power question

[KnottedYet]

It happens to me if I yank on the bars while pushing on the pedals. If I lighten up on the bars ("playing piano"), drop down a gear, and concentrate on just using my legs to power up the hill I seem to be more efficient.

But then, my idea of powering up a hill is 26T chainring and 34T cog and 5 mph...

[Wahine]

I assume we're talking about road riding here??

If so I would try to do what Knott said. Play with your gearing and get better control in the saddle.

In mountain biking on steep pitches you actually have to drop you chest towards the handle bars in order to keep enough weight on the front wheel. I imagine you could do the same with a road bike but you should still be feathering the handlebars as much as possible.

[Thorn]

I have this problem when the road gets really steep.

But, I read somewhere that if the bike isn't fit properly that this will happen. I believe it was something about if the bike is too long that your center of gravity is too far back, causing the front end to pick up on hills. It also affects the stability going down hills. So, besides what Knotted said, you might want to check the fit (or wait until one of the gurus comes on and tells me I shouldn't believe everything I read? I can be so gullible )

[RoadRaven]

None of us in the house have had this happen to us, but the first response from my partner when I asked about your post is

"it sounds like the frame is too big for her"

He also suggests shifting your seat further forward and put a longer stem on the front to shift your centre of gravity further forward.

Good luck

EDITED: My partner says he has had the front wheel lift on a climb before, but its on a REALLY steep climb, and only when he is seated.
(REALLY steep being a 15% or more climb)