When it comes to cycling, few challenges test our mettle quite like a steep climb.
While some riders seem to float effortlessly uphill, many of us find ourselves struggling more than necessary.
The truth is, most climbing difficulties aren’t just about fitness levels – they often stem from simple mistakes we might not even realize we’re making.
1. Starting Like It’s a Sprint Race
We’ve all been there, feeling fresh at the bottom of a climb and thinking we can conquer it at full throttle.
The reality hits about halfway up when our legs start feeling like they’re filled with concrete. It’s a classic rookie mistake that even experienced cyclists make, especially when riding with faster friends or when the adrenaline kicks in on event day.
The Fix: Your best bet is to start conservatively and gradually build up your effort. Think of it as slowly turning up the volume rather than hitting the maximum button right away.
💻 Having a bike computer is really handy when approaching hills (if you’re not sure exactly what is ahead). They will tell you what sort of gradients to expect and usually color-code them. This can really help with the pacing
2. The Gear-Mashing Syndrome
One of the most common sights on hills is cyclists pushing massive gears at a crawling pace.
This approach might make you feel tough, but it’s about as efficient as trying to push a car uphill in fifth gear.
The strain this puts on your muscles isn’t just uncomfortable – it’s actively working against your body’s natural efficiency.
The Fix: Instead, shift down early and maintain a steady cadence of at least 70 revolutions per minute. Your legs will thank you later, and you might actually make it to the top without having to stop for a breather.
Some cyclists actually love the “grind”, and will ignore this advice. More on this later.
3. The “I’ll Shift When I Have To” Approach
Waiting until you’re already struggling on a steep section to change gears is like waiting until you’re dehydrated to drink water. By then, it’s usually too late for a smooth transition.
This mistake often leads to chain drops, clunky gear changes, and in some cases, complete loss of momentum.
The Fix: Always look ahead and anticipate gradient changes. Shift before you need to, especially when approaching those sneaky hairpin turns that often hide steeper sections.
💡 “Grinding” or “Spinning”? What is best? It really depends on the rider. There is no one-fits-all rule here, because everyone is different!
4. The Statue Impersonation
Staying in exactly the same position throughout a climb isn’t just uncomfortable, it’s inefficient.
Your muscles need variety, even if they’re not asking for it. This static positioning can lead to unnecessary fatigue and reduce your power output over longer climbs.
The Fix: Mix up your position occasionally by changing hand positions and sliding slightly forward or back on the saddle. Just don’t get too creative – you’re not auditioning for Cirque du Soleil!
5. The Standing Sprint Syndrome
While standing up occasionally can help, some cyclists treat climbs like a constant dance party.
Standing uses about 10% more energy than sitting, so save it for when you really need it. Many riders make the mistake of standing too frequently, burning through their energy reserves far too quickly.
The Fix: Use the standing position sparingly, primarily for those extra steep sections or when you need to stretch out your muscles.
🎓 I personally like to change between sitting and standing on the longer climbs. I mostly sit, but sometimes it’s nice to give other leg muscles a workout by standing and let the sitting muscles take a breather.
6. The Energy Crisis
Starting a significant climb with empty energy stores is like trying to drive a car running on fumes.
Similarly, stuffing your face during the steepest section isn’t going to help either. The timing of your nutrition can make or break your climbing performance.
The Fix: Fuel up properly before the climb, but avoid eating too much right before or during the ascent. A light snack about 30 minutes before is usually perfect timing.
7. The Final Push Problem
Many cyclists try to surge near the summit by shifting to a bigger gear.
This usually ends up being slower than maintaining a steady rhythm.
The temptation to “finish strong” often leads to a significant drop in power output and efficiency.
The Fix: Keep spinning that lighter gear even as you approach the top. Consistency almost always beats heroics when it comes to climbing.
The Bottom Line
Climbing hills efficiently is often more about brains than brawn. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can transform those daunting climbs into manageable challenges.
Remember that every climb is an opportunity to refine your technique and become a more efficient rider.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to get to the top – it’s to get there with enough energy left to enjoy the descent. After all, what goes up must come down, and that’s where the real fun begins.
With practice and attention to these details, you’ll find yourself becoming a more confident and capable climber, ready to tackle whatever hills come your way.
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