Climbing on the S40

[Midnight]

Two boxes checked off for the S40. A couple of local climbs which are fairly tough but short that I’ve used for measuring progress around my area.

Paris Mountain in Greenville, SC, not terribly steep and a 15 - 20 minute climb for me usually. The climb has a kicker at the peak of 15% or so.

Glassy Mountain in Pickens, SC, a shorter climb of 15 minutes or so usually. What this climb lacks in distance it makes up for with grade. Multiple sections of 17-19% grade with poor pavement.

A little slower and than my fastest up on a conventional bike but - who cares!

for both.
Couldn’t be happier - S40 checks of any ride that I’ll do

 

[LarryOz]

Thanks for sharing Perry - great rides with great climbs - both conquered!

 

[M00se]

I have had my bike for 3 summers now and I still suck at climbing. Any suggestions on techniques?

 

[Midnight]

I have had my bike for 3 summers now and I still suck at climbing. Any suggestions on techniques?

Gears and cadence as much as possible for me. The steep 15+ % all I can do is gut it out by focusing on momentum and traction by making sure my weight doesn’t s keeping the wheel in contact with the ground and as smooth as possible power. I’m a spinner by nature so that helps me some.

Short - (165mm for me) 160 is on my V20c helps too. The elephant in the room is just keep doing it and get as light as possible.
I dropped some weight this year by a slightly better diet - 183 to 176. Doesn’t seem like a lot but it certainly helps and I seem to feel better on climbs.

 

[Frito Bandito]

Nice going Midnight. 7lbs is quite a bit and will surely have a measurable effect on climbing ability. Yep, gutting it out and spinning is the best way. I try to keep it as straight as possible because swerving drastically increases rolling resistance and destroys momentum. It's strange because nothing recommended to me on Youtube, Instagram, Reels... etc ever really goes into just how much power is lost in those. I know it's not easy to calculate but still.
The other day I was about 50 yards behind a DF rider near the end of both of our rides, and he was giving it the beans. I was too, and it took longer than usual to pass a roadie this time. He was out of the saddle and I was watching how he was throwing the bike from side to side. What impressed me was that he was still keeping it straight. If his wheels were wet at the time it wouldn't be so easy to see which was the front by just looking for the squiggly line.

 

[chicorider]

I have had my bike for 3 summers now and I still suck at climbing. Any suggestions on techniques?

Good advice from @Midnight and @Frito Bandito. When you say you "still suck at climbing," what does "suck" mean? Are you talking more about technique, or about the physical demands of climbing? Those are two slightly different conversations.