What makes one a better climber?

Stronger legs, or better cardio?

 

i would lean more to cardio.i figure in the long run you would make it further.

 

cardio and better tires.

that will be my guess

 

Cardio, with out the blood and O2 the legs will have no power... However, there is so much more to being a good climber. Tech skills, gear choice, ability to suffer, and recovery after steep pitches.

 

lots of climbing

 

I agree that cardio is a much bigger factor for me at least. I usually feel out of breath with a very high HR before my legs feel taxed.

 

A Turner

 

This coming from a slow climber like me, if you want to get better at climbing there is ONLY one solution. CLIMB CLIMB CLIMB. Only climbing makes you a stronger climber.

 

How would I know?

 

Cooperation between the cardio and legs--that's my problem, I'm too uncooperable--what are you climbing? Long sustained climbs depend on a great cardio system, but short steep little things seem to require more immediate power. Then again, what the hell do I know?

 

Repeats (and maybe a SS).
I don't think strong legs from squats, or strong cardio from a treadmill, will help as much as both from climbing on a bike.

Did I just say +1 to KeepWhatHappens? Why yes I did!

 

Less weight!

 

Now that's funny!:lol::lol::lol::lol:

 

Efficiency is what makes you a better climber...not that I would know :?:

 

Both. Strong legs and cardio. And.....

1) Training - tons and tons of training. Best some long roadie training. Quality and quantity. check out some of the Training Bible's hill drills. Plus, put in 1,000-2,000 miles climbing on a road bike and you'll kill any climb on a mountain bike.

2) Weight - pull your weight down to the bare minimum. Take a look at the best climbers, Contador and Sastre, and some of the other roadies. They are small collections of bones and muscled legs. If you're below 5'10" and want to be a good climber your weight better be below in the 140s lbs (definatley below 150lbs).

3) Bike - light weight XC racer. Preferably a hardtail. 21-22 lbs.

4) Focus !!!! - This is by far the most important thing. Look forward about 10 feet max. DO NOT look up the hill to your final point as that will psych you out immediately. Everyone, and I mean everyone, slows down whenever they lift their head and scope out the full challenge in front of them. Always look at just what's past your front tire. (of course, this is opposite of where you should be looking when downhilling or on tight singletrack. Most importantly, psych yourself in. Don;t let your eyes wander, don't think about other things. Don't TALK to anyone - you'll just loose your breath and waste energy. Focus on pumping your legs, pulling full pedal strokes, moving up the hill. Be one with your bike.

 

a squish bike, full face helmet and a doobie, that will make you a climbing machine.

if you need extra help I hear those pads for arms and legs help.

 

A Turner

 

who is this turner and how do they scare you into climbing better?

do they make a 29? I do think those bikes are quite tasty!

 

it never gets any easier
You just get faster

 

I thought TURNERS just made you look good? :?:


J/K (smartass again)