Mountain Biking - Preventing rear wheel spin out

On this one steep grade hill with gravel road I cannot seem to be able to make it through because my back wheel spins out too much.

I do not stand up, I sit down to get more rear traction and I push my weight back. I also try to keep my cadence high to get a good momentum and avoid very strong power strokes.

What other strategies would help me to make it through?

On climbs, keeping your weight in the right place can be difficult. If you're too far back, the front end hops due to your torque strokes, particularly in very low gears. If you're too far forward, the rear end loses traction. I find I get a good balance by trying to draw my nose down toward my stem, which usually leaves me sitting on the nose of the seat.

I tend to climb better using the middle chainring. This reduces the torque "spiking" associated with pedalling in the granny gear, so the front end isn't as prone to hopping. The reduced torque spikes also make it harder to accidentally break the rear tire loose. Because the cranks are turning slower, I don't bob as much, which keeps the rear wheel weighted better. Because the cranks turn fewer times, I have an easier time coordinating if I need to avoid hitting a pedal on a rock, root, etc. If I stall out, it's much easier for me to get rolling in the higher gear for all of the same reasons.

I'm not abnormally strong, but if I can't climb something in my middle ring, I probably can't climb it, period. Especially if it's technical. Try it out... use a rear cog about two gears higher than you usually would.

How is your tire? Your rear tire may be inappropriate, overinflated or worn.

Originally posted by Amir R. Pakdel
On this one steep grade hill with gravel road I cannot seem to be able to make it through because my back wheel spins out too much.

I do not stand up, I sit down to get more rear traction and I push my weight back. I also try to keep my cadence high to get a good momentum and avoid very strong power strokes.

What other strategies would help me to make it through?

Also make sure (if you use clipless or straps) that you get a good pull on your upstroke. Good luck!

Try lowering the pressure in the rear tire. This, in combination with staying back on the saddle and trying to use the "hardest" gear you can will help to prevent spinning. Make sure the tread on the rear tire is in good shpe too. If you ride this same trail a lot, or have this problem a lot, try looking into a rear-specific tire. They can make a big difference. The Michelin XL, Michelin XL-S, and WTB velociraptor are the ones that I jave used.

Also, try pulling back and down slightly on the bars with each pedal stroke, as if you were "rowing" the bike. This often digs the rear tire in real well. Good luck with your solving the problem!!

A lot of people tend to put their weight forward and simultaneouly unweight the rear wheel.

Think of it this way, Stay seated, keep your back straight, but bend at the hips, not mid-back. This makes you feel like you're sticking your butt out, which is what you want to do! Tuck your elbows in and back and pull the handlebar toward your knees!

L8R