How to become a faster climber

[atombessy]

Another Juliana rider here I love my bike but it's probably not the fastest climber around. I got better at hills doing hill repeats, long slow ones and short steep ones. Keep working at it! you'll catch them eventually!

[Aggie_Ama]

I bought a new bike. Seriously, I was a terrible climber then I got my Gary Fisher. I wish I could take credit for training but I give my bike the credit. Plus my bike fits like a glove (which my other was just good enough) and I think having the good fit had given me a lot of confidence. The only thing I can think is I ran to train for a half marathon in the early spring so maybe my cardio is more endurance suited? DH does hill repeats on a long climb, some ledges, some steeper parts. Just a great training hill. Others I ride with said they improve by just trying and trying again, riding lots.

[loveaz]

I had the same problem and swore I wasn't in that bad of shape - turns out I wasn't, it was the bike. I retired my Specialized Stumpjumper and purchased a Scott Scale 29er - what a huge difference! I couldn't believe how much harder I was working than everyone else! It's not necessarily a weight issue, because although the components and frame are a little lighter then my Specialized, the 29 wheels and hydraulic brakes puts it about the same. However, having the 29 wheels makes a HUGE difference in my climbing abilities. It gave me so much confidence that I realized my new potential and started hitting the strength and cross training - now I love climbing

[jessmarimba]

I'll second the 29er But if you aren't ready for that, definitely make sure the bike is fitted perfectly. My old one, it turns out, was just...wrong...for me, and I couldn't get the weight far enough forward on uphills (or far enough back on downs) and I had no speed in either direction. I didn't know a bike with a rider could roll that slowly down a hill.

Also, do what you can to get into a rhythm and try to focus on your breathing. Steady breathing usually leads to steady and consistent climbing which lets your body learn to get faster easier.

Good luck!