While some mountain bikers prefer high-speed maneuvers on downhill courses, others prefer the challenge of climbing steep hills off-road. Improving your uphill pedaling technique allows you to ascend faster while exerting the minimal amount of necessary energy. Many mountain bikers utilize a set of clipless pedals to prevent their shoes from slipping during uphill climbs. Clipless bike pedals feature a retention spring that secures your mountain bike shoes in place.
Step 1
Hold on to the top tube and seat of your mountain bike while lifting it off the ground. Align the seat post of your mountain bike into the clamp of a repair stand.
Step 2
Close the jaws of the clamp to secure your mountain bike in place.
Step 3
Remove your stock pedals by loosening the bolts with a 15-mm wrench.
Step 4
Place a set of clipless pedals onto the crank arms of your mountain bike, and tighten the corresponding bolts. Rotate the new pedals to ensure the installation has been a success.
Step 5
Remove your mountain bike from the repair stand, and lower the tires onto the ground.
Step 6
Put on a pair of clipless mountain bike shoes with cleats. Tighten the laces or straps to ensure your shoes have a snug yet comfortable fit.
Step 7
Sit on the seat of your mountain bike with your shoes flat on the ground. Align the shoe of your dominant foot over the clipless bike pedal. Apply downward pressure to insert the shoe's cleat into the retention spring of the pedal.
Step 8
Push the pedal forward to propel your mountain bike forward. Insert the cleat of your opposing shoe into the pedal as you reach a comfortable momentum.
Step 9
Extend your legs to stand above the mountain bike seat as you approach a steep hill in the terrain.
Step 10
Pull back on the right shifter of your mountain bike to move the chain to the lowest gear.
Step 11
Lean forward over the handlebars as you begin to ascend the hill.
Step 12
Push the clipless pedals forward in a rhythmic motion to maintain your momentum throughout the climb.
Things You'll Need
- Repair stand
- 15-mm pedal wrench
- Clipless mountain bike pedals
- Clipless mountain bike shoes with cleats
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