Mountain Biking - Climbing Hills

Hey guys, I'm new to Mountain biking and I have a question.

I went on some trails near my house today, and they have some pretty steep climbs. I've been having a lot of trouble with these, not because I get too tired or my legs burn (both of which do happen) but because my front tire will just come straight up and I can't seem to keep it down. If I stand on the petals, then the back tire won't keep traction and it will spin in place a bit. So what I've been trying to do is sit down, but lean forward and just keep pumping up. I was able after about 10 attempts on one reeaaally steep section, to get some headway, I just rode hard and tried to stabalize as much as possible. Is there any way to make this easier? Does it have something to do with my rig? (specialized rockhopper). I don't know how much it matters but I'm about 5'9 155 lbs.
So I guess I'm just wondering if any of you more experienced riders have any tips for climbing.
thanks in advance
ScottG

Sit on the tip of your saddle to stay centered over the bottom bracket. It takes a bit of getting used to, but it vastly improves the climbing skills. This will help with your problems.

Also, try the climb with different gear ratios to find that perfect combo for that specific hill. Too easy a gear will force the front tire up.

Basically what jedi rider said.

Since you're new to the sport, it's going to take some time and practice until the techniques for this type of thing fell natural. In addition to what jedi said, you could trying "rowing" on the bars as you pedal up the hill. Each pedal stroke, pull back on the bars. This will will cause your rear tire to dig into the surface, giving you a little more traction. Also, don't forget about momentum. A little speed and hitting the hill with the right gear combo will get you up it a lot easier if you are having throuble picking your way up it slowly.

-Moab

Just to elaborate on Jedi's advice. A lot of newbies will shift into too easy a gear. This will cause you to spin out too soon. Try the same hill with one gear harder. The extra torque will keep your speed up and your tire nailed to the ground.

Drop your shoulders down as well. Keep your elbows tucked in vs. out to the side.

L8R

alright sounds good
thanks guys,
scott g

Oooh Ooooh, forgot to mention, try lowering your air pressure in your tires. A lot of people run their tires too high. Try to keep the psi under 40. If your tires are too high, you won't has as much traction and will have more tendency to spin out. Plus, instead of rolling over rocks and roots, you're bouncing off of them. Bouncing = Out of control.

L8R

the right gear combo comes from practice. there is a spot @ Pocahontas that I have tried a thousand or more times to get up and I seem to overpower it every time. if I get my balance right I spin out anyway.finally I tried using my granny gear instead of mid and went into 2nd instead of 1st and wah la I went up like a mt. goat so just keep at it and you will find the proper balance/psi/gear combo.I am 200 lbs so I keep my rear tire @ 40psi or just below.by the time you read this you will probably be a lot better than the last time.practice makes perfect plus its a lot of fun to know the course inside and out so you can just let'er rip

Yep what they all recommended, and you might try a longer stem. It sounds like you might not have an optimal bike fit and a longer stem may solve that. But you should first try what they all recommended. Oh http://www.cripplefight.com/smileys/welcomeani.gif

Oooh Ooooh, forgot to mention, try lowering your air pressure in your tires. A lot of people run their tires too high. Try to keep the psi under 40. If your tires are too high, you won't has as much traction and will have more tendency to spin out. Plus, instead of rolling over rocks and roots, you're bouncing off of them. Bouncing = Out of control.

L8R

yeah...forgot about that one. I run at 30psi with a tubeless tire. the traction is awesome...and...no bouncing!

And....relax your upper body, alot of US/ME use our arms to pull on the handle
bar, kind of a wheelie popping effect

Thanks for all the tips guys,
it's helped an enormous amount and already after about 4 more runs through those hills I can climb all but 5 feet. And those 5 feet will soon be MINE!!!!!


ScottG

A lower stem helps avoid front wheel rise. I fnd that the height of the stem makes little difference to the fit, unlike swapping to a longer one.