How To Ride Steep Climbs On A Road Bike

We love a good steep climb here at GCN, well maybe except for Lasty, but we know that a lot of riders hate them and sometimes even avoid riding them altogether! So Emma and Si have some tips to improve your riding on steep climbs, and even learn to love them.
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The crucial difference between a steep and a gradual climb, is that you’re not moving very fast. This sounds really obvious but it deserves consideration: because the speed is so slow, one has much less forwards momentum…and a lot of backwards acceleration due to gravity.
This means that if you stop putting force through the pedals, your bike stops moving and you risk falling off. ie the dead spots in your pedal stroke, which you can usually coast through with the forward momentum of riding on the flat, are actually a challenge on a steep climb.
It’s a personal choice as to whether you prefer to stay seated or stand on climbs. But it’s a good idea to train specifically what you struggle with - that gives you more options. I trained at overgeared seated efforts for when I had to sit on longer steep climbs. If conversely you struggle riding out of the saddle - well, practice it! It’s a really useful technique for steep hills because you can get so much more torque through the pedals when you stand.
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Watch more on GCN...
Lasty on the Muro de Aia gcn.eu/murodeaia 📹
Photos: © Velo Collection (TDW) / Getty Images & © Bettiniphoto / www.bettiniphoto.net/
Music: Currents - Mhern
Violent Wavebusting 5 - Niklas Ahlström
Wasted (Instrumental Version) - Ramin
Wondrous Things - Mhern
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Leave us a comment below!

[@Tokoroegao]

I ran out of gears during a triathlon. Older experienced cycling dude watching yelled at me to shift gears. When I said "CAN'T" he responded "oh." and looked truly sorry for me having a couple of kilometers left in that climb.

[@emberN]

[@superluvver3]

You need a compact or lower gears, better to spin ,also long cage rear derailler lets you have a bigger cog on the back,great for crazy steep climbs like zoncolan.

[@TimpBizkit]

Alright, then.. ummm.. zigzag across the road to lessen the gradient! Umm... remove the back tire and ride on the rim so your wheel is slightly smaller = lower gear, + you don't have that heavy tire! Sure your rim may be scratched up but you can't put a price on winning!

[@Tokoroegao]

@@superluvver3 Oh, really? Never thought of that! I'm glad you pointed it out.

[@jason200912]

I hope you changed out your cassette after that. There's a reason no pro uses 11-23 anymore.

[@CervezaDeGaraje]

Great demo of a plank (Emma) and a plunk (guess who, Si).

[@gcn]

😂 a plunk!

[@minjin0259]

What he said. Emma was a straight line!

[@markflugge]

And the Oscar goes to....Emma Pooley! Emma needing to walk the bike while Si rides on is about as believable as Dan giving up beer.

[@gcn]

Haha, cheers Mark!

[@mariaaguiarfreitas5534]

Hello GCN, I am an amateur cyclist from Madeira Island. This week I ventured to do a step climb, it was simply the most difficult climb so far, 6.8km 9.8% (speed 5.9 - 6.4km / h 🐢) 😥 ... and just like Emma, I had to stop and 2x ... but it tastes so good to get up there and the effort paid me KOM 😊😊😊. Thank you for your tips!

[@gcn]

Excellent stuff Maria, good effort!

[@tobortine]

_"Producing enough torque to have to worry about wheel spin"_ - A problem I'd like to have.

[@slimelord314]

tobortine nice inverting amplifier

[@Andy-tc2gt]

mmmm op amps

[@gcn]

😆

[@morosis82]

It's easy enough, on a damp shady road there are usually plenty of slippery spots.

[@andyhaochizhang]

You can achieve it on any loose gravel trails that's steep enough!

[@jeffmcilroy7081]

Emma is soooo tiny! She only has to push 100 lb up a climb.. I’m 200 lb. I have an awful time. Friggin hate gravity! I’m thankful for all the climbing videos lately guys.. I need all the help I can get!🚵‍♀️

[@orenarad9024]

Great Video!! I can add 2 points: 1. If you loose traction it might also be a good idea to invest LESS torque as you might can. if torque is higher than tire grip you will slip! 2. to reclip on the steep - as long as road/traffic conditions permits - try turning the bike to a right-angled direction of the road where relative to you it's now flat just to clip in before steering back to the right way up.

[@stephenwatkins7592]

That was an approach that worked for me though maybe 60 degrees is a little easier to transition to upslope if you are on a 3 meter wide road.

[@markc17]

If I loose traction which way should I change gear, like if I'm in 32 on the cassette should I go to 30 or 34 for less torque? My other issue is my front wheel lifting off. I try to stand as far forward as possible to get my weight over it but then of course I loose traction at the rear. If I sit down it either has no grip at the front so no steering or just lifts off completely and on a rough surface I can't stay on the bike on one wheel! I'm talking 33-35% by the way. Any suggestions?

[@kimberlysh88]

Best climbing video on you tube I've found so far! Thank you.

[@Steve197201]

You guys have beautiful scenery in England. Greetings from the states!

[@dcmsr5141]

You guys are having way too much fun with this one. Love it!!

[@n0twist1]

Dang. Emma’s plank game strong💪

[@gcn]

👊

[@ojtibi9906]

Clicked through the recommended video. I saw Lasty’s face sobbing at the end of the clip and I just lost it again! Never gets old! 😂

[@nstrug]

OJ Tibi absolute classic isn’t it. We’ve all been there.

[@gcn]

It's a classic!

[@ramsesm]

Great info, great attitude, funny and brilliant people and crew... thank you guys, GCN is awesome :)

[@gcn]

Thanks Ramses, so glad you enjoyed the video! Plenty more to come!

[@langbrn86]

Cool to see that Emma uses a bell on her bike!! :D

[@clyde__cruz1]

The greatest view is after the hardest climb.

[@slimelord314]

I just wanna say... Emma uses a saddle bag, and she's got the stripes. Makes me feel better about my saddle bag :P

[@emberN]

thank you so much for making me listen to the good and bad side. im more liking uphill maybe a bit more than before. thank you for this video!

[@jamesbertrando8688]

Love all the GCN videos because the mind trains the body. Upgrading your "software" by mentally reviewing proper technique prior to riding is the true meaning of "keeping your head in the game". Thank you. Oh and wear are you filming this?

[@godguidanceandgardens2453]

Journey: "Don't stop believing!" Nice touch.

[@listofromantics]

Si needs to work on his core strength, his side plank is drooping badly. Meanwhile, Emma "The Doctor" Pooley's holding strong like a champ. P.S. - Steep hill climbs are for masochists.

[@WintergardenPL]

"The Doctor" I like It! :D

[@HoseZentaur]

Lol

[@TimpBizkit]

Two nuns were riding up a cobbled climb. 1st nun: I've never come this way before! 2nd nun: Must be the cobbles!

[@hoakie]

Dr. Geo and Ms. Climb....It is such a treat to watch Emma ride the hills. As others have said, it as if she is dancing on the pedals!

[@alifeinlycra5622]

Emma’s such a great addition to the team. Just the right proportion of athlete, geek and down-to-earthness. Think you need a big, hairy, bike-breaking northern Biology Teacher on the GCN team. Happy to offer my services!!

[@laronde4398]

By watching your videos I learned a lot, thank you GCN🚲🚲🚲🚲

[@minnahayman8400]

Thank you for a very useful and fun video on a painful topic! I'm really struggling with the mental aspect of climbing and the fear and dislike probably make it harder than it needs to be. So far I have managed to turn it into a necessary payment for the thrill and enjoyment of descending but any further ideas how to improve will be much appreciated!

[@gcn]

Hey Minna! Glad you found the video useful!

[@nikitam5197]

Thanks for funny planks. Really made my morning. Will be working on leg strength... thanks

[@user-hs9pi1rq3c]

Works great! Exactly what I needed.

[@CreRay]

Some very useful advice here, well done! I'll try to convince a girlfriend to watch this, she might take the advice from GCN... Very good remark about cadence being a personal choice. The number of times I've heard people say "you should ride at cadence x because rider soandso is doing it, and he (or she) is a pro!". When I respond talking about crank length vs leg length and torque, their eyes usually quickly glaze over...

[@superluvver3]

Thank you emma ,practice what your not good at so your more versatile-excellent advice. On some climbs like zoncolan and mortirolo the front wheel lifts standing up central to the frame helps ,too far foward and you spin the back. Also if you have low spoke count rear wheels and are heavy release your back brake to stop rubbing and power loss,especially when out of the saddle.

[@jodyf]

Ah hah, MY hill! Every time I ride, I have to finish with this hill. Great to see it being used as an example of a steep hill. I thought it was just me being weak. Good to bump into Si and Emma during filming too - apologies for being over excited and star struck! ;)

[@elisgomer7164]

Where is it?

[@timba146]

Is it Dundry hill ?

[@gcn]

Awesome Jody, lovely to meet you!

[@jodyf]

Yes, between North Wick and Dundry. Currently full of potholes and loose gravel, so easier to go up than down.

[@Telukin]

Poor Si was suffering at the start! Too funny :D

[@martinpanameno5664]

You guys are so entertaining 🙂🙂🙂 love every single video and love you guys 😍😍😍

[@gs8941]

Thank you! That was a lovely explanation.

[@woolfel]

we haven't had lasty going up a steep climb in a long time. We need another lasty video!!!

[@gcn]

We have one from the archive in this weeks GCN Show...

[@woolfel]

how about send lasty up the steepest road in the world :)

[@guymorris1963]

woolfel Which classic steep climb from the routes used for pro cycling major races hasn't he ridden ? Isn't part of Passo Gavia still gravel like when Andy Hampsten won the 1988 Giro d' Italia ?

[@robholley278]

That's just made my day seeing my go to pre race (If you can call it that) hill in this video. Horrible climb in the wet; 0 grip at times. Going to have to work a little harder to break into Simon's top 10 timing though. Keep up he great work.

[@timvandermeulen7265]

Nice to see the daffodils in the back ground still over a foot of snow on the ground here in Michigan!

[@gcn]

Spring has sprung here in the UK!

[@ortizma13]

It’s funny to seeing the Taiwan KOM winner walking up a hill. Great acting Emma

[@Pen2paw]

She looks like a dynamo while walking too

[@kerryanthony6522]

miguel ortiz Giro

[@Joshwait111]

Great! Thinking about certain climbs in Yorkshire (Rosedale), when sitting down and not leaning forward will lead to your front wheel coming up as-well.

[@gcn]

Some seriously steep climbs!

[@Panicsinlondon]

And in my darkest hour I hear Emma's "Fear won't help you now" to keep me going

[@georgechivu4226]

I sing a lot of songs in my head depending on how hard or particular my ride is. Helps a lot.

[@gcn]

Haha, thanks for the tip George, don't tell Simon 🎤

[@KVandendriessche]

You’re a legend Emma!

[@controal]

I love the camera angle plus size difference between Si and Emma at 6:20. She looks like a toddler pushing her bike up the hill.

[@justinkhanya1321]

this was super helpful...cheers

[@mykytajex2248]

Yes Si, please tell us about how we need the right gears as you mash up the climb.

[@dark0zim]

I like Emma’s support for the saddle back, lets go

[@patrickhance7348]

Hi you two I now a steep clime the muur de Velomedian if your in Belgium....... .nice video 👍 Pat from Belgium 🚲👊

[@gcn]

Hey Pat, have you ridden it?

[@omgahandlelol]

the intro to this one is gold.

[@BoffoCaveman]

I love what Emma has brought to GCN.

[@gcn]

Thank Keith, we do too!

[@goodboyvincenzo]

Emma rocks!!!!!! 😍

[@manfredadams3252]

If Emma were 6'2" and 200 lbs instead of 3'1 and 100 lbs would she climb twice as fast? I think she's just so light that she floats up the hill like a leaf in a stiff breeze.

[@matthewlewis2072]

@@manfredadams3252 how weird would that look? Maybe an idea for a film, "Emma gets massive", see physiological effects of x, y,z% increases in body weight

[@danmiller583]

I would love to see you guys do a tour of Sevenoaks - Toys Hill, Idle Hill and of course the world famous York’s Hill.

[@sailingpolly-adventuresona9709]

Nice demo

[@gemsandlasers269]

For me, finding a mental acceptance of the climb is really important actually. It helps if I'm very aware of the details of the climb before, and that I have the climb profile there on my computer. Also, a steady cadence is so vital for me! I like to settle into a comfortable cadence at the start and then try to maintain it as much as possible. Then my breathing is also steady and mentally I'm more happy with the gradients.

[@gcn]

Thanks Peter for those tips!

[@apartcongson516]

Thanks u pacing realy help a lot

[@H457ur]

My trick for getting re-started when you have to stop on a climb: Click in one foot (your stronger leg if you know it), then pedal one revolution with that leg and clip in with the second leg as the un-clipped pedal comes by. If you miss, then pedal a second revolution. Of course this requires practice, but I've been doing it for decades and it's always worked for me, even with slotted cleats and traditional toe straps (yes, I'm old, and although I've had clipless pedals for over 25 years, I still remember clips). Note that I'm not particularly strong -- this is a skill thing, not a strength thing. Now if I had to pedal for more than 2 or three revolutions, I might just fail...

[@cycling9945]

Damn I love cycling the best,fun,activity I’ve ever took part in

[@LeeanneRomane]

Sad, sad Side Plank, Si

[@marioawario6125]

Leeanne Romane yeah - Emma holding it perfectly, but Si's curved like a banana ;)

[@bobbyhempel1513]

I just got my first road bike ever given to me I just need to get a rear wheel and tire a new shifter/ brake lever new cables and bar tape and a derailleur hanger and I'll be ready to ride. Riding an actual road bike that is just over half the weight of the hybrid bike I usually use on the road is going to be interesting. I can't wait to see how much faster and longer a can ride and how much easier the climbs will be.

[@stefanomongardi4744]

Great info ad usual, you always give good tips, it Will be perfect with english subtitle for better understanding, I'm foreigner

[@robertmcfadyen9156]

Don't forget that some mountain bike owners like to adapt theirs for road use if they so wish which a group of my friends have done . I feel more comfortable & secure on one of these bicycles used in this context at speed than I would on the road bicycle . Components for this purpose are getting a bit harder to find but I keep a back stock to cover this . A few RSX 413 cranksets are always handy .

[@douglaspate9314]

Here in Andorra steep climbs is just about all we have! You get to love them and talk about a climb easing off at when it gets to 8%.If anyone comes here to Andorra try Beixalis via Vila (OMG!), Fontaneda from St Julià (OOMMGG!!) or the much easier Gallina that will be used in the Vuelta again this year in the penultimate stage.

[@gcn]

Thanks Douglas for those, we will have to give them a try!

[@mungfillet6648]

Classic Gcn vid

[@jharri92]

Dundry Hill! Great view from the top of that one!

[@marklewisduncombe]

jharri92 yep. Looks like Sundry to me and my lunchtime ride :-)

[@marklewisduncombe]

DUNDRY

[@timba146]

That bit past the farmhouse 🤮 still remember the first time I rode it 🤣

[@gcn]

timba146 that doesn't sound good!

[@matthewvelo]

Just did the Challambra climb on the Cadel Evans Ride today. Wished I'd swapped out the 11-28 for my 11-32.

[@dhrider4574]

Awesome video!

[@gcn]

Thanks Karen!

[@slothFPV]

Starting to try commutong to wprk and I live in spith Devon :/ this will be helpful

[@morosis82]

I'm a big guy, and I like to mix it up. I'll usually do the majority in the saddle, but rather than shift for a slightly steeper bit I'll climb out of the saddle for a bit then back when the grade relents. Of course, I do some climbing training sessions totally out of the saddle, just so I can improve that aspect.

[@iancuk]

January 2021 here, and Emma currently holds the women Everesting record.

[@leqin]

Please tell me that there are lots of fun outakes of that introduction. Great video - loved it.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed the video Nigel!

[@carelax1555]

I’m just starting out, definitely don’t know what I’ve been doing lol. Been trying to tackle up to 10% inclines on a single speed but it’s caused me to move around too much in failed attempts to make myself smaller 😂 working on switching to a 5 speed though. Had it for a little bit and found trying to switch gears once I’m on the hill was next to impossible. On the flip side, I feel like I’ll end up losing control if o hit a bump going downhill.

[@danielfontes3120]

Im a OLD cyclist and LUV doing Climbs !!! There are times that I will "Burn Doughnuts " mid climb if I feel like I can't go on and need a Break. Doughnuts are just a down hill turn for a breath and Loop back up the hill.....Each loop on the road will actually walk u up the climb slowly!!! Climb on Up!! The View is Beautiful.....Mt Lemon for my 60th

[@jaydesimone4297]

I've ridden along some canal paths with some spillways that are rugged...but only for 100 feet or so. That was brutal enough...I can't imagine spending extended time riding on cobbles, even if they're not as rugged.

[@WendsH]

Every time I come back to this video, I can't help but cackle at those planks. Emma, you rock. Si... work that core a bit more, my friend. :D

[@gcn]

Winter in the gym.

[@NickOtury]

I have done a couple of hill climbs and love em....thats where I think my strength is in cycling.

[@gcn]

Nice! Embrace them!

[@tomassoejakto]

The first day I cycle to commute back in 2013, I attacked the first steep climb I ran into, refusing to take it easy. I managed to reach the top and pedaled on while seeing white spots for like fifteen seconds. I did the same thing the next day and all the days after that. It may not have been good practice, but here I still am six years later, always looking forward to the next time I can ride my bike ☕

[@EuropesWorstGamer]

Awesome vid...Plank & Plunk...love that?!! 😄

[@gcn]

Cheers Ian, thanks for that!

[@nicoherrerai]

She had the strength to keep her core straight in the beginning, respect

[@paulkazjack]

Please come to Kent and show me how to climb Warren road Maidstone, starting at the lower bell non stop to the top! Betcha can't.

[@warspiteyeg8360]

Great energy in this video, makes me want to climb a steep hill....but today is not that day.

[@gcn]

Haha, go for it! 👊

[@TonyJoyVlogs]

I love watching GCN videos, I subscribed longtime ago, but i dont have a road bike weird right?!😂

[@gcn]

Haha, great to hear Tunying. Glad you enjoy our videos!

[@Telukin]

it was GCN that really encouraged me to go get a bike! Admittedly, I then splashed out on a turbo trainer and Zwift far more than outside, but that counts, right? Right?

[@mthomas9854]

I watched GCN for about 2 years before I had a road bike, but when I got one I knew how to ride and fix everything on it!

[@magnusfossland1543]

Hehe, same here...

[@jeffojeda3161]

love watching Si sink to the floor on that side plank!!! lol

[@slipknot7830]

im still waiting to try out my new 1:1 transmission i fitted with a 36:11 casette on my bike on the 24% at my uni city, after the corona situation i will get there^^

[@bernardhinault9377]

Emma is like the boss of every episode, brash and polite interesting combination.

[@fayleya3865]

Thank you :)

[@imp822]

No affection for steep climbs which there are many of near me, BUT I do love the feeling of accomplishment when I tackle them!

[@kellen6238]

Enjoyed the video. Such a duo of presenters :)

[@gcn]

Thanks LX, really glad you liked it

[@cowhands11789]

Came for one bit of advice and you breezed past it. How do you get going again after stopping on a climb? You just said went "you might find it difficult and end up walking"......great advice, thanks

[@indoorandoutdoorendurance3889]

This was nice! I watched the climbing video you set up to click on too.

[@gcn]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@indoorandoutdoorendurance3889]

Global Cycling Network Thanks!

[@ZOB4]

Emma’s core is made of stone. That opening segment was wild.

[@mtburton909]

I would usually use the second to or the top gear on my bike on a climb. Even on a steep one.

[@kevininman2013]

The plank is hilarious!

[@johnelona14]

Awesome CHIC bike !

[@roxyturtle3549]

I have a total bikecrush on Emma's Canyon in this video!

[@deepaknagar4331]

Only thing I would like to do is to get some momentum in higher gears before switching to lower ones while climbing uphilll.. I have done uphill from 600m to 900m over a distance of 10 km. Took me 1 hour for that with btwin 520

[@jackmcmullan]

Going up the cairn o mount in Aberdeenshire a while ago I came to stop on a very very steep section. Couldn’t get clipped in so had to face diagonally down the hill and roll and clip then try to turn back into the gradient and keep going. Took 5 goes. He’ll. Got to the top tho....

[@gcn]

Sounds seriously steep! Nice one for getting to the top!

[@TimpBizkit]

There's only one way I climb steep - zig zagging in a 22/34. I did go on one ride with me spinning the 22/34 and my riding buddy straining a 39/21 or something lol. I was doing nearly 3 pedal rotations to his 1. I can ride up bike tipping stuff in the saddle with this, although maintaining cadence at over a 1 in 5 is still quite a workout. I prefer being in the saddle. Riding out of the saddle feels like sprinting up stairs. I can't hold it for any length of time. Watching some of the pros do it like Chris Froome I could maybe managed 20 pedal strokes before my legs and heart gave up the ghost. It's useful for sorting out a sore crotch, or a bit of hill you can't be faffed to shift down for, or maybe you've run out of gears. The thing is I'm dropping 85 kg through 35 cm on every half stroke if I stand. This is already 292 watts at 30 rpm. If I weight the pedal at 45 degrees it's still 30 cm and 250 watts. There are cadences I'd rather use for these high powers than 30 rpm. Even sprinting I prefer to just pedal like a road runner in the saddle. Taking enough gears to spin at FTP is theoretically the fastest way up a climb. A lot of these high end road bikes are geared that this is impossible above 6%

[@kevinrtres]

Emma reminds me of the superheros we see in the movies these days....aaawesome!

[@paulb8587]

Looking at Emma's bike frame I wonder how she gets the bottle in and out of the cage?

[@in5aneguy597]

by pushing it in/out sideways ? :D

[@pauls1143]

She bends over and sucks the water from the bottle without getting it out of the cage. I'm surprised you didn't know that. All PROS do it that way!

[@ComicalFlask]

Osmosis - she’s completely at one with her bike.

[@Pen2paw]

Side exit/entry cage?

[@prettygirl.jazmyne]

Paul S oh wow

[@ZafarSami65]

Si struggling with the side plank made this video special :)

[@fuedaseoyt]

Yep. Emma is my new favourite presenter in all G*N channels.

[@LaurentGoderre]

So jealous of your bikes!