Grey Hubs Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 So I've been riding for just short of 4 years - Mostly MTB. I've just completed 2 races - Route 42 MTB race and Croc2Croc MTB stage race. Both races had difficult, rocky vertical climbs (IMO). I'm talking uneven surfaces and steep climbs. Most people walked these climbs, including me Prior to both races I worked on my climbing strength. I'm able to do long steep climbs as long as I can hold a steady rhythm... But as soon as the climb is uneven and traction is difficult, my HR jumps into the 90%+ range and I run out of steam within a few minutes, until I need to unclip and walk... My question is: What changes to my training must I make to conquer these climbs???
porqui Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 Right gear right cadence and 3P's Practice - practice and practice (It helps to go ride single-track once in a while)
BaGearA Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 lower gear high cadence and then the really big one LINE CHOICE look ahead , what is the smoothest ? ,what can you use to avoid other stuff ?, can you ride on the grass ? ect. ect.
ichnusa Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 Drop your elbows to the ground and shift your weight to the front of the saddle (uncomfortably so!)
stefmeister Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 Couple things to look at:Overall fitness - as you mentioned running out of steam is a problemTechnique - more body english, you'll need to move around more to get up. Sit more forward on the saddle, weight the front, and be ready for a quick out of saddle burst to pedal and move the bike over rocky bits and then back in your seat without losing momentum and traction.Strengthen your core - will help a lot with above.Rear tyre - more grip = better, but also more rolling resistance.
Grey Hubs Posted May 17, 2017 Author Posted May 17, 2017 Drop your elbows to the ground and shift your weight to the front of the saddle (uncomfortably so!)Yip this one I do! As you say not comfy, but helps to keep the front down...
Serious Panda Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 Only Rocky Mountain bikes can climb rocky mountain climbs, this is why they have their name...
Jurgens Smit Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 So I've been riding for just short of 4 years - Mostly MTB. I've just completed 2 races - Route 42 MTB race and Croc2Croc MTB stage race. Both races had difficult, rocky vertical climbs (IMO). I'm talking uneven surfaces and steep climbs. Most people walked these climbs, including me Prior to both races I worked on my climbing strength. I'm able to do long steep climbs as long as I can hold a steady rhythm... But as soon as the climb is uneven and traction is difficult, my HR jumps into the 90%+ range and I run out of steam within a few minutes, until I need to unclip and walk... My question is: What changes to my training must I make to conquer these climbs??? Train your weaknesses, go out and find those rocky climbs and ride them over and over and over again. Everyone here can give you advice on what to try next and how to spot a better line, but the best way to learn these things is to fail and try again till you make it. Thaba Trails have some lekker technical descents and single track you can go train on and isn't too far from where you are. We normally scout routes out here in Heidelberg on the motorbikes and then return with the mtbs if they look rideable.
Grey Hubs Posted May 17, 2017 Author Posted May 17, 2017 Only Rocky Mountain bikes can climb rocky mountain climbs, this is why they have their name... Ironically, I was riding one
'Dale Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 What works for me: Lean forward Sit on tip of saddle Steady cadence, low, high torqueLine choice is key Keep calm with even breathing (feed the lungs)Pace your effort well Surge slightly when approaching a baby head or fewConcentrate, concentrate Shed some kgs if need be to be more nimble
'Dale Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 Oh and train high-intensity (90-100% of effort) regularlyImprove that engine ????????
Grey Hubs Posted May 17, 2017 Author Posted May 17, 2017 This was the nasty climb at Croc2Croc: 670m long / 77m ascent
Jurgens Smit Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 What works for me: Lean forwardSit on tip of saddleSteady cadence, low, high torqueLine choice is keyKeep calm with even breathing (feed the lungs)Pace your effort wellSurge slightly when approaching a baby head or fewConcentrate, concentrateShed some kgs if need be to be more nimble Personally I find a high cadence to be more effective for me. Like 85-95 rpm at around just under threshold (or over depending on whats happening with riders around you)
SCD Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 It a catch 22.The more momentum you have the more likely you will make it over the loose patches. But for this you will need ample fitness. There are some climbs on Table Mountain in the +20% range that have a very loose gravelly surface. If you go too slow even a small mistake will send you off. Very good practice grounds...I personally also find high cadence better if there is a choice a the given degree of steepness. Everything else has been said. Line choice, steadiness, even torque...Have fun
Guest Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 a small tip I learnt recently. Hook you thumbs over the top of the handle(as if it was one of your fingers) and you can drop your elbows lower than if the thumb was under the handle.
Headshot Posted May 17, 2017 Posted May 17, 2017 There is nothing wrong with a push here and there...
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