Cycling Survival 1 - How to cycle in the mountains - Climbing Technique

[norbu1987]

this video doesn't help and will not help anyone as he said its not about the technique the is doing - who don't wants to feel comfortable when riding bicycle if the position doesn't feel comfortable he/she will make it right- and body shape & weight matters when cycling-

[Esudao]

this video is nice, but like the guy said at the beginning, it's not about the technique but about what you feel comfortable with.

i never watched that video and i'm doing the same things when climbing mountains, it just comes naturally. of course it's nice to have some sort of "affirmation".

[Harouzame]

Were some parts filmed in the Jaunpass, in Switzerland ?

[xchubbyxwubbyx]

how do you keep ontop of the gear? what does that expression mean?

[johntkucz]

hey mate, this is an EXCELLENT vid (helpful and insightful). That said, I am freaked out about descent on a roadbike...it's not pleasant nor fun (on a bike with thick tires, it's fun) but on descent I feel WAY too far over the handlebars and fear flipping over. Thus I don't roadbike too often. Any tips on descent?

[jpoodle]

@johntkucz That's why you lean back on the seat when descending, to keep your weight over the seat and away from the handlebars so you won't flip over. Try it out.

[NoslarIndia]

Cycling techniques shown here are good for those who are new to mountain cycling because these techniques looks simple but in reality it is too tough to do mountain cycling.

[kentcyclist]

Im faster than Lance Amstrong but Im modest so dont compete

[SlickBikes]

Win a free trek by liking our facebook page! facebook/slickbikes

[kentcyclist]

I can drive me car much faster than this

[jordanamed]

@kentcyclist

Do you want a medal?

[kentcyclist]

cyclists annoy me as they dont pay road tax and get in the way of my fast car

[currisloustia]

@kentcyclist and ur name is kentCYCLIST .... u confuse me

[zivkovicable]

@currisloustia He trolls anti cycling stuff all over the place.

[shadowfighting88]

If you look a FUK& Anorexic then you will be suited to hills:}

[TimpBizkit]

I just sit in the saddle or stand when I run out of gears! or push lol

[TimpBizkit]

That's a fast descent at the beginning!

[shinelectrical]

if i weighed 50KG an my bike 6KG i would cycle up as fast as any pro

[McL0vable]

@shinelectrical 6kg? what are you riding? I kiddies plastic tricycle?

[jordanamed]

@shinelectrical

Maybe in your dreams.

[rokkdinface]

"Truly stunning and inspirational when you're in the mountains." Not in Pennsylvania it's not.

[UkMLGplayeR]

I have a tip, bring leg warmers! Last summer (2010) I cycling up the tourmalet with my dad, im 15 btw, my legs were shaking violently on the way back down from the cold! Had to warm then up in a hand dryer from a cafe a mile down from the summit. It was the stage after the finish at the summit where Contador and Shlek finished together.

[Hurlanator]

cycling in the European mountains is hardcore the Australian mountains are like plains compared to them. except for Kosciusko

[1997Hugh]

just got the video to 5,00 thousand views

[madascene99]

He makes it look too easy. In reality its ridiculously hard climbing any mountain and progress is painstakingly slow unless you're a pro like him. After a couple of hours of climb the legs start paining like hell.

I am confused about the standing technique though. Many people advice to remain seated during climbs & maintain a steady pace so as not to exhaust yourself too quickly. But if the gradient is too steep, it becomes a necessity I guess.

[TruToneTube]

@madascene99

Standing is good for using different muscle groups, which helps with fatigue. Also good for getting over short steep kick-ups, but good standing technique is everything.

[Fyawnym]

I think you can't stress enough how important it is to stay relaxed. I remember my first attempts to climb a mountain. I went far too quick and completely exhausted myself one third up - a very embarrassing experience.

[rapperzondernaam]

I've climbed the Mont Ventoux this summer. My first mountain, first drive on a professionals carbon bike.. Allthough the bike was featherlight, I expected to fly up the mountain... but only got an 10,8 km average, I gave it my all. Still, looking at tour de france etappes it always seemed so effortless to me.. But it all costs sooooo much energy.. cool vid

[MrLiamwhitby]

This is an epic video mate thank you helped a lot ... can you do a video about changing gears

[BikerVincennes]

donne moi ton vélo, et je fais rêver les gens sans télévision ou internet

[OHNGAI]

the guy you pass has straight bars...... moron

[oldguitardude]

Beautiful place.

[JuanVoyce]

One technique I use on steep inclines is getting off the bike and walking.

[exxcalibur1973]

So basically, whatever works for you. Cool beans.

[dooglesmoogle]

2:18 passing him... LIKE A BOSS

[PedalChicBoutique]

Good to know!  Thanks for the instruction!

[ksatriakmal]

I'm selling ebook providing guides on how to become an excellent cyclist. mail me if u want to subscribe the ebook. my email- ksatriakmal@yahoo.com.

contact me if u need one

[leong111]

My most amazing cycling feats

[BorderRebels]

Inspiring! Now for some practice...

[MYTRB]

fuck that, my legs burn up then i'll probably stack, and yeah a 6kg bike will probably help too.

[1414mwh]

Where was this filmed?

[oojonioo]

@1414mwh

pretty sure its  in switzerland, somewhere in the alps

[davidzof]

@oojonioo The mountains are obviously the Dolomites in Italy but near the end you see he is climbing the Giau pass. Great Italian roads.

[skypejacker1]

0:55 . THAT WHAT SHE SAID!

[joejoesasleepyhead]

and a 4,000 dollar bike helps, we need a vid like this rockin' a fixie through san fran

[SuperOlds88]

nice video

[gmarte12]

the technique that i use is called a Suzuki 400SM ...

[kjbarca10717]

shit quality

[micktrainor92]

@kjbarca10717 i wonder why. Always look at when it was uploaded before you make a comment like that.

[IamAWSOMEftw]

i used to cycle on step mountains last time now im fat -.-

[ottogunsche]

This guy makes climbing look far too easy.

[forhope5]

Its simple use EPO or contaminated steak

[bobans]

@forhope5 Contaminated steak. Ha Ha

Nice one. Just like Contador

[ledbelly707]

@forhope5 thanks Clenbutador!

[Trigz85]

@forhope5 Yea, great way to sustain performance is to increase risk of hypertension and heart attack.....especially when putting your heart under strain..fully agree there.

[titanium1228]

hello there. cycle film.

i have a question for you... i ride and train almost every day on mountains. but i use a mountain bike.

my question. is. should i go for heavy gear. or should i use the spinning technique

i just want to improve myself. on hill clibs. any suggestions

[martijntjuh191]

@titanium1228 just do what's natural to you. try some different gears, and just feel comfortable.

[gmarte12]

@titanium1228

i know you did not address that comment to me, but i am going to respond anyway as a mtb racer. the right answer is: "it depends". use hard gears when climbing out of the saddle then spin when you are in the saddle. when it is loose over hardpack, i like to spin to avoid losing traction. however, climb out of your saddle to give your other muscles a rest and use different muscle in that way you give those "spinning muscles" a time to catch up with nutrient and oxygen loading

[tazio2]

@whelan1999 congratulations on your cycling success and keep up the good work! I read about it on the Lucan cycling website

[whelan1999]

@tazio2 thanks! :D

[MrYamaha924]

Thumbs up if you use gu or hammer gel!

[seacowcorby]

Tip 1 should have been "Loss 10 pounds".

[TimpBizkit]

I just do 300 watts 90rpm. North of 90 I tend to lose some efficiency tested when I got tired faster at level 14 96rpm (breathing a bit more, legs jelly) than level 15 90rpm trying to make 300 watts on a Gym Bike. I take a triple chainring and hardly ever get out of the saddle apart from to relieve soreness. For me, standing works best at 60-70 rpm otherwise I can't transfer weight over fast enough and absorb power in the other leg.

[hagenar]

If you have to ask, you're probably pushing too high a gear.

[Marieflorre]

Ride the smoothiest gear for your knees

[BrundukasLT]

@Marieflorre or what can happen?

[Marieflorre]

@BrundukasLT

Your feet could be stuck inside the strapped pedals.It's more easy disengage the feet if you use clipless pedals.

[popusimikitu]

i prefer shifting into a higher gear and standing up, pushing myself if I have enough energy left.. rather than shifting into lower gear and probably losing speed..

[kasrkinmullet]

Thankfully we have some pretty good canyons here in Utah

[Fudgular]

Do you use clip pedals? is your opinion of Clip pedals? I'm looking to get a road bike soon, and i'm not sure if i should use clip pedals.

[Lax1996chris]

@Fudgular The advantage of clipless pedals is that while when riding with out them, your source of power is derived from the leg pushing down one either one of the peadals alowing you some power, clipless pedals or clip pedals alow you to push down on one side and pull up on the other alowing you greater spead and power while also alowing you to keep your body from shifting back and forth so much. Riding clipless is the best way to derive power from your legs. most competitive cylists ride clip.

[Fudgular]

@Lax1996chris  Thanks a lot :)

[Lax1996chris]

@Fudgular no problem, any time

[Marieflorre]

@Lax1996chris

Exactly .it's also called pedaling "in cercle"

Very efficient technique when pushing a big gear ou climbing mountain but you can use it all the time.It's not an intuitive technique so you need to practice.You can use strapped pedal too to obtain the circle effect but I don't recommand it because straps are dangerous if you need to stop in a hurry.

[samstterhamstteer]

Just like he says its different for other people, i have more of a body type like this dude and just like he says im off the saddle for much longer most likely because we can support our body weight while standing cause we weigh less, when i ride with friends they have much larger legs and weigh more and our riding style and gears we are in change. Just like he says on the vid best thing to do is experience the more you ride the more your going to know what gears and how you need to be positiond

[s0012823]

Correction on my last post: An easier gear will lead to a lhigher heart rate, but not to a faster climb.

[SourNaik]

I think a lot of it also matters on your body physique. for example I am a 240 lb clyde who would not have enough power (As of right now) to be on my saddle pedaling up a steep hill!

[s0012823]

A cadans about 70-75RPM is the best for an amateur. Don't expect to do 90RPM like the pro's because that will put your heartrate up too much compared to your leg strength.

[gabeah]

@s0012823 you are absolutely incorrect. firstly, the word is cadence, not cadans. secondly, any new rider is perfectly cable of spinning 80-90rpm without risk of overstressing the heart. the primary driver of heart rate is terrain and gear selection. for any given terrain, an easier gear will lead to a faster cadence, and an easier gear leads to a lower heart rate, not a higher one.

[s0012823]

@gabeah

I forgot to mention only this movie when climbing. When on flat, I do a cadence of 95. But in the mountains with 10%, an amateur doesn''t have enough hearthpower to do 95 circulations because the heartrate will climb really fast. An easier gear will lead to a lower heart rate, but not to a faster climb. When an amateur climbs a serious hill like Alp d:Huez with an cadence of 90, it will be easier, but not faster. 75 is better to use more legpower.

[KamikazeKoscki]

Love it! Being in the Mountains is incredible!

[KopileMrTvo]

I love mountains but first i say i will own that climb... than when i start going up my legs die on me ! yesterday i totaly owned my 4 best friends on a climb because i didnt think about any thing except " i will own that climb " it was about 9% climb i keep my speed at 20 km/h i totaly dropped them , and for a second i stoped moving my legs and i just started to slow slow and slow  . then i started to think " i cant do it " i felt pain and 5 minutes later they pass me !

[growchronic]

really enjoyed that vid cheers

[Morhadie]

double/triple is the cranks setup, double or compact means you have two gears in the front while for triple you have 3 gears.

[CHIL2MAKEFUN]

If i was willing to climb a mountaon as a beginner which one would you suggest?

[GREALDO21]

@CHIL2MAKEFUN

the himalayas... =P

[Nosillla]

To have better hill climb power, do HEAVY squats and deadlifts. It will build your glutes and legs more than riding could. Then when the time comes for hill climbing, it will be a little bit easier.

[michasvn]

@Nosillla If you use weight lifting it won´t help you much on a long mountain as modt weight lifting only stimulates the muscel types which produce a lot in a short time. You need to optimice your AT which you do by working 6-10 minutes with everything you can.

[breitsch]

@michasvn That's true. Raw power isn't everything if one cannot deliver it over a certain amount of time, but for building strength, heavy and low rep weight training is the way to go. To sustain this power over time, I train with high reps and high weight as to keep intensity high. Doing high reps, but not exhausting or "using" your legs is an absolute waste of air. What I wouldn't recommend is using heavy gears while climbing, as this puts a lot of strain on your knee-joints.

[shiturcool]

spinners are winners :P

[PardonMonFrancais]

check out "IamAustinCarroll" for great vlogs about a professional cyclist, he's awesome!

[pojan995]

This Video really2 HELPFULL,now my way to climb mountain is relax,breathing n cadieance... :),n now i is climber rider!!!not sprinter....love mountain =D

[aCaptainJackSparrow]

yea good tips but you forgot to mention a $10,000 bike will help

[gamesbok]

Why are we listening to Jenson Button about cycling?

[TimpBizkit]

@gamesbok cause he is superhuman and his formula one car is actually pedal powered! lol

[dopekick]

@gamesbok He's a triathlete.

[IgoOrLee]

I hate hills -.-

[yetibiker08]

First off look at the rider crossing the "double yellow line" on his descent, that is illegal and if he got hit by a car he would be at fault and I have no sympathy for idiots riding and breaking the law. Why don't you trainers apply common sense in these videos what you are promoting is illegal riding and these people are going to ride like the people in the video. Don't you get it posting these videos promotes bad riding people cutting corners, not following the rules of the road.

[ATB990]

if your a heavier rider your best bet is to climb with your hips over your BB, here is hips are slightly more forward which i would argue is biomechanically ineffective. you want to activate your glutes and use your weight, it takes about 2 years of standing out of the saddle to properly use your weight, it is very difficult and even lance said he never stopped learning how to pedal more effeciently... Look at pantani's videos and pause when hes standing, his hips are over his BB when he stands

[alexapirot32]

What avg. speed do you get on the climbs?

[vulva45]

best part of going up hill is going back down the other side

[niniowa20]

hey, what's up? I just wanted to ask, if what size of bike should I get? I stand 5'7" tall with 29-30 inseem some guy on the bike shop told me that I should get 50 cm frame bike.. tnx..

[markmarkmark650]

@niniowa20 you should get a 54cm frame

[Metalacful]

is cycling bad for back?

[partidroid]

Very useful info, now its time to jump on my bike and eat up the hills. Thanks.

[egpamatmat]

Very helpfull!

[MistaTSluss]

Mountain riding with my fixie is an absolutely terrifying idea. haha

[dantastic15]

A good tip to help stop your arms locking is to buy a shorter stem. I was cycling on a 120mm and moved down to a 100mm and it really made a difference!

[Tratatai]

Damn it , the fact that ill need to wait about a month till i can ride my bike makes me sad. The winter here doesn't even think about getting away yet. ;_;

[OFFENSIVEWORDS]

You have inspired me to go climb some mountains. Sincerly a beginner fat guy.

[elgoose2003]

does cycling makes an adult to grow longer legs?

[chrisbear08]

@elgoose2003 Is this a serious question?

[elgoose2003]

@chrisbear08 yes it is a serious question  It has been suggested that cycling with raised saddle seat for 18 to 20 miles everyday would increase the shinbone length by 1/4 inch every 2 or 3 weeks. It's very difficult but someone out there should experiment & report back their progress! if anyone knows that this works for making legs longer

[chrisbear08]

@elgoose2003 Well no it doesn't. On average a person stop growing at age 21. This means all the bones, ligaments ect are done growing! Rasing the seat to often will ensure injury and overuse. I've been cycling now for 3 years (or 156wks) I've starting cycling at 5.9, 3 years after I still measure 5.9.

[elgoose2003]

@chrisbear08 but have you been raising your seat were your toes could barely touch the pedals because thats what makes your legs to grow the stretching and the force constantly doing it

[aphididae]

@elgoose2003 I rode for a while with a too low saddle (opposite of what you're suggesting). all I got is knee pain.

a too high seat causes similar problems, but of course different.

[rollipolioli]

damn your lucky.. i live in the city :(

[mapatriciaelisse]

he's riding a supersix, not a caad9

[merkyourfaceoff]

stay off the road you fagoot!!!! you PISS ME OFF!!!!!! FUCK YOU !! stay on the SIDEWALKS!!!

[lysysloik]

@merkyourfaceoff

go by foot instead driving a car

[baroh2413]

2:22 LOL... you gave him a reality check

[pumpkinzer0]

6 people who watched this video are car drivers :p

[Jeffatonians]

it looks so easy when he does it

[aj3071]

I just big ring the whole thing(: LOL

[mekore]

it may be dangerous, but listening to music helps a lot for me : )

[chenshiwei]

@mekore If you're using earphones I'd advise against it. Cycling while listening to earphones is highly discouraged.

[camaroblackmatte]

@chenshiwei depends on that person's character, I used headphones last summer on the biggest heat, 32..35 degrees Celsius (with 4 kilos of water in my backpack, killed the bike, my weight is 92 :))), and it was very encouraging on climbing the most, but if you're listening heavymetal or opera you're most likely to hit the incoming traffic =))))))) ... if you're reffering to Cycling as training for competitions, I totally agree with you ;)

[camaroblackmatte]

@chenshiwei depends on that person's character, I used headphones last summer on the biggest heat, 32..35 degrees Celsius (with 4 kilos of water in my backpack, killed the bike, my weight is 92 :))), and it was very encouraging on climbing the most, but if you're listening heavymetal or opera you're most likely to hit the incoming traffic =))))))) ... if you're reffering to Cycling as training for competitions, I totally agree with you ;)

[cerealrulz]

You look quite euro for a british guy o.O

[TimpBizkit]

That style of bike looks like it doesn't have low enough gears to use my preferred technique.

[TimpBizkit]

My two preferred techniques for steep bits of hill are to sit in the saddle and spin really fast in a low gear (up to 110 rpm), or to stand out of the saddle (at about 65-75 rpm max), locking the leg that's on the pedal going down, pulling slightly with my arm to increase the weight on the pedal whilst pulling up with the other leg. I make sure that any weight is off the pedal by 6 o'clock in the stroke. I don't want to waste any power dissipating in the muscles as my leg bends.

[xWHITExEAGLEx]

This was a very helpful video, I think I really need a good roadbike.

[xWHITExEAGLEx]

@mpbaker22 Yeah, haha I live in Scotland and use my dad's mountain bike to visit my friends in surrounding villages, around 12 miles there and back on average. I'm 17 and not unfit but I was just coming up the valley into my village from the river-crossing, a 1 mile climb, going like 10mph and breathing heavy and then a guy like this just passes me by with ease, giving me a casual "How's it going?" before cruising off, and I'm like, how?!??!

[TurkiyeCumhurbaskani]

I like climbing because I enjoy descending

[pdunklau]

just dont let your bike move left to right as you go cause that waists valuble energy in time trials

[lemo00x]

Lance is better than all

[bubbanumbertwo]

Keys to climbing

A. Be skinny

B. Be athletically superior

C. Put the bike in a high gear and pedal it really fast

[imlatinoguy]

My tip for mountains, avoid mountains.

[yhghgyu]

Latino wives alone and try to chat her rockmycity.info

[lemo00x]

lance armstrong is better than you

[ocf1fan1]

@lemo00x Alberto Contador is better than Lance.

[TimpBizkit]

@ocf1fan1 I think Lance has more overall power, so he might be slightly faster on flat and downhill. But Alberto is so light (60kgs) compared to Lance (75kgs) and has a better power to weight ratio that will leave Lance behind in the mountains. Also Lance is getting older now, and might just be beginning to descend the 'mountain' of fitness.

[cerealrulz]

>Keep on top of the gear< That's some good advice there well done mate =]

[pojan995]

wat gear should i use???lowest???medium or higher???

[cyclefilm]

@pojan995 @fizzhogg a 'gear getting on top of you' just means you're probably pushing too hard and should rather go to a lower 'easier' gear and spin more. however, this is different for each rider. Jan Ullrich loved the big gears while Lance was better in lower gears, but dont imitate the pros, ride the gear that 'feels' most natural to YOU. There are no rules, just guidelines. Ride lots, ride save.

[IROCK80551]

@cyclefilm I like to use my highest gears but couldnt that have an affect on your knees after awhile?

[pdunklau]

@pojan995 your gonna want to find a lower gear that you arent pedling to fast and you arent pedling so slow that you stall backwards so id probaly say between a medium and a low

[mrakovc]

@pojan995 you shouldn't look at the gear but the cadence if possible you should keep it high like the rider in the video but if you ride 100% it is normal that at the end when you're tired you're cadence drops drastic

[boazmoss]

@pojan995 Use kamann Ghia........

[boazmoss]

@pojan995 Use kamann Ghia :)

[hasans]

@pojan995 find your pace, make yourself comfortable when climbing and don't care if you're going at 5mph or 15mph... just keep pedalling...

[fizzhogg]

This is great stuff, thanks. One question from a newbie - what do you mean by "the gear gets on top of you"?

[ctrlaltdlt01]

excellent video

[mpbaker22]

does anyone else love how he passes the guy on the other bike ... just blows by him. I know the guy obviously isn't serious about biking, but passing people like that feels awesome ... while getting passed like that kind of sucks

[hannah4352]

OMG where is this at????

[hannah4352]

OMG

[boringgrass]

is this bad for your back?

[Bhousm76]

@boringgrass

its not bad if you have proper form..serious pain is caused from improper form.

[uzisuicid3]

Life gets happy when you have a 'favorite climb'

[mightyPants]

i think my legs are burning just from watching this video :)

[gizmoshere]

as allways great tips, I always lean towards bars on steep hills really helps... Thankyou

[POOKNAHOON]

Nice tip, many thanks.

[gmspeedfreak]

hmmm I would prefer 720 pixels please

[cyclefilm]

@gmspeedfreak High res version of all 5 Survival Guides on Vimeo. Please see link in video description. This video was uploaded in 2007 - long before YouTube offered high quality conversions. A YouTube replacement feature to upgrade older videos would also be nice!

[joshor123]

@gmspeedfreak stop moaning

[LaxRacerX]

@gmspeedfreak it not pixels its how the viseo is put out not pixels