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Video: Climb Anything 7

Master steep and technical climbs with these training tips.

Ben Strength Factory
8/7/2024 5:06am
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Steep and technical climbs can be a really fun and challenging part of any trail ride, requiring a blend of pedal power, skill and commitment to clean them. If any of those 3 are lacking then you probably won't make it.

In this latest video, Coach Ben from The Strength Factory gives you 8 riding and training tips so you can climb anything......

7 comments

View replies to: Video: Climb Anything

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Ben Strength Factory
3 months ago

Yeah, fair one. I get that more on my E-Bike but it does happen.

That is more of a technique and setup thing then. 

Here are a few thoughts.... Don't use a lockout or climb switch. If steep, tech climbs are a regular feature of your rides then maybe a heavier, grippier tyre and lower pressures might help. Also try the saddle slightly down tip and remain seated. Then it's just about weight forward and back balance to keep the front down and rear gripping!

Lowering the front end (bars) can also help a lot, but personally I wouldn't compromise descending performance for better tech climbing unless your riding/racing goals dictate.

Cheers. Ben

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hamncheez2003
3 months ago

Those are all great suggestions. 

For me, however, to narrow down my question, is how can I improve my technique to maintain traction, especially given your advice to stand up more!

When you said we used to stand up more to climb back in the day before steep seat tube angles and droppers, that really resonated. Nowadays, I rarely stand because the steep seat tubes of modern bike already have your hips in a good place, mass adoption of 29er rear wheels, etc. 

I remember in the past standing up on pretty much every tough climb, while nowadays if I do the extra torque always seems to break traction, despite 29ers, supposedly better tire technology, no longer being poor and running a tire long past its wear life, etc. The only thing remaining is that my technique has gotten worse. 

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dunnem8
3 months ago

Hi Ben, nice video with some super tips. For strength/power training, how do you balance this with frequent riding? Ideally I want to strength train a body part twice a week. I can do leg work in the morning and do a ride in the evening but it does limit how far I can go on the bike then. If I do leg work one day, riding the next, my legs are still not recovered so they're a bit sore but I can push on. Only problem is then I need 1-2 days to recover which then knocks off a second day of strength training.

 

I have tried doing a Monday (strength), Wednesday (ride), Thursday (strength), Saturday (ride) schedule but after 1-2 weeks i'm then far too fatigued and either cannot progress in the strength training (lowering to 70%-80% weight/volume) or too tired to do any meaningful km's on the bike . 

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Ben Strength Factory
3 months ago

Hey mate, this can be a really tricky balancing act. Here are a few thoughts that may help.......

1. Accept that in the short term your riding will be affected due to soreness and fatigue as you get used to regular training. Once you get used to it, you will be able to tolerate more and will recover quicker. So short term it is a loss, but in the long term you are fitter/stronger.

2. Make sure you are getting enough sleep, calories and protein to promote proper recovery from both strength training and bike time. Aim for about 2 grams of protein per kg of bodyweight (assuming healthy body weight) and make sure that if you increase the total amount of activity (riding and training) that you also increase calories to match.

3. Try doing full body training sessions with a bit less training volume for the legs and then build it up more gradually. 

4. That weekly split looks great to me if you can just tweak the recovery a bit better to make it sustainable.

5. Not sure how old you are, but it is worth checking out my Over 40s MTB Program for a different approach to your training: https://thestrengthfactory.uk/over-40s-programme/ 

Ben

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