Short and Steep

Sharp inclines are best tackled aggressively.

Gearing
Start in the same gear as on the flats, but be prepared to shift quickly and often to maintain cadence.

Cadence
Maintain a lower-than-normal cadence of 60 to 70 rpm. Spinning will cost you momentum on the steeps. You want to hammer the pedals.

Effort
Go hard. Conquer these pitches as fast as possible.

Body Position
Stand in the attack position, hands on hoods, body crouched. If seated, put your hands on the bar tops to open your chest and slide back slightly in the seat for maximum pedaling leverage.

Depending on the climb length, you’ll either stand the whole time or alternate seated and standing. Stand when the gradient pitches up; sit when it backs off a notch, but keep the cadence consistent.

Additional tip: Don’t pull a Schleck: When shifting, ease off the pedals a bit; the reduced tension will speed the shift and keep the chain in place.

READ MORE ON: hills Skills