I'm new to cycling. I recently bought a bike and decided to teach myself. I can ride it now but I still struggle with going over speedbreakers and going up hill. Can someone give me some idea on how it is done? I would really really appreciate it.

stand as you pedal & choose a better gear ratio prior to being in the climb.

Standing, or at least slightly unseating, when going over speedbreakers allows your arms and legs to absorb the movement so you can maintain some speed over them, while also maintaining control. Climbing is about proper gear selection, and standing if necessary when it becomes too steep. Just takes time to get comfortable with the techniques.

Learned a new term- speedbreaker. Thanks BikeForums!

I'm assuming from context that a speedbreaker is what we call a speed bump in the States. As mentioned above, just get off the saddle slightly, and keep your elbows and knees loose to absorb the bump.

As for going uphill, it depends on how long and how steep mostly. You can sit and spin, or stand and mash, or a combination of both. There's no right answer.

Somehow, I pictured an irate man on the side of MUPS ready to clothsline racer types.

I had heard the term "Sleeping Bobbies" was also used for speed bumps. IT was used by a former colleague who was from England.

Our speed breakers or bumps usually have a gap or two in them and I go through the gap. Even when they don't I usually go around the end of them. I only go over them when there is no choice. Butt off the saddle and sometimes a hop to ease the weight off the front.

Back in ROTC I always wondered while having to do the obstacle course why a normal thinking person wouldn't go around any obstacles encountered in real situations. Our drill instructor didn't think it funny.

ride over them. slow down if you need to. it's no more complicated than that if we're talking about the same thing. is a "speed breaker" any different from the "speed bumps" we have in the States?

No that you say that I remember either Paul or Phil using that term in a TdF broadcast.

Thanks everyone! This is really really helpful! Will try it out tomorrow!

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Don't try the advanced method for traversing a sleeping policeman until you're really really good at riding.......the bunny hop. First time you miss and have the rear tire hit that sucker and the saddle launches into your private parts........that's some regret right there.

I'm sure folks don't want to. ...post... about that if it/when it happens.

Really depends on the speed bump. If there's a gap, that's usually the best choice -- unless it's a narrow gap with beveled edges on both sides. Slow down and/or post works on the reasonable bumps. Some of the really nasty speed bumps, usually found in strip malls around here, are about as subtle as a 4x4 piece of lumber. I'll usually look for a way through the parking area to avoid those.

If you're talking about "rumble strips" which are used to make noise as the car approaches a stop sign, or when it wanders out of its lane on a highway, you have to really loosen up your grip and use your legs as a shock absorber - and ride it out without panicking. It can be treacherous if you're not paying attention.

If you're talking about the large hump-like speed bumps that are put in quiet neighborhoods, parking lots, etc. just slow down and let them function as intended.

if they're speedbumps, speedhumps, lovely speedhumps it's wise to go head-on with them if the conditions are moist. Should the surface be dry, a little side action over it wouldn't raise concern going over the humpty.

what are speedbreakers , are you a bike cop LOLOL!!!!

Speed bumps, common sense would dictate slowing down a bit, same as if driving a car. I’d probably get off the saddle too, more common sense.
Tim

1) go around if possible
2) if it's the short & sharp (about 1ft wide) kind - bunnyhop
3) if it's the hump variety - get out of the saddle, lift the front slightly