I love hill climbs… well, now I do anyway
I used to hate them, but now I love hill climbs. Why? because of my e-bike. Hill climbs can ruin a day out for many cyclists. Some dread them for days before a planned ride. Others get a sinking feeling when they’re happily cruising downhill, knowing that the climb back up is still to come. Then there’s the worry of whether there’s enough power left in the legs to get to the top.
For many, hills are the deal-breaker that turns cycling into a chore rather than a joy. But here’s the good news: it doesn’t have to be like that. The simple answer to enjoying hill climbs more is to try an e-bike.
“But I want to get fit…”
This is probably the most common concern people have when thinking about an e-bike. The truth is, e-bikes make cycling easier, but they don’t mean you sit back and do nothing. You still have to pedal. It’s not a moped.
You’re in full control of how much support the motor gives you. If you want to raise your heart rate and work up a sweat, simply lower the assistance level. If you want a more relaxed ride, use a higher setting. Either way, your fitness improves because you’re still moving and still pedalling.
Another big part of making hills manageable is gears. Use them! The right gear saves your muscles and your battery. Many people leave their e-bike in one gear, which wastes energy. A little practice with gears and power levels can transform your ride.
Hill climbs and me
I live in the Austrian mountains, so avoiding hills isn’t really an option. Before I had an e-bike, I dreaded going out on my mountain bike. Getting home always meant cycling uphill, and if I was tired, it felt impossible. Tears, tantrums, frustration – all because of that final climb home.
Now it’s the opposite. I love hill climbs. Reaching the mountaintops near our village is my happy place. There’s nothing quite like the freedom of heading uphill on an e-bike, enjoying the fresh air and the views as you go.
Over time, I’ve picked up a few things that make hill climbs much more enjoyable. These tips are from my own experience, but they might just help you, too.
Gears and power level
The most important thing is to choose your gear and power level before you start a hill climb. Don’t wait until you’re halfway up and struggling, as by then it’s too late.
Practise on small hills first. Try stopping and starting again on a slope. Hill starts are tricky, but if you go diagonally across the hill instead of straight up, it’s easier to get moving again. Do this on gentle gradients before you attempt steeper ones. It’ll save you a lot of stress and possibly a bruised ego.
Position on the bike
Your riding position makes a big difference. A few small adjustments can make hill climbs far more comfortable:
- Keep your upper body open so your lungs can expand.
- Handlebars should be wide enough to let your chest open up.
- Avoid hunching over; it restricts breathing and causes back and shoulder pain.
- Wear clothing that doesn’t restrict your chest or stomach.
- Set your saddle at the correct height so your legs aren’t over- or under-extended.
- Relax your grip on the handlebars. A death grip leads to cramps and sore shoulders.
- On steeper sections, shift your weight forward or backwards to keep traction.
If in doubt, ask a local bike shop to check your position – it’s worth it.
Cadence
Cadence is the number of times you turn the pedals each minute. Many new riders either grind too slowly in a high gear or spin wildly with no control. Neither is efficient.
The sweet spot is somewhere in the middle, smooth, consistent pedalling that doesn’t leave you wobbling or straining. Once I learned this, it was a game-changer. No more sore thighs or funny walks the next day.
Check your e-bike manufacturer’s guidance for the recommended cadence for your motor system, as it can vary.
I’ve done a whole blog on this subject 👉
Psychology
Climbs are as much about mindset as muscles. Even with an e-bike, effort is still required. Breaking a climb into sections helps. Aim for the next bend, the next tree, or the next 200 metres.
Pause now and again. Take a photo, sip water, admire the view. If there’s a café halfway up, even better, coffee and cake can be powerful motivators. Remember, you’re not racing. This is about enjoying the ride.
Physiology
A steady pace makes climbs more enjoyable. Don’t surge and slow; find a rhythm you can keep. A heart rate monitor can be helpful – keep your pulse in a zone that feels sustainable. Then adjust the motor support up or down as needed, depending on how steep the slope becomes.
Tyres and pressure
Tyres are often overlooked, but they make a difference. Check you’ve got the right type for your terrain and that they’re inflated correctly. Too soft and you’ll lose rolling efficiency. Too hard and you’ll bounce around with less grip. The recommended pressure is printed on the tyre wall. If you’re unsure, ask your local shop.
Push assist function
Sometimes the hill wins, and that’s fine. Many e-bikes have a push-assist function, which powers the motor at a slow walking pace while you push. On my Bosch system, I simply press and hold a button and then press +. It saves me from dragging 25 kilos of bike uphill. It took me years to try it, but now I use it whenever I need it.
The bigger picture
At the end of the day, remember why you’re climbing the hill. It’s usually for the view at the top. Don’t see it as a punishment, see it as part of the adventure. With an e-bike, hills are no longer something to fear. They’re something to enjoy.
Take a deep breath, look around, and appreciate being out in the fresh air. The sense of achievement, the freedom, and the scenery are what it’s all about. Trust me, with the right mindset and a few tricks, you’ll soon be saying: I love hill climbs too.
