How To Climb Trails Like A Mountain Goat - Conquering a steep off-road climb can be challenging and fun. What's required is strength, finesse and the proper technique. The trick to getting up steep stuff cleanly is positioning your center of gravity in the sweet spot, the point where you get the best balance of traction and control. Move your center of gravity too far forward and you lose traction at the rear wheel. Move it too far to the rear and your front wheel starts to float, robbing you of control. It's best to remain seated and press your upper body down toward the toptube as the climb gets steeper and the sweet spot moves forward. If the climb gets too steep for you to stay in the saddle, rise slightly and move forward, to remain in the sweet spot. Practice on a smooth, steep, obstacle-free climb and soon, you'll be climbing like you've got Velcro tires.