On very steep single track I have the hardest time keeping a line. I've got plenty of wind and legs, and I get right down on the handlebars with my elbows down, but it always feels like this delicate balance thing that usually ends with the front wheel wandering off the line I want (and into a rock, into the stream bed, off the edge, etc).

Is this just a skill that comes with experience, or are there tricks to it? I just lowered the bars to see if that might help.

your wheel goes where you look. other than that...if you have legs and lungs, you shouldn't be moving all over, you should just point the bike where you want to go and go.

Pull your bars to your chest while climbing (staying seated) - this will put a little more weight on your front tire allowing it to hold your line. Also, what Pablo said, look were you want to go, don't stare at you front tire.

like previously stated watch your line not your bike. took me a few rides to figure this out and it def helped with the wandering tire syndrome

Try wider bars?

Climbing sucks.

+230

Only to the guys behind me.

I have the same problem sometimes on really steep climbs, having the seat a little farther forward, dropping my front fork lower and putting my chest right on the bars seems to mostly work. Nothing like 1mph wheelies toward the edge