How To Achieve The Perfect Climbing Position On The Bike

Climbing can be a daunting task for many of us cyclists, but it doesn’t have to be. With the proper knowledge and body positioning, you can conquer any mountain. So, Manon dives into the essential elements of an efficient and powerful climbing position so you can tackle your next hill with ease. 🏔

0:00 - Intro
0:49 - Upper body positioning
1:50 - Lower body positioning
2:38 - Standing position
4:12 - Gears and Momentum

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What are your top climbing tips? 🤔 Let us know in the comment section below! 💬

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🎵 Music - licensed by Epidemic Sound 🎵
I'm Closing In - Chris Shards
Who's to Say - Margareta

#gcn #cycling #roadcycling #roadbike #bike #bikes #bikelife #climbing #positioning

📸 Photos - © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Sprint Cycling Agency

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[MrPharmageek]

Don't let ego get in the way. Get the gears you need.

[Gekoman]

Only tip left I can think of is don’t put too much power down when you’re shifting. Ease up on the legs, and let the chain shift before you go back to attack. I still do this on accident, and wince when I hear that crunch. 😅

[global_nomad.]

sometimes i go out of my way to avoid the flats...tip - don't attack the climbs unless its very short, ride into the climb and keep steady all the way over, trying not to vary your pace. Always change to an easier gear when you see a climb coming up, don't leave it until you're struggling.

[jacksonbangs]

I am one of those riders that likes to stay seated while climbing hills and mountains. I find that I use less energy and am not as fatigued towards the end of the ride. As always good video.

[nekekaminger]

If you've ever read "Momo" by Michael Ende try applying Beppo's philosophy to hill climbing. Don't look at the entire climb and keep focusing on how much is left and how tired you already are. Just focus on each individual pedal stroke, each individual breath and all of a sudden you'll find yourself at the top of the hill thinking "How did I get up here so quickly?"

[marksIItimewarps]

I climb a lot and my rule is simple - your hands is almost just hovering over the handlebar. Very lightly planted, and you're neither pulling nor pushing in every stroke. If you achieve this, it means everything is right, your saddle, position, even gear ratio, etc. You've achieved the perfect parameters to climb! The same is almost true for standing position as well.

[gavinmgkm]

I’ve also found that it’s important to anticipate a super steep climb. Getting down into the appropriate gear before hitting the steepest part has always helped me. I’ve gotten stuck on some steep stuff before because I attempted to shift too late and the chain was under too much load and my old Sora just couldn’t make the move.

[apres]

If you aren't racing, just riding, I'd say alternate in and out of the saddle - maybe a ratio of 10 to 1 - the change in muscle activations between seated and standing pedalling breaks up the physical monotony and keeps me fresh. Over in Watopia, it gets me through bends 21 to 16 of Alpe du Zwift much easier than a constantly seated position.

[grinningsniper]

And don't forget to fuel!
I bonked after a 400m straight climb the other day - went back today whilst fuelling properly, and did 660m. (I could have kept going too, but had to get back).

[MarrafaCycling]

The simplest of all is the correct ratio of gears considering the level of the person and the ascent.

[ggold]

def keeping your upper body relaxed. For me this helps a lot. When I'm tense through my neck, shoulders, arms, grip the climb is miserable.

[leissp]

As the a cycling icon said when asked how to climb hills "to get better at climbing you have climb hills" it will come. Us bigger guys have to use all the tricks to get up. One tip I have to offer is to keep pedalling over the top. I see way too many people get to the top and stop pedaling.

[stevewindisch]

Something else to mention: If you're climbing in a close group, try to put down a very short burst (like 1-1.5 turns of the cranks) before getting out of the saddle. This helps keep from crossing wheels with the rider behind you as your bike moves back while standing up.

[matthewkramer]

Having a proper bike fit and being well placed over the peddles, and the reach is proper will allow for more comfortable climbs. Some very steep sections may require stand over no matter how low a gear you may have just to give your legs short break. I think if your bike fit is wrong though climbing efficiency will be off. Lots of practice and building strength up will hopefully help to become easier.

[peters]

Excellent tips, though was a little confused that click "down a gear" meant go in to a harder gear (what would be a higher gear on a car). Guess that's just terminology

[tezzanewton]

A lot of the time, I like to hold the drops when out of the saddle. Just seems to feel better

[derwykynger]

I still struggle with climbs to this day, so this kind of video is very much appreciated!

[jameslee-pevenhull]

In the old days, the 'hoods' were called "Honking rubbers".
So on a climb, grab the honking rubbers and step up the imaginary ladder to the handlebars. Everything else falls into rhythm. If you remain seated, the hip extensions will pull your butt forward naturally. You don't have to think about it.
Pull the back foot up to the top.

[geoffreyhoney]

Stellar content again gcn and Manon! Lots of down to earth practical advice. Gearing down in anticipation is a big one! Love Manon's humorous take on why we should trust her on this!🤣

[devdroid]

A lot is in the very small details. For example, grab the drops if your bars are quite high and this will give you more leverage. Second, shift your weight very smoothly when dancing so that you don't waste energy supporting the jostling of your body weight. You want to just shift the body weight sufficiently to move the pedal on the power stroke and then start to lift up, to smooth out the power. It takes a lot of practice!