5 Things Every Cyclist Should Know
Long climbs have a reputation for being all about strength, suffering and expensive bikes. But the truth is that climbing well is less complicated than many cyclists think. Here are five things that really make a difference when the road points upwards.
1. Forget the obsession with 90rpm
There is no magic cadence for climbing. While 90rpm might be comfortable on the flat, forcing yourself to maintain it on a long climb can increase oxygen demand and energy consumption.
A cadence of around 70–80rpm can often be more efficient when climbing. Watch the pros on long mountain passes and you’ll regularly see them riding in this range. Find the cadence that feels sustainable rather than chasing a number.
2. Slow rides build faster climbs
Want to climb faster? Spend more time riding slowly. Around 80% of your training should be easy, with 20% hard.
If you can hold a conversation while riding, you’re probably working around Zone 2 — exactly where you should be for much of your endurance training. Building your aerobic engine makes it easier to sustain power when the gradient gets serious.
3. Weight matters more than bike upgrades
On a climb, gravity doesn’t care how much you paid for your bike. One kilogram of body weight can make a meaningful difference over a long ascent, and losing body weight generally delivers far more climbing benefit than spending thousands on a lighter bike.
A 5% improvement in FTP is roughly equivalent to a 5% reduction in weight for your power-to-weight ratio. That carbon upgrade might save seconds; losing unnecessary body weight can save minutes.
4. Pace the bottom — not the top
One of the biggest climbing mistakes is attacking the first kilometre.
Start around 10% below your target effort and let the climb come to you. If the first section feels almost too easy, you’re probably getting it right. The riders who pace themselves well often pass those who exploded on the opening ramps later in the climb.
5. You only get better at climbing by climbing
It’s simple: practice makes perfect.
If you always avoid hills because they’re hard, you’ll never become comfortable climbing them. Add climbs to your regular rides. Ride them slowly, ride them hard, experiment with cadence and learn how your body responds.
The secret to climbing isn’t avoiding the pain — it’s learning how to manage it.
Summary
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