Expert Answers
Tips for Tackling Hills
Bang's Question:
I'm a lightweight and it is hard to get the leverage needed to keep the bike in motion on climbs. Should I try to stay on the saddle or pedal standing up for more leverage?
Steve Jones's Answer:
It really matters whether you are riding on- or off-road. Riding on asphalt or some other surface that will not move (like concrete) makes it less likely that you will ever lose traction with the back tire. In the case of riding such smooth and grabby surfaces, it is better to stand on your pedals for short distances. As you will quickly discover, this method generally depletes your oxygen at a much higher rate than remaining in the saddle, but it can provide that little bit extra required to get you to the top.
Another factor to consider when up on your pedals is that steering becomes tougher to control. The handlebar is positioned for maximum comfort and control while seated. When you stand up, the weight shifts forward and more onto the bar, thereby making it more difficult to control. But if your conditioning allows it, standing up on solid surfaces allows more power to be transferred to the back tire. Think about it: you've got gravity working more in your favor as you drop down with your entire weight on one pedal.
But you mention that you're not so heavy. In that case, and also if you use clipless pedals (which allow you to transfer power on the"up" stroke with the off leg), I would say that it is almost always more efficient to stay seated when climbing a difficult hill off-road. Now, understand that I say "efficient," and not "faster." You will have noticed that off-road racers will hop off the bike and carry it to the top of really steep sections that "could" be ridden by them, but which would be so much slower to do so.
But for the most part, staying stuck to the saddle will enable you to more easily climb hills that are within your limits of strength rather than standing up. Part of the reason comes from the fact that the weight moves forward when you stand up to climb. This will make it more likely your back wheel will lose traction on a surface of rocks and dirt.
Another factor in favor of remaining seated while climbing arises from the fact that it is easier to steer while on the saddle. By picking out a good, straight line that avoids big rocks and other obstacles that would slow you down, you can settle into a steady rhythm that will propel you to the top of many hills.
Something else to consider is this: before reaching a steep hill, you can load up on oxygen by breathing faster than normal. This gives you a temporary surplus that may be just enough to carry you to the top, where you can get off and rest with a sense of victory instead of defeat. This has nothing to do much with mechanical leverage, but it will give you a physiological boost.
There are some technical considerations and alterations you can make in the middle of a climb as well. You have probably noticed that climbing really gives the upper body a workout. That's because you're pulling on the handlebar in order to apply more pressure to the pedals. This not only gives your arms and shoulders an opportunity to help you up the hill, but your lower back also comes into play. Whenever I am climbing an especially tough hill, I am actually doing a sort of abbreviated sit-up. The sit-up motion fits into the overall rhythm by alternately pushing your weight ever so slightly forward every time you bend to the bar. The lower back also assists the arms and shoulders in providing that extra oomph.
Another tip is to slide back on the saddle as much as is humanly possible without actually coming off. This puts a little bit of weight where you need it in order to keep the back tire from spinning.
And, finally, a psychological suggestion: keep your head down pointed at the front tire and away from the steep slope ahead. It is a fact that we can climb much steeper angles and longer distances than we think we can. A glance up every so often to keep your line will be sufficient, but keeping "your nose to the handlebar," so to speak, will keep you focused on what is important: the couple of bike lengths ahead of you. The longest climb is accomplished just like that. See you at the top of the hill!
