Q&A for How to Climb Steep Hills While Cycling

Exercises like walk-through lunges and split squats are great for building your lower body strength, especially in your glutes, quads, and hamstrings. You don’t have to use heavy weights for these types of exercises; instead, aim for higher reps to work on your muscular endurance, which is key for climbing hills. You can also do some small bicycle sprints, where you do short and intense cycling bursts, which will help increase your power and speed during climbs. And don't forget about your upper body; add some upper body exercises, like push-ups, pull-ups, and some light dumbbell work.

While climbing on your bike, keep your hydraulic lock locked to prevent skids. Keep your seat high as it helps in peddling in low gears (depending upon the incline and your comfort). Try to never stop peddling as you might not be able to get on your cycle again.

Usually when climbing, it's best to be in the small front ring and the largest back ring. If your cadence is about 100 rpm, then whatever gear you're in is fine. It depends on the road, but as long as your pedaling is at a level you're comfortable with, you're fine.

Dig your dominant foot into the pedal with all your weight, and then push hard with the other foot to get yourself going.

When you go very fast from the bottom up a steep hill it will take more time for friction to stop you and if you keep biking, your momentum will keep on going.

You can tell what kind of bike is being used by seeing what how big the wheels and the frame. If the wheel is smaller and thicker and heavier it's a mountain bike. A road bike is has bigger wheels but is skinnier and lighter.

There is no specific number. Try around with the different gears until you find one you like.

There is not an official technique to ease your walk up a hill, but you may want to lift your bike with your hands whilst walking so it's a few inches up from the ground so it'll be easier to carry.