The Secret to Conquering Steep Hills in Bandung

Nagreg Lama, Bandung

Bandung is famous for two things: amazing food and amazing cycling spots.

Cyclists from all over West Java come here for the views.  

In North Bandung, you’ve got Dago, Tahura, Punclut, Tebing Keraton, Lembang, Maribaya, and Tangkuban Parahu.  In the South: Ciwidey, Soreang, Majalaya.  

Nagreg Ring Road

West: Padalarang, Cimahi, Cimindi.  

East: Ujung Berung, Cicalengka, Patung Kuda, and Nagreg.

The problem? Most of them come with brutal, steep hills. 

A lot of cyclists see a climb and immediately turn around. They’d rather ride 20km flat than 5km uphill. I get it. I used to be that guy too.

After years of getting dropped, walking, and cursing on these climbs, here are the 5 tiny secrets that actually work:

1. Don’t look at the top. Look 3 meters ahead. The moment you stare at the top of the hill, your brain quits.  

Instead, pick a spot 3 meters in front of your wheel and focus on pedaling smoothly to get there. Think of something funny. A happy mind pedals better.

2. Pace yourself. 

Start slow. The #1 rookie mistake: attacking the hill too fast. You’ll blow up in 30 seconds.  Start easy. You can always speed up later. Hills are a marathon, not a sprint.

3. Shift early. Manage your gears. 

Bike Gear

Don’t wait until your legs are dying to shift down. Anticipate as soon as the road tilts up; drop a gear. Keep your cadence smooth, not grinding.

4. Use the "Zigzag" method—switchbacking. This is the most important one.  

When it gets too steep, don’t go straight up. Ride side-to-side in a zigzag.  

Why it works: You’re making the road longer, so the gradient feels less steep. Plus, it gives your brain something to do besides suffering. You focus on steering, not pain.  

I’ve used this on Dago and Punclut for years. It works.

5. Break through the mental block.

Hills are 70% mental. Tell yourself: "Just to that tree. Now just to that sign." Believe you can do it. Your body will follow your mind.

The last two are the real game-changers: switchbacking and mindset. Master those, and you’ll never fear a steep hill again.

Good luck on every climbing journey! See you at the top 😉