POST 23 — Climbing and Descending: Skills That Make You Faster Everywhere
Climb more efficiently and descend with confidence. Learn body position, pacing, braking technique, and bike setup plus maintenance checks for safer hills.
Hills are skills, not suffering
Most cyclists assume hill performance is purely fitness. Fitness matters, but technique can make climbs feel easier and descents feel safer almost immediately. Climbing is about pacing and efficiency; descending is about vision, braking control, and confidence in your bike.
If hills scare you, start with gentle gradients and build skill gradually. Comfort and bike reliability play a huge role too.
Internal links:
Climbing: pacing beats powering
Use easier gears earlier
Many riders shift too late, then grind. Shift early and keep cadence smooth.
Internal link:
Stay seated most of the time
Seated climbing is often more efficient and keeps traction on loose surfaces. Standing can help for short bursts, but it spikes effort. If you do stand, keep it smooth.
Breathing and rhythm
Pick a steady rhythm you can hold. If you’re gasping at the bottom, you’ve gone too hard too early.
Descending: control comes from vision and braking
Look further ahead
If you stare at the pothole, you hit the pothole. Keep eyes up and scan for exits, surface changes, and hazards.
Brake before the corner
Brake in a straight line, then release into the corner. Braking mid-corner reduces grip and stability.
Internal link:
Body position
- Relax your grip
- Keep elbows bent
- Lower your centre of gravity
- On rough descents, let the bike move beneath you
Setup tips that improve hill confidence
- Comfortable bar position reduces panic braking
- Tyres suited to conditions increase grip
- Correct brake lever angle improves control
Internal links:
Maintenance checks before hilly rides
Hills amplify small problems. Before a big ride:
- Check brake pad thickness
- Ensure wheels spin true and don’t rub
- Inspect tyres for cuts
- Confirm chain isn’t worn or skipping
Internal links:
Climb steady, descend smooth, and hills become something you enjoy rather than endure.
