bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade

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2007-06-04 8:09 AM

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Sneaky Slow
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Subject: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade

The course I rode yesterday had, according to the BT Route Creator, about an 150-foot vertical drop over about 1/3 mile. I had never ridden anything like that. I have no idea how fast I was going, but I was pretty much terrified. It was also raining and slippery, which added to the fear. My bike was shaking and I basically just prayed that I would make it to the bottom. All went well, meaning I did not wipeout, but I know that I could have handled the hill better.

What is the best way to handle a downhill like this? I had a white-knuckle grip on the handlebars, was hunched over, basically every muscle in my body was locked up ...

Any technique or other suggestions?

P.S. It was an equal, but different, bit of fun coming back UP that hill after 15 miles, but that's a story for another day.

 



Edited by newLeaf 2007-06-04 8:10 AM

2007-06-04 8:23 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Expert
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade
Scoot your butt back behind the saddle, squeeze the top tube with your knees, loosen your elbows and grip, feather your brakes
2007-06-04 8:41 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade
Same as above.
If your bike was realy shaking, you probably want to get your wheels checked. They may need some straitening. Give them a spin when stopped holding the wheel up, and look at the rim near the brakes. if you notice the rim's distance from the brake pad varying while rotating you need to get them straitened. The rim upper edge should also not move up and down relative to the brake while rotating.
2007-06-04 8:45 AM
in reply to: #828184

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Elite
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade
suddenly, I feel unqualified to answer bike handling skills questions Wink
2007-06-04 8:50 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Master
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade

Ditto on the above.  Sitting up can also help slow you down quite a bit if you are worried about the braking on the wet roads.

2007-06-04 8:51 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade
If you did Black Bear, PA, then you probably reached 40+ mph, that is if you were riding on a road bike and were leaning down. I reached 46.1 mph...and yes, it was a bit scary.

Again, if it was Black Bear you were talking about in this thread, then some of the vibrations came from the road surface b/c it was a bit rough and uneven.

Coming up that hill did suck!!! I especially liked the posted "SLOW" signs toward the top of the hill...as if anyone was going more than 6-7 mph at that point.




2007-06-04 8:54 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Sneaky Slow
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade
thanks for the suggestions.... the next race I am doing has a couple steep downhills as well, although not quite as steep as the one I did yesterday, so the advice is much appreciated.  will check out the wheels and take to LBS if necessary.
2007-06-04 9:18 AM
in reply to: #828143

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Champion
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade

sebjamesm - 2007-06-04 9:23 AM Scoot your butt back behind the saddle, squeeze the top tube with your knees, loosen your elbows and grip, feather your brakes

I tend to follow this example.  If it is dry and I know the course, then the speeds don't really bother me, I am accustom to it (see log from yesterday).  When I get a little nervous, I sit up and bring in the knees.  The upper body will produce a drag to slow you down a bit.

All that being said, one needs to practice decending.  It is an important part of the sport.  I am amazed in hilly races how many people I pass just coasting down a hill. 

2007-06-04 11:21 AM
in reply to: #828104

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Champion
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Subject: RE: bike handling suggestions - steep downhill grade

 

" I had a white-knuckle grip on the handlebars, was hunched over, basically every muscle in my body was locked up ..."

Not that. That's a recipe for a wipe-out.

Relax
get low (I usually put my stomach on the saddle)
If you get the "death wobble" keep your hands wide on the bars and clamp the TT with your knees.
Take it easy on the brakes (too much brake wastes momentum and can change your line in a curve drastically)
Practice: descending is a skill that takes practice
Relax

 

 

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