How to get better at mountain biking up-hill?

Question

Well, I was out mountain biking with some friends today and i can bike great downhill, but i realized I was eating everyone's dust going up hill. And it was really quite embarrassing. My question is: How can I increase my stamina and endurance so I can ride up-hill more easily. can anyone suggest a good exercise plan to start on so I can keep up with my friends?

Answer 1

just practice, use mid rinc and when your near the top change to smaller sprocket and then stand up and kick. good luck

Answer 2

The simple answer is to spend more time on your bike because improving the tone and condition of your quadruceps as well as your aerobic fitness level is the only means of improving your performance. Doing a few squats and leg presses in the gym to increase muscle mass wouldn't do any harm either. I think the answer above about the road bike makes a reasonable point. I use both a road bike and a mountain bike and I definitely feel that using my road bike boosts my level of aerobic fitness far more than using my mountain bike.

Answer 3

A lot of mountain bikers aren't going to like this answer, but here it is: train on the road -- on a road bike.

The reason that an American hasn't won a mountain bike championship in years is that the Europeans all train on the road.

That's the way to get championship stamina

I'm mainly a roadie but I do own and sometimes ride 2 mountain bikes.  For years the younger mountain bike rides have asked me why they can't stay with me on the steep climbs.  I tell them all the same thing I'm telling you.

Answer 4

If you have a full suspension bike, get a hardtail.

It also takes technique... ask your friends about how THEY get up hills so well and to show you.

Strength has a lot to do with it as well...