What makes a frame / bike a good climber?

[Bullpup]

I would like to know makes a frame or bike a good climber? Head angle, Chainstay length?

If one is looking for a good all rounder what are the key elements to look for?

 

[Rampage]

Short chainstays on the alpinestars EOS bikes always worked very well!
Lightweight bikes as well.

 

[suburbanreuben]

The right size bike for starters...

 

[FluffyChicken]

A bike you feel comfy on and can shift your weight around it, and it around you. If the front end cannot have the weight put on it, it's not so good as I have found out, but I've learned to overcome that for most steep hills.
sod chainstay length I've not found any difference between 16.75" and 16.5"
Sod angles as well.

Tyres need to grip, since as soon as they 'give' and you cannot overcome it with your body balance and sudden shifting then you're stuffed.

Of course, long shallow dragged out climbs are a world apart from the proper, steep climbs I'm talking about.

But most of all, the person on the bike.
I 'climbed' mates bikes up hills they cannot, after they complained it was the bike. Even with the seat stuck halfway up my arse

 

[Raleighracer]

Weight balance like people have said, high wide bars so you can move/move the bike easier. Based on my limited mtb knowledge and based on a climb me and a mate sessioned - did it once on his bike, only time it was done between 3 of us with probably 20+ attempts each

 

[AMPrider]

Light tires for minimum rotating mass, a low gear, a stiff rear triangle, and knowing how to position your body during the climb are the main factors.

Having a light build is also critical. I have climbed some technical sections on mediocre bikes that others could not climb on high quality bikes. It helps to be skinny.

 

[ferrus]

Body position/weight distribution is essential, preferably staying seated as much as possible I find.
Smooth, non-choppy pedalling.
A stiff rear end gets the power through efficiently and really makes a difference, as does a..
light rear tyre
good, well designed tyres
Really light bike
Bar ends!!
Nadine Velazquez in front

 

[We_are_Stevo]

Good lungs and strong legs will out-climb any fancy kit...

 

[brocklanders023]

Light weight makes the most difference imo. My old Orange Vit T was the lightest bike I've ever had and was the only one that felt like it was pulling me up the hills rather then me lugging the bike.

 

[petitpal]

Had a similar discussion to this with someone at Long Mynd on Sunday; I found that when I moved from a Saracen Maxtrax to a Zaskar (many moons ago) the Zaskar climbed way better. Now they're not equalivent frames (Zaskar is much higher end) but someone on here a while ago posted something simlar about a higher end Saracen and a Zaskar - in terms of the Zaskar climbing better.

I'd heard rumours that e-stays climbed better as well, but I've never ridden one so I can't really say.

I do agree with the general consensus though - lungs, legs and mind set.