How to Climb Steep Switchbacks

Tight switchbacks present a challenge on any trail but they become that little bit tougher when they are on a steep uphill grade. John Hardwick provides the tips.

1. As you approach the corner, scan the trail ahead and take note of how steep the turn is. Do your best to judge the gear required and select it now. Switchbacks commonly get steeper midway through the turn, so you should shift gears before the gradient increases— you don’t want to stall while trying to make a panicked shift under high pedal load. Your gear needs to be low enough to keep you moving through the steepest point whilst seated but not too low—you may find it harder to maintain your balance through the turn with an overly low gear.

 

2. Look through the corner to pick the best line before you begin to turn. You want to avoid any momentum stopping rocks or slippery tree roots as it is very easy to stall whilst climbing. Where the trail allows, swing wide on the entrance of the turn with the aim of straightening out the bend as much as possible. As you are climbing, your weight should be pulled forwards on the bike to keep the front tyre planted on the ground—any front wheel lift will see you going straight ahead and into the bush!

 

3. Unlike faster more flowing corners, low speed turns are done predominantly by turning your bars. The bike remains relatively upright throughout the turn and you don’t need to lean your body. By setting up a wide entrance to the corner in the previous step, your front wheel will track around the more gradual outer radius of the switchback. Your rear wheel will still cut in towards the steep inner part of the turn but at least your leading wheel is less likely to lose momentum.

 

4. Use a bit of effort to haul yourself up the steep part of the turn—this is where a well chosen moderate gear and some smoothly applied pedal power can help you to punch your way up the steepest pinch. Traction and balance are the key elements. On really steep switchbacks you need to pull your body right up over the front of the bike and perch yourself on the nose of the saddle. Sitting too far forward will cause your rear wheel to spin, too far back and your front tyre will lift or lose cornering grip—it is a delicate balancing act. Remaining light and fluent on the bike will allow you to adjust your weight placement as you go.

 

5.You may be past the steepest pinch on the switchback but it is not over yet—if anything this is the toughest part of the turn. By this stage your momentum has probably dropped, making your balance more precarious. Your front wheel could also be running wide on the exit and this may baulk your progress. Improving your low speed balance will help immensely with this tricky part of the turn. Practice going as slow as you can; get comfortable with coming to a standstill and pedalling out of it with control. Once your low speed control improves, line selection will also become easier. With more advanced line selection you can make use of the differing lines that your front and rear wheels take to avoid momentum sapping obstacles—note that I placed my front wheel on the outside of the root while my rear wheel is tracking to the inside.

 

6. As you exit the turn, straighten your handlebars in a smooth and controlled manner. Relax your upper body as much as possible and focus on the trail ahead. Climbing involves a lot of arm-work and you exert a lot of energy pulling your body weight forward. While you have to move your weight forward, it needs to be done evenly with both arms so you don’t wobble and veer off line. Mastering this low speed steering control and weight balance will have you conquering the toughest of switchback climbs like a pro!