Bicycle
What Is It?
A bicycle is a foot technique where the climber uses opposing pressure with both feet on the same hold or feature—one pushing and one pulling—to create stability and control. The inside foot typically presses down or against the wall, while the outside foot “hooks” or pulls against the same feature, like the pedals of a bicycle moving in opposite directions.
When & Why to Use It
Bicycles are useful when you need to stabilize the lower body on volumes, arêtes, or opposing footholds that don’t provide much friction for a single foot. They’re especially effective:
- On overhangs where downward pressure alone isn’t enough To resist barn-dooring or swinging out When the route offers dual-texture or directional holds that reward opposing force.
What It Looks Like
The climber places one foot traditionally on a hold or smear while the other foot comes underneath or around to pull in the opposite direction. The pulling foot may be inside or outside the line of the pushing foot depending on the wall’s angle and feature location. This creates a clamp-like effect around the hold or feature, improving tension and balance. Improper form often shows as a loose lower body or feet slipping off from lack of active engagement.
Common Steps
- Identify a hold or feature where opposing pressure could add stability.
- Place the inside foot for pushing (toe down or edging as appropriate).
- Bring the other foot to the back or underside of the feature to pull or hook.
- Engage the core and legs to clamp the feet together around the hold.
- Maintain body tension as you move your hands or shift weight.
Key Principles & Cues
- “Clamp the hold with your feet”
- “Push-pull for control”
- “Engage your core through your feet”
- “Like pedaling backwards with one foot”
Common Mistakes
- Only pushing with one foot: Without the pulling motion, the foot slips easily on sloped or bad holds
- Feet too far apart: Limits the effectiveness of the clamp and weakens tension
- Lack of core engagement: Makes it hard to maintain pressure and leads to swinging or sagging
- Using bicycle on the wrong feature: Not all holds or surfaces benefit from this technique—it works best when friction and direction favor opposing force
