How to shoulder a bike? In a previous question it was explained to me that no cables pass under the top tube of my Specialized Hardrock, so that the bike is easy to shoulder. Well, it isn't. The top tube is quite thin (V-shaped) and the only way I can pull this off for more than a couple of minutes is to place the bike exactly over the shoulder strap of my backpack. But maybe I am doing it wrong. _How to shoulder an MTB? Should the bike be parallel to the ground or vertical, or tilted? Are there some bike designs that are aimed to be carried (besides all light bikes) - maybe the cyclo-cross bikes? Are there any suitable preparations before leaving to a journey in the high mountains, where one will be passing very difficult terrain_ with the bike on the back?* Very difficult for someone carrying a bulky bicycle and a backpack with food, at least. Summer weather, maybe muddy. About 2000 meters height. Crags and plenty of options to trip and fall.

When shouldering any bike, I always have my hand up next to my shoulder so it actually takes a large part of the weight, and it is key to stopping the bike bumping up and down on my shoulder (which is what seems to cause the most discomfort)

Additionally, make sure the top tube rests on the top of your muscle, not actually on your shoulder itself. Muscles cope easily with a metal weight - bones not so much.

Finally, I always tilt mine down slightly to the front, this way I can get the tube to sit really nicely on my muscle without the pedal bashing me in the back.