Struggling with technical MTB climbs? Watch this video. | 5 reasons you can't get up "that" climb.

Hey guys! If you've been following this channel at all, you probably have noticed a fair share of technical climbing within the videos, reason being is that's a large part of what Southern Utah has to offer. A lot of the trails worth riding in the area have one or two sections that are quite hard to clear, because of that I decided it would be a good idea to create a video that narrows it down to the 5 main things I see riders doing wrong when climbing. Enjoy!

-Which climb can you simply not seem to clear? Let me know in the comments below!

5 reasons you can't get up "that" climb"

Gear choice

Lots of riders use either too hard of a gear or too easy of a gear, you need to find the gear where you are able to produce the most torque and still keep things spinning when it gets steep.

Weight distribution

It makes sense to get your weight forward on a climb, but there is a point where your weight can be too far forward. This takes the pressure off of the rear wheel resulting in a slide out.

You'll want to keep your chest low over your bars, while still making sure that your weight is centered over your saddle overall. Side note, make sure your saddle isn't so high that you aren't able to maneuver around properly.

A high saddle is great for sustained steep climbs without much tech, however I have a general rule of the more technical the climb the lower the saddle should be.

Lack of commitment

Climbs can be just as scary as descents sometimes, especially if they’re exposed, or you’re clipped in - similar to jumping, the more committed you are the safer the maneuver becomes.

Now, with that being said it's important to know if said climb is within your current skill level, chances are if you are getting frustrated by a climb you just can't seem to get its because you know it's within your abilities which leads me into my next point

No repetition.

One of the best things you can do is chip away at that climb, try again and again, and if your current strategy doesn't seem to be getting you any closer to your goal take a few moments to catch your breath and ask yourself what you could be doing better or differently, maybe you’re in too hard of a gear, maybe you’re in to easy of one - maybe your gear choice is perfect but you can't seem to find traction where you’re needing it. This could be for a couple of reasons aside from the ones i’ve already gone over which will lead me to the 5th and final tip

Wrong tire pressure and suspension setup

Whether you’re going uphill or downhill the way your bike is set up can drastically alter the experience. Lower tire pressures are going to yield more traction and conform more to the terrain they’re rolling though, higher tire pressures are going to offer a stiffer feeling in the tire and faster rolling properties.

To decide on your tire pressure you need to understand a couple things, one is what type of rider you are - are you a light and nimble rider on your bike? Or are you more of a bulldozer who prefers smashing through rock gardens and railing berms?

You also need to take how much you, and the gear you’re wearing, weighs into account. Personally I weigh around 175 pounds when I'm all kitted up. I like to run tire pressures ranging from 25-30 depending on the terrain.

Chances are if you’re watching this video you have a decent idea of what pressure to run, just ask yourself if you’re getting enough support and traction from your tires.

Remember earlier how I said the more technical the climb the lower your seat should be? The same thing applies to your suspension, the chunkier and nastier the climb the closer your bike should be to fully open in terms of suspension setup.

The plusher your suspension the easier it's going to be for your wheels to get over square edges and stay stuck to the ground. Yes, on paper you may not be as efficient when riding fully open, however efficiency isn't what's really needed here, its traction, roll over ability, and control.

Big shout out to Jordan from Over The Edge for helping film this video. Follow Jordan @Jordansalot on Instagram.

Links :
https://www.cushcore.com
https://www.scctech.bike/
https://www.fasstco.com/​
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