How To Enjoy Climbing - Beginner Cycling Tips

[@gcn]

Do you enjoy climbing?

[@jeremylagang463]

Not so but it's always an area that I want to enjoy.

[@qwettz556]

Absolutely! And I enjoy these videos ❤️

[@hasty9718]

I do enjoy climbing because it's very rewarding, at the end, you can see the effort you made

[@KeithFlint350]

I enjoy descents

[@gcn]

@@jeremylagang463 Hope this video helped 👀

[@bonzainutter]

Six years ago, when I was 56, my yoiunger brother said he was gong to France to ride up a mountain, why not get a bike and join him. I had not ridden since I was a kid, but I bought a £300 bike off ebay, trained by riding a total of 40 miles in 6 weeks, and went on holiday. We rented bikes and I rode up this moutain I had never heard of, Mt Ventoux. Took me 4 hours, but I did it. I have been riding since, done a 100 miler and a 70.3 triathlon. Amazing what ignorance can start.

[@gcn]

Sometimes diving right in is the best way to do it! Are you hooked don cycling now? 👀

[@bonzainutter]

@@gcn Oh yeah!

[@LaPlagneChris]

Pacing: if you have a wahoo Bolt but not a powermeter you can use VAM instead. Variable altitude meters: the altitude you'd achieve doing current speed on current gradient for an hour. They are directly proportional to Watt per kilo so you can find out what w/kg or VAM you can hold for an hour without bonking. As beginers start with constant 500 VAM on your first bigger mountain, if doable go more VAM on the next. Enjoy!

[@driwen]

Small addition to this. VAM works very well with climbs, because the speed in climbs (especially for beginners) is low enough that the major force you are fighting is gravity. When climbs get to around 4 or 5% and your speed drops below 20 km/h gravity becomes by far the biggest force to overcome (which on the flat is wind/aero and rolling resistance). This is why its a directly proportional to your Watt per kilo. And yes I tend to climb on my heartrate, but when i check VAM (usually in strava) I found it to be reasonably consistent. Garmin Edges also can display this number and I expect any heads up display that can measure your altitude in a reliable way can do this (usually/always with a barometric sensor).

[@brannmacfinnchad9056]

@@driwen Huh. Thanks....not a metric I've ever made use of. May have to look deeper into it.

[@johngannon1]

Thanks Hank - top tips at 1 - some riders might think it’s sacrilege but you sometimes need to get off your bike. See how far you can go and then set yourself targets every time until - hallelujah - you conquered the climb. And 6 - everyone will appreciate how your dad felt!

[@stevennorth6484]

My first attempt at riding up a big 'slope' was Mt. Teide, Tenerife. No one told me to start on some rolling terrain 🤣 I didn't make it to the top but I loved it all the same, in that weird way cyclists get enjoyment. I fancy going back for another attempt. On my own BTW, I wasn't in a group.

[@gcn]

That's one big first hill! Go give it another try! 🙌

[@sarunasgardzijauskas629]

i remember driving up in a car and i was under preasure!!monster climb

[@job9902]

If you live somewhere steep, fit lower gears! Nothing wrong with a climbing ratio less than 1:1. I fitted a 46/30 Grx chainset when we moved to the Peak District. I also planned routes to avoid climbs above 10%. I still don't enjoy Winnats Pass but I don't actively avoid it. I plan to refit the 50/34 chainset in the spring

[@gcn]

Nice tip! It can really help having appropriate gears for the terrain. 🙌

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Ha ha ha. I raced with 42 x 23 low. This was on a Peugeot PY that weighed 9.3kg.

[@xPowello]

As a >100kg rider Ive had to do something similar with my bikes living in the peaks. Ive ended up fitting a road link DM with a 11-40T rear cassette that i run with both a 105 50/34 and grx 46/30 groupset (Just switch my road wheels between the two bikes). Still have to put the work in, but it opens up more routes that would have given me a heart attack with normal gearing!

[@Mavrik-60]

I agree you dont have to compromise when it comes to gears. Use the gears geared to your specific needs. There relatively easy to change out.

[@job9902]

@@jameslee-pevenhull5087 I also ride an old Raleigh with a 40:24 low gear and 13.5 kg. I have climbed 16% ramps on it but I don't enjoy it, still prefer to avoid anything above 10% on that bike 😆

[@gerardochaparro1639]

Would love to see Hank in Colombia! Going after Si's time climbing the 'Alto de Letras' (80.7 km climb!)

[@humai771]

Thank you for the awesome video I began biking 5 years ago both recumbent and upright bikes, hill climbing a recumbent is a ball breaker, but since I have learned to love my giant tcr I was averaging 15mph on my recumbent and 17 on the upright riding the c470 chatfield loop in Denver 30 mi. 3 years in I was diagnosed with stg4 esophageal cancer no worries I have buddies both riders and none they helped me develop a consensus to not lose a singly day to sorrow. Biking for me through 2 years of chemo, as my blood is taking a beating, and left me trying to come up with any way to complete this ride on a consistent basis currently I am getting 10mph riding 16 miles a bought with pneumonia in the winter turning 62 didn’t (my first three ride’s during chemo I wore a pump delivering meds directly to my heart they made me quit because of the toxicity) help, bikes make me smile I am 2 1/2 years into what was supposed to be a 9 month survival these tips keep me pushing and I don’t know if this is enough to express my gratitude for the video. Keep writing. Grammar changed

[@wellfan6698]

I've always enjoyed climbing. Back on the bike after an accident 20 years ago and I have the love again. Just need to get my weight down a bit more to help with that battle with Gravity

[@timmatthews117]

Loved this video. In the last 5 years I’ve climbed Sa Calobra, Cap de Formentor and Mont Ventoux, but two and a half ago, on a first bought for Trek Emonda carbon road bike, at the age of 50, I was involved in a hit & run road accident and had that bike written off. I’ve just had a civil action claim come through and bought myself a new carbon road bike and find myself to, again, looking forward to ‘enjoying the moment’ on future climbs. The bike accident was in December of 2020, and in that year I biked 4,000 km’s. I haven’t since, biked anywhere close to that distance. And, once again, just want to get out and ‘push myself’, with the known enjoyment and pleasure that cycling brings.

[@sepg5084]

Step 1, and only step: know that you can actually stop and rest in between climbs. There are no rules unless you join some competition. I used to do my local climb needing five 3 minute rest stops. That's 2KM with average gradient of 10%, with some parts that are up to 17%. After a few weekends, i managed to reduce it to 0 rest stops. After a few weekends still, i can do 2 laps non-stop. I do it on a 9.5 Kg bicycle, some of my friends do it on 14 kg mountian bikes.

[@gcn]

Very true! There are no rules, take it at a pace that you enjoy 👀

[@jonnymorrisuk1]

This is exactly how I started out, if it's feeling very hard or I'm out of breath then stop long enough to catch that breath back, then push on. I've conquered nearly all of the climbs I've attempted in my local area by starting out like this, eventually being able to complete them without a rest... I say nearly all, some are insanely rocky, steep and/or loose surface bridleways which are extremely tricky to keep momentum on!

[@monetaryjack1705]

I don't mind climbing but I'm carrying way too much fat (54yo M, 1m69cm- 87kg....) I've got an insignificant KOM on a 690m/6.8% climb at the back of my house though, an estimated 274w and time of 3:37 (it's a rooty MTB singletrack)....I entered my details into an online calculator and if I could shed 16kg and maintain the same power I'd drop another 30 secs from that time!!! That's the goal this winter and now I've got a good RGT setup indoors It might be easier to get some structure into my workouts- fat burning and intervals to up the power/weight....going low carb on the rest days also. Many MAMIL's are too heavy and the bikes even at 34/34 are still too highly geared....

[@geoffreyhoney122]

I love the challenge of climbing but there is always room for more tips. Super video Hank &gcn! Thoroughly enjoyed it!! I find gearing is especially important when climbing with a fully loaded touring bike! Love that Hank gave us the Wahoo free option of listening to your body as you goo too. It works for me. Love the content AND the scenery! Looking forward to the next one!

[@DanTuber]

After a year of mostly riding flat roads, i thought i'd try my first real hill. 300 meters long, up to 10% grade. I got about half way before dying. Brutal. Coming back down the hill was scary. Thank god for disc brakes!

[@gcn]

Hahah yes, maybe try something a little steady next time 🙌

[@CyclingOffToSomewhereIDK]

I love the bit with your dad. I think he and I have a few things in common. That part was especially inspiring to me, thanks (Californian for "Cheers" I think)

[@ChrisGuarraia]

Whenever we go on vacation and I can bring my bike, I’m seeking out those climbs because of the very reasons Hank outlined-the views, the sense of achievement, and the descents. I used to run marathons and twice ran the beast leg (leg 2) of the Blue Ridge Marathon on relay team. Both times, it was worth it. Now on a bike, I can go for longer, higher climbs, and I don’t trash my quads on the descents! I’m definitely not fast by any stretch of the imagination, but I do love me some climbs.

[@jameslee-pevenhull5087]

Before taking your bike out, find a downward moving escalator. When it's quiet, walk up it. This is the same leg action. You may be at 60 cadence. Now put on a 10kg backpack. When you get out on your bike, just think of the escalator and move your legs through the same action. Tip. It's in the glutes.

[@gcn]

Have you done this yourself? 👀

[@Tyler.Etheridge]

GCN should send a presenter to Salt Lake City, UT for the Five Canyon ride this summer. A full day of climbing the beautiful Wasatch canyons! It’s where I fell in love with climbing. Hopefully see one of you there!

[@bladepeter1]

Great thanks for the tips I always avoid climbing but love being on my bike 🚲

[@joshfleetwood145]

Good sports the bunch of them! That climb looms brutal! Send Mr Feather up it please.

[@DaveCM]

OMG! When you said climbing is like Marmite, my American hears kept hearing "Momma". I listened to it four times unable to determine what was actually being said. I finally thought to turn on closed caption. LOL! And, yes. I did have to Google "Marmite" as I had no idea what it was.

[@diezrosales]

I'm going on a cycling holiday to Mallorca for my 60th birthday celebration. I've been training to improve going uphill and I'm getting better and more confident. Thank you for these tips.

[@fionahunt8530]

Try the Burway in Church Stretton Shropshire. 20% !

[@andymow21]

I used the Burway for training before doing Mt. Ventoux. The Burway is brutal.

[@fionahunt8530]

@@andymow21 Mt Ventoux is so much more rideable than the Burway!

[@dentpranav]

Please share gear shifting techniques while climbing. Thank you

[@tonysegadelli9421]

I've seen similar videos over the years but it's still good to have it reinforced

[@papagodzilla5465]

the third tip is the best! having for goals for adventure and discovery is what i prefer 🙂

[@BixbyConsequence]

Perhaps this tip goes without saying, but "Lighten the engine!" will help many. A rider already at their ideal weight probably doesn't need a lot of other climbing tips.

[@238949]

Thanks again for a great, inspirational video. For someone who dodges climbs as much as she can, this has made me want to give my local hill another go x

[@JulAlxAU]

I just started riding and climbing is the only thing I am pretty much good at! I can produce a lot more watts on the climbs than the flat!

[@firbolg]

I commute in Geneva, Switzerland and I got climbs going to downtown but mostly coming back up towards my home. I'm 43 and after getting burnout and then going through COVID, I'm grossly out of shape. So, I decided to buy a bog standard bike (literally the cheapest disk brake equipped bike at the shop) and I've been doing that almost everyday (overall daily trips of about 15km, not much, I know). At the end of the day, going back home uphill 7km when you're out of shape is no fun... probably a cake walk for any decent rider. But I discovered that the psychological approach I take on those climbs are crucial. Today, I was exhausted before starting the commute and tired... so I had to give up almost at the top of one of the climbs, walking my way up. It was demoralising! I might need better gearing as well as more practise. :)

[@stuartgcowley]

Living in a hilly suburb in Wellington, New Zealand, means I always have to finish with a climb! I definitely DON'T have a climbers build, so get punished every time. I'm enjoying these videos on how to tackle hills more effectively. Cheers @GCN!

[@RidingPlus]

Recently, Last Sunday, I completed my first Mountain Climbing, a little above 1000 mtr, in Jebal Jais, UAE, and i can relate to this video the feeling of achievement after reaching Top is second to none.

[@gcn]

Nice work! 🙌 No better feeling! What mountain are you eyeing up next?

[@starlitshadows]

Best way to enjoy climbing is get better at it. When you start feeling good on them and get in a rhythm its super fun. Always get a sense of accomplishment from a good climb. Then add the views, the descent and a good meal when you get home. Doesn't get much better than that

[@texasflood1295]

I love a good 3-5 mile climb of 8 to10%. To me, it’s the best test for how fit I am. Unfortunately, there are few climbs like this near where I live but I will be visiting a area next week that has a perfect climb for me.

[@gcn]

Finding that perfect climb is such a great feeling 🙌

[@markgilder9990]

I’ve been lucky enough to do the climb your on. Stunning scenery.

[@simonsepic]

Gonna say it again you guys need to organise a gcn sponsored ride here in South East UK!!

[@marksIItimewarps]

I have no friends, the views are terrible in my region with heavy air pollution but I do it anyway! I pace my climbs but don't start easy. In fact, I start a bit hard into "attack mode" to try to tempt the wannabes into chasing me. Then I let them pass with a bit of "struggle" to avoid giving them the impression I'm backing down. When they're far enough ahead, I take it easy and recover. Eventually, they'll burn out and won't be bothering anyone! I train specifically for such type of riding style. Training is quite important. I do mine almost entirely indoors to avoid too much air pollution.

[@gangstreG123]

I love how GCN thinks I have friends and can get myself (and them) to Mallorca!

[@KahluaBomb]

Mountain biking in the PNW means a lot of 8-20% grades right out of the parking lot, up 1500+ feet of elevation in a short distance. 1000' per mile is almost typical. The only way to make it not suck total balls, is music, snacks, and getting off and walking every now and then to stretch a different set of muscles and stretch out the legs a bit.

[@Jewishkowboy]

I love climbing!!

[@anaussieinvietnam]

You blood legends... well done

[@chalo212]

Riding 100k and 2000m elevation tomorrow :D wish me luck, may be my toughest ride yet... But im on a PR week! already ridden 250km :D

[@joes3703]

Great video Hank. Thank you for the psychology and philosophy lesson. Very helpful!

[@mdovisuals9837]

My friends call me a masochist with how much I love climbing, I excel at going uphill, even after gaining weight and improving my sprint I still feel my climbing is my best on the bike ability 😂

[@gcn]

Nice work 🙌 Keep it up!

[@LHTkayaksport]

i love it before this video. back on the grind...

[@denisoliver6083]

As always, I enjoyed your video.

[@JohnOsCreations]

What about wheel choice. Deep section wheels are of no help when climbing, especially if you like to ride a lot out of the saddle. A normal set of cheap wheels with shallow rims work best. I love the climbs 😉👍

[@paulcollingridge8387]

We want...... Hanks Dad, their friendship bond makes the videos so emotional and authoritative

[@levmatta]

Congrats for your Dad!!!

[@2m1fy18]

Just watching this makes me miss the summer months. Not liking this cold weather riding atm 😭

[@gcn]

Its definitely more of a challenge to get out for a nice ride this time of year!

[@Daniel-ns3wt]

Struggling a bit with climbing, riding CX with a single 40t chainring and 11/32 cassette, would a typical road set up make it much easier?

[@philipcooper8297]

How to enjoy climbing? 11-34 cassette helps a lot, but you just need the right mind set when climbing. Tell yourself that once you're done climbing you'll have a long nice descent to enjoy afterwards.

[@nicklass7075]

I was hoping to get tips on climbing out of the saddle. Still thanks for the video. Stay awesome gcn

[@gcn]

how about this video 👉 kzbin.info/www/bejne/l5LdpKt9dsqbbNE

[@nicklass7075]

@@gcn Legend, thank you!

[@Erhan_H]

Trust me, I enjoyed this video. 😀

[@TBat0431]

Cracking video James

[@gcn]

glad you enjoyed it! 🙌 Are you a fan of climbing ?

[@TBat0431]

@@gcn I love a good climb 🧗‍♀️ I enjoy setting a pace and grinding it out

[@davidhakes5141]

Is it possible to split a chain on a climb? That's what I'm afraid of doing, on some of the climbs around my area.

[@jeffvasquez1691]

I enjoy climbing more than flats.

[@markinos1976]

Well done mate! It’s a Good vídeo. Only one question. What’s the model of you saddle? It’s a flat saddle?

[@davidgeorge7443]

I believe the only way to someday enjoy a steep climb would be on an ebike! Until then, Hanks tips are spot on.

[@gcn]

Are you a fan of a slow and steady climb? 👀

[@lexvdl8277]

Good video guys!

[@monetaryjack1705]

Chuck another 10-15kg on Hank with a fat suit and lets see how much fun he's having then.... that must be the single biggest thing that decides for you whether climbing is enjoyable- weight....closely followed by suitable gearing... (rarely, if ever, found on low end bikes for beginners that are way heavier too than Hanks Orbea)

[@billkallas1762]

I thank the gods of cycling that I live in a flat glacial area where a "big" hill might be a 100 foot climb that you can "big-ring" and get over quickly if you want to.

[@gabrielleadams8542]

I really struggle climbing in cleats, it's a kind of panic I won't be able to get out of them if I'm genuinely run out of puff. As a consequence I find I stop before I have challenged myself. When touring on flat peddles I'm riding an old Ridgeback commet with weighing about 40 kilos with camping gear and am satisfied that I'll occasionally put my foot down and pause till I'm ready to go again, I've made some amazing climbs like this but am stuck translating this to my road bike. Any ideas welcome. Should I just put flat peddles on the road bike and give it a go?

[@davidburgess741]

When your toughest climb is the Atlantic City expressway overpass or New Jersey turnpike overpass you need to consider a track bike! You'll feel like a cheater when you get on your road bike someplace with actual climbs! Or ride the track bike and know you are the strongest rider without the expense of a power meter, Garmin, or Zwift! KOM, imagine that!

[@ChrisCapoccia]

Start the bottom a little slower than you think and wait a few minutes for your heart to catch up before you increase the pace

[@jimbo2112]

I think you could have mentioned a power meter as a separate more advanced option? It's been my best addition to tech to help me climb as power never lies! In terms of pacing, reading a 3 second average power on my Garmin is the best way to not empty the tank too early. You just need to know the length and steepness of the hill and how much power you can sustain on it.

[@E30OG1]

Been off the bike for 5 months for no reason but being the only one that rides, so lost motivation, now fat again, with post covid lungs, need to get out 😢

[@slowiss]

I got distracted by Hanks use of "Trust me" in this video. Sadly for me I'll be looking out for this in future videos now, 'Trust me'.

[@wspmjw]

@Hank "absolutely nails' doesn't translate into my experience with American English. Would you assist, please? Thanks.

[@ViveSemelBeneVivere]

@0:52 are those gaps in the walls for cyclists? 🤔😅

[@ryuujinusa]

Intermediate videos next?

[@KaijuAlert]

Have you got any tips on how to enjoy climbs as a 95kg sprinter? 😂

[@SPMech1]

👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@endcensorship874]

How do you enjoy climbing? Embrace the suck, and enjoy the suffering.

[@Andy_ATB]

I'm not getting the enjoyment about climbing; however the descents are another story....

[@sugonmaballs]

I have a nice hill to climb right behind my house in Italy that I enjoy going up and the view at the top. It's a little over 2 miles up and almost 1000ft/300m up. I just got a new Gravel Bike and busted out the GoPro to record a climb over the weekend too! Nice view at 13:30 if you want to see :D. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fpWnoYaKecqGbdU

[@throx]

Sorry Hank. Vegemite > Marmite.

[@eleycki]

Nah

[@ianlainchbury]

Not even close lol

[@ASTK974]

Vegemite is the bomb mate 👌

[@tn9274]

can't enjoy even want to if long climbing >15%

[@NYGiants4Life]

Why do I always feel like I can't avoid climbs. LOL

[@gcn]

Their everywhere 👀

[@sand9577]

"Enjoy" a climb? You don't deliberately search climbs to enjoy them, you climb as a penance, to expunge sins.

[@konsticraft1028]

Step 1: live in an area where mountains exist.

[@Tobias611]

Step 1: you don't. Living in a town full of 15-20% hills takes all the fun away from climbing. I have to ride 15km just to get to a flat piece of road, the great downside of living in a mountain area...

[@gcn]

Ah yes, you must be good at them though 👀

[@Tobias611]

@gcn I still feel like dying after 5 meters, so I guess that's a no! Lol. Living in a mountain area but made for the flats, I guess!

[@da14a49]

@@Tobias611 No, you just need to cycle on the flats, then you'll see that the climbs have put uo your speed

[@MrMcdob]

I've done that climb and it is awful !@!

[@KFN_VII]

Or just buy an e-bike? :)

[@gcn]

An easy enough fix 😂

[@paulfranklin8636]

I go by what Chris Boardman said at Hay Festival a few years back about climbing.....The way to enjoy climbing is to buy and electric bike.....if it's good enough for him it's more than good enough for me

[@gcn]

Hahaha that's one way to enjoy it! the smug feeling of zooming past other...nothing beats it 🙌