Road Cycling Skills

How to: Use Your Gears When Cycling Uphill

Get in gear and enjoy the climbs

Be ready to shift up at the brow of the hill

Image: Brian Townsley
Get into the right chainring early... Image Richard Masoner / Cyclelicious
Use the descent to gain as much momentum as possible. Rain: optional. (Image: Peter Trimming)
That applies to you, too! (Image: Tejvan Pettinger)
Women's pedal strokes not as powerful?
Image: Brian Townsley
Over a sprint your heart rate won't react in time to register the effort. Image: Coda2

Be ready to shift up at the brow of the hill

You’re nearly there! Once the hill begins to flatten out, start to shift up in preparation for the beautiful flat plateau, or even better, the following descent – this will help you to power to the ‘finish line’ – wherever that may be.

Much of the battle when climbing is mental – check out these 15 tips to help you stay motivated.