How To Climb Out Of The Saddle

A lot of cyclists struggle with the feeling of riding out the saddle. Emma gives her top tips for standing on the pedals and how you can use this technique to break up a long climb.

Climbing out the saddle is often best on a steep incline and allows you to generate more torque and power. Emma show's you how to avoid kickback while getting out of the saddle, a key skill for riding in a group. She also offers her advice on gearing as often you will be forced out of the saddle if you run out of gears. Weight distribution and body positioning are key when riding out the saddle, making sure you maintain rear wheel traction. Remember practice makes perfect, so get out there and give it a go!

Do you like to climb out the saddle? 👇

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Music: Epidemic Sound
Whun - Twelwe
Cutlass - Christian Nanzell

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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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Leave us a comment below!

[gcn]

Do you like to climb out the saddle? 👇

[Sgt]

"90% technique 50% effort." Us mere mortals are on a weak 0-100% system, Emma.

[curbowman]

I'm impressed with Ms. Pooley language abilities. We have heard her speaking eloquently in Spanish, French and Italian. As if being a 1st-class athlete wasn't enough!!

[loopie]

Emma really hits it home for me at 6:45. When I am climbing, I often stand up for a short interval to practice my technique. I used to hate standing. (I'm too big) But after doing some short and not to difficult intervals, I became much more comfortable and now I stand all the time, even if it's just to show I can do it. The more I practice, the easier it gets. Give it about six rides or two weeks. I try to think about the pace I climb stairs and try to match that pace and effort. Then it feels like climbing stairs!

[chawanatn]

IMO, Emma and Matt are two of the best when it comes to the calm, technical, and efficient demeanor, very suitable for tutorials.

I wish GCN could produce more videos, especially for near-absolute beginners who just got out of the "red phase" (safety) and jumped into the "I want to ride now but I'm not sure what to do" phase.

[MrWhitefeather]

Emma has been one of the greatest additions to the team. I find her videos great, I do miss Matt but the video quality just keeps getting better and better. Thank you.

[PathfinderGregg]

As someone who rode a bike as a kid, gave it up when I got a drivers license, and have only owned two bikes since (one beach bike and one mountain bike) and rarely rode either of those I find your tutorial videos very helpful. I find myself now owning a very e pensive touring bike and wanting a road bike for exercise. Thanks very much!

[infinati]

Probably the best video on the subject I've come across

[richardstephenson]

GCN has always been fantastic advice and fun, and the addition of Emma takes it up another notch. Let us know when you're coming to Colorado.

[SignorLuigi]

Thank you. Great video. Smart, clean, and clear. I teach physics for a living and really appreciate your proper use of torque and force. I could use your video as a piece for class discussion!

[jpmartin]

Emma, your trainning/technique videos are great! Keep em coming!

[casasjt]

Another informative vid. featuring Emma.. good work GCN

[johnbouttell]

Great video Emma. I've discovered that I can keep a good cadence on long steep hills by doing 30-30; 30 seconds dancing, 30 seconds sitting. I count the seconds: 'One elephant, two elephants ..."

[Quepedal]

Another great piece! All the basics well explained in the best possible way. How many times on rides have I seen cyclists doing incorrect things when they climb. Here the reasons and the correct form. Well done Emma!

[lomtlt]

I will apply all your tips tomorrow, on my first ever hills ride.

[diogoalmeida]

Great video! Congrats.
I've found that many newcomers to cycling have a really hard time riding out of the saddle specially those that come form gym spinning classes. I think it's because on the gym you cannot sway the bike when you stand and devolop a different technique. Sometimes with a lot of vertical movement of the body. When they try it on the road it just doesn't work. Any ideas on how to grasp with this?

[rrobotman]

Every video how to from Emma helps me improve just a little bit. Ever closer to some version of perfection! 😀💕

[dougallstewart]

Greasy Scott. How did you guys know I was trying to improve my out of saddle riding. Started at 2 seconds and now up to 30 secs. Great stuff Emma.

[patricklindsay]

Another great video, Emma! You hit on all the reasons why my climbing is so poorly done, and what I need to do to improve it.

[adamholbrook]

Thanks Emma.  Great backdrop for a video too.  Amazing location/ scenery.