this really interesting, and super helpful for the stage of cycling that I'm currently at. Thanks Jesse, much appreciated.

[crazywindows]

provided tons of useful information, thank you! get to 10k soon!

[daniellalinde]

What a helpful video. Saving it to my favorites to re-watch multiple times, especially before a hilly race.

[marcellobittencourt]

Such a great and insightful video! It doesn't apply to me as I'm at the very beginning level of cycling, but it really shows how to think and plan a big challenge, no matter what it is!

[Jimmy_k]

Interesting assessment of what you make of having your Heart rate on the head unit. Personally I don’t get too distracted having my heart rate on because it allows me to think in a certain perspective of ‘right you still have 10-15 bpms to work with until you’re on your limit’

[michaelfasher]

The thing about thermoregulation is fit your bike with a detachable rear fender so you don't cop water spray on your back. Also protect your feet from water spray. Boot covers or coat your boots with silicone. Dissolve silicone into white spirits and paint your boots with it with a paint brush. Also wear good wool socks.

[jarrodfife]

The only reason I was able to come back on GC and do a pb by over a minute on the last stage of my local stage race was because I climbed the 7% climb 2.5km 80% of the time in the saddle wayyy above my threshold at about 350 watts. I went full gas for thst 8:59. Previous pb was 10:13. I got the third fastest time but still managed to snatch the gc from the heavier guys then. Climbing out of the saddle is normal now because the closest mountain climb has 12-20% pinches around every corner and is 10 usually on the straights.

[whyshouldidothatnow]

As far as I understand the studies, carbs rinsing works makes sense if it is instead of carbs ingesting (to avoid GI distress). If we ingest carbs anyway, rinsing is not necessary. Am I wrong?

[palexander]

I live in somewhat warmer climes, but often ride up to 5, 000' or so. It's MUCH cooler and shadier up there, so a drop of 15-20 degrees is not unheard of. Cooling off, fueling up, and preparing to 'rip it' (50/55mph+) coming down is to be expected. So is freezing on the descent, if your top is still moist from the climb. I usually just take AN ENTIRELY SEPARATE TOP. I remove the soaked top, then I just put on a clean, dry long-sleeved synthetic for the descent. Sorry, forgot to mention that I roll WITH pack, Camel-bak, so I DO have some storage room, unlike those who just roll kits.

[roebbiej]

Thanks for the video, good tips! Can you make another video talking about cycling while standing up instead of sitting in the saddle? That part intrigued me.