Tips on making it up steep section of hill?

[mariacycle]

Out of curiosity why the loose grip on handlebars while seated up the hills? I have a death grip on my handlebars when I'm going up hills

[indysteel]

Out of curiosity why the loose grip on handlebars while seated up the hills? I have a death grip on my handlebars when I'm going up hills

It helps (some) to stay loose and relaxed when they're climbing, especially during a long and/or steep climb when the best way up is to remain patient. A death grip often means your that whole upper body is tense.

[mariacycle]

Ah that makes sense, thanks! I once read someone describing going up hills by "pulling" the handlebars towards herself (I think it was on TE?) and have found that to work for me psychologically, but not on massive hills. I think your reasoning perfectly explains why.

[SheFly]

If you have a death grip on the bars, you are also likely pulling, which is using more energy. Keeping a loose touch allows you to focus your energy in your legs. Like I said, I literally put my hands on the tops of the bars, simply resting there. This also puts you in a more upright position, opening up your lungs.

SheFly