Steep rocky climbs

numptyfish

I really struggle getting up steep rocky climbs. any top tips? I just can't seem to keep any momentum going.

maximus69

guess you mean struggle with grip? if so try letting some air out of your tyres. i run mine at 30psi 13.5 stone for slippy stuff but do a bit of a mix of road as well. i also sit down on the bike on slippy rocks uphill if possible to get the grip down. dont know if this helps.

stumpyjon

Keep your weight forward (reduce the travel in your forks if you have the option) and go down a gear if you have any left. Your better pedalling with a higher cadence, more chance of pedalling over an obstacle rather than stopping dead which will happen if you're pedalling really slowly.

Anonymous

take comfort from the fact you are not alone, steep rocky climbs are as hard as anything you will encounter on your bike and stump most riders

try and stay mobile on your bike, so you can shift forwards and back and therefore thrusting your bike forwards and over tricky parts, a bit like trials bike riders.

The Northern Monkey

i love steep rocky wet climbs i'll usually lean more forwards to keep the front down, but not too far otherwise you lose grip on the back end...tis a bit of a balancing act.

you've also got to remember to pick your lines..i tend to find that the middle is usually greasyest (not always the case tho) and i just power through.

if the rear wheel starts to slip, censored a bit more weight to the back for grip and keep pedaling through.

as said, lowering your tyre pressures can help with grip, but remember that with lower pressure, your more likely to succumb to pinch punchers on the way down

B

Geriatrix

Failing all of the above , as is normal in my case . . . . .

Get off and run / walk / stagger up the gnarly bits !!!

nonnac85

I was taught to pull back/down a little on the handlebars to force the tyre to grip the ground and give you more traction.

lambchops

really easy gear, sit down right on the front of the saddle, if you back wheel is slipping try and keep some weight over the back, and then make lots a smooth pedal strokes.
Boom boom your up the hill 8)