Holding a Bike While On a Hill

Holding a Bike While On a Hill

by Becky
(B.C.)

I'm into my 4th season of riding and I still get nervous when I have to hold my bike on a steep hill in fear of stalling it and not being able to get it going and rolling back or tipping it, the scenarios go on in my head. I've ridden on all sorts of conditions and put lots and lots of miles in and somehow managed to avoid stopping on steep hills but I know I'll have to face it one day.

I just bought a new bike that is a bit higher so I don't have as much of my foot down so now I'm really worried. There must be a technique to holding the bike on a hill that I just haven't mastered. I'd appreciate some female advise as my husband just thinks I worry about it for nothing and I seem to have a learning block when he explains how he does it. The thought of having to go really slow up a steep hill and having to stop a few times with all the weight under me is making me very nervous. I did take the course but I just can't seem to get the knack on a big bike, maybe I should get a private lesson on this.

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Holding a Bike While On a Hill

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May 04, 2011

I have lots of practice at this!
by: Shannon

OK - I ride dirt and am somewhat notorious for killing my bike in the middle of steep, slick hills...lots and lots of practice getting my bike restarted in the middle of hills with no traction! WHOO HOOO!

Here is what I do:

Push yourself up the seat as far as possible (hug the tank with your knees). Get yourself as flat footed as possible. Lean over the handle bars remember, the power comes from the back of the bike - if you snap the throttle and pop the clutch you risk a wheelie - obviously this is more of a dirt bike issue than a street bike issue, but something to keep in the back of your head. Pushing your weight over the handlebars helps balance the weight at take off. Hold the front break with your ring finger and your pinkie finger. Use your thumb, pointer and middle finger to control the throttle. Find the sweet spot on the clutch and start rolling the throttle. At the same time roll yourself up on your toes moving the bike forward - the momentum will help the bike start moving easier. Obviously this is a clutch, break, throttle dance, but if gets pretty comfortable after you practice it. You can actually practice on a flat area to get the "feel".

Again - I have had lots (and lots) of practice doing this - this is what seems to work best for me.

Good luck!

May 04, 2011

Use the Rear Brake
by: Wanda

Use the rear brake to hold your position. As you ease out on the clutch lever, give it more throttle than you would on a flat surface. You can tell when the bike is going to move forward and completely release the rear brake. Practice. You'll conquer your fear in no time.

May 04, 2011

Inclines
by: Twisted

I have the same issue, and dread hill stops. My boyfriend helps me practice on inclines (which I need to work on again this summer), so when stuck in this situation, I'll be better prepared.

May 04, 2011

Hill Starts n Stops
by: Robin_uganda

Hi there. If you're used to driving a car, it's the equivalent of doing a hand-brake start, only you use your foot brake. Then you have both hands free, to begin the normal start as you go up hill, by releasing the foot brake slowly. Just don't use your handbrake, and you'll be fine.

For high bikes though (my seat is 37") a slope sideways is really not pleasant, and I look ahead & stop at an angle that would avoid that happening. Maybe someone could give us both some tips on that, for dual sports.

Keep at it--practice on a smaller slope with no 'audience' till you get confident. Cheers

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