Riding uphill is one of the harder parts of gravel biking when landscapes get loose, steep, and unpredictable. According to Steven Rindner, unlike road riding, gravel, with a host of challenges, requires mastery of strategic riding techniques from riders to excel. Riders who can develop these techniques can not only conserve energy but also stay safer on their ride and enjoy the trip without any risk. To explore these techniques, keep reading.
Choose the Right Line
Selecting the ideal line is one of the first stages to climbing on gravel successfully. From one side of the road to the other, the surface might change unbelievably, making it challenging to find the right way to navigate. Riders need to observe the path ahead to find out the most dense or compacted route. Steer clear of looser or deeper areas that could cause wheels to sink or spin out.
Maintain a Seated Position
For traction on steep dirt hills, staying seated is essential. As with a road bike, it may be tempting to stand and pedal up a hill, but doing so frequently results in the back tire losing its traction and spinning out on uneven terrain. According to Steven Rindner, maintaining touch with the ground is facilitated by keeping weight over the back wheel when seated. In order to distribute weight equally without unduly putting excess weight on the back tire, a rider should stand for a brief period and lean forward.
Adjust Body Position
Although seated, the position of the body is still predominant. Positioning the torso slightly forward, without taking weight out of the saddle, assists in keeping the front wheel planted while sustaining the rear wheel grip. Gravel climbs often have sudden changes in slope, so staying balanced and adjusting posture to each small change in the terrain works best. Elbows and shoulders need to be relaxed and equally responsive to the feedback from the bicycle.
Choose the Right Gear Early
It’s important to choose the right equipment before the climb begins. A drivetrain can skip or stall if a cyclist shifts gears too late while climbing a steep gravel hill. Riders should ideally anticipate the climb and change gears while still moving forward. Gravel bikes often have wide-range cassettes, so make the most of them by pedaling smoothly rather than pushing hard.
Dial in Tire Pressure
Tire pressure is one area where many riders underestimate its effects on climbing. Everyone knows a little lower pressure means a little better traction, but a little lower pressure also leads to more contact area to the ground. For gravel climbs, a good range would probably be between 35–45 PSI, depending on rider weight, tire width, and terrain. Riders should try different air pressures to find the best compromise between traction and rolling resistance. Too much air causes bouncing and loss of control of the bike; too little pressure causes sluggish pedaling or pinch flats.
Keep it Smooth and Steady
Jerky movements cause loss of traction and drain energy. The key to a good climb on gravel is being smooth with circular movements of the pedals and riding at a steady pace. Riders should minimize the use of sudden accelerations or torquey movements that can break traction, especially of the rear tire.
To conclude, gravel climbing involves a combination of techniques and awareness of the terrain. By following the above tips and developing knowledge, riders can tackle loose and steep sections with confidence and control.
