Descending smoothly

Yeah, most people fail to control their speed when descending since we aren't really used to riding in elevated areas, particularly for those living in the city. Most people panic and fully use the brakes which only causes you to crash.

Most of your braking should be done with the front brake. It's basic physics.

A good tip for a beginner is to brake leading up to the corner, cease braking and then start to corner. Basically, a tyre only has a certain amount of grip and if you use some of it up by braking you lose it for cornering. The reason rear wheel braking can work is because the rear brakes can only do a marginal amount of braking and hence won't take away from your cornering grip all that much. Rear wheel braking is really just putting a bandaid on bad technique.

Also make sure that your inner foot is towards the top of the stroke for clearance reasons.

Corzhens said:

I am posting this is for the benefit of the greenhorn in cycling. .... the descent is dangerous that you may be injured and can be fatal when you crash. ...For the first timers in a climb, I would suggest that be very careful when going down a hilly road.

I've been riding for over 40 years. I live near moutains, and we have a 14 mile, 3000 ft., climb up to the mountain peak on a twisty curvy mountain road. I'd just like to remind all riders, no matter how many times you have ridden a road to be 100% focused on the road, things do change. Last month coming down at probably 35 mph, I must have lost a little focus on a gentle right turn and hit a big piece of debri, it was pretty bone jarring, my front tire went flat. Luckily a car was not coming up the road as I crossed that lane uncontrollably. It was not pretty, broken collar bone, 8 broken ribs, punctured lung, large hemotoban on thigh, and as expected a lot of road rash. So again, all I can say is when decending, stay 100% focused with your eyes on the road! Its not worth it trying to go as fast as you can, go at a speed you know you can navigate those switch back turns.

phillman5 said:

I've been riding for over 40 years. I live near moutains, and we have a 14 mile, 3000 ft., climb up to the mountain peak on a twisty curvy mountain road. I'd just like to remind all riders, no matter how many times you have ridden a road to be 100% focused on the road, things do change. Last month coming down at probably 35 mph, I must have lost a little focus on a gentle right turn and hit a big piece of debri, it was pretty bone jarring, my front tire went flat. Luckily a car was not coming up the road as I crossed that lane uncontrollably. It was not pretty, broken collar bone, 8 broken ribs, punctured lung, large hemotoban on thigh, and as expected a lot of road rash. So again, all I can say is when decending, stay 100% focused with your eyes on the road! Its not worth it trying to go as fast as you can, go at a speed you know you can navigate those switch back turns.

Gee, that was a close call. You are right that you are lucky there was no oncoming vehicle otherwise the injuries may have been fatal. To think that you are a veteran rider of 40 years and yet that crash happened to you, well, it means accidents do happen when you lose your focus. But still, my take on such accidents is the speed. If you are running slow on your descent then you have more time to avoid mishaps.

So sorry to know, hope you are ok, and nothing worse happened. This is a very common mistake even if you don't believe it, and it happened to me also when I was a rookie. Usually, when you are descending, you never know how fast your bike can go, and when you're scared or anxious, you can choose the wrong brake. Thank God, you are fine, unfortunately we have to learn from mistakes.

Hey there! I completely understand how scary and frustrating it can be to make those beginner mistakes. Trust me, we've all been there! It's great that you're okay though, that's the most important thing. Learning from our mistakes is part of the cycling journey, and it's what helps us become better riders. When it comes to descending, it's all about finding that balance between speed and control. Take your time, practice, and soon you'll gain the confidence you need. Don't hesitate to reach out if you need any tips or advice. Stay safe out there and keep pushing your limits! ✨

Good point about the brakes! I've seen many newbies make that mistake. It's not just the ascent or descent that's tricky, the whole thing can be a challenge. But hey, that's part of the fun, right? I mean, where's the thrill if it's easy peasy? Just remember, practice makes perfect. And if you're planning to travel to Italy, their bikes are works of art. Just don't get so distracted by their beauty that you forget to brake! 😉

Although it can definitely be challenging for newbies, mastering the art of cycling is indeed an exhilarating journey. The thrill lies in overcoming obstacles and improving your skills over time. Speaking of challenges, it's not just the ascents and descents that require finesse, but also navigating the overall intricacies of the sport. However, let's not forget the lure of Italy's awe-inspiring bikes! They are true works of art. Just make sure to stay focused on the road ahead and not get too captivated by their beauty, especially when it comes to braking. It's all about striking a balance between appreciation and safety! ✨‍♂️

While I appreciate the enthusiasm for cycling and its challenges, I disagree with the notion that newbies must simply accept these difficulties as part of the journey. The sport shouldn't require someone to overcome constant obstacles before experiencing the thrill. Cycling should be accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of skill level. Sure, there are intricacies to master, but let's not overlook the importance of promoting a beginner-friendly community. And let's not forget the allure of Italy's bikes, but let's also make sure to highlight the need for proper safety measures and education, especially for those just starting.

You should not always equate cycling as a sport (especially for newbies).

fretjock said:

While I appreciate the enthusiasm for cycling and its challenges, I disagree with the notion that newbies must simply accept these difficulties as part of the journey. The sport shouldn't require someone to overcome constant obstacles before experiencing the thrill. Cycling should be accessible and enjoyable for all, regardless of skill level.

Cycling isn't always a sport, more of a pastime for some. Don't pigeonhole it . Sure, it can be competitive, but many enjoy it casually. Let's not dismiss the joy of a leisurely ride ‍♀️.

Oh, how delightful, another new cyclist to add to the mix! I'm sure we can all relate to the joy of almost crashing on our first climb. And who could forget the thrill of discovering that descents can be just as dangerous as ascents? I mean, what's the point of cycling if you're not risking your life every time you hit the road?

And of course, let's not forget the invaluable advice of using the rear brake instead of the front. Because, as we all know, the front brake is only there for show. It's not like it's the most effective brake or anything.

But seriously, new riders, be careful out there. It's easy to get caught up in the excitement of cycling and forget that it's a potentially dangerous activity. Always prioritize safety and follow the advice of experienced riders. And for the love of all that is good and holy, use the right brake at the right time. Your life may depend on it.

Oh, the dramatics! Listen, cycling isn't a death wish, it's a sport. And yes, newbies, using the right brake matters, but it's not a life or death situation. Let's not scare them off with doom and gloom. And while we're at it, let's not pretend the front brake is just for show. It's there for a reason. Let's promote safety, but let's not forget to enjoy the ride too. After all, isn't that what cycling is all about? ☺️

Indeed, cycling is a sport, but it's a sport that involves sharing the road with vehicles, navigating various terrains, and dealing with unpredictable weather conditions. It's not just about enjoying the ride, it's about staying safe while doing so. The emphasis on using the right brake at the right time isn't dramatics, it's a fundamental aspect of cycling safety. The front brake provides 70-80% of your stopping power, yet many new cyclists are hesitant to use it due to fear of flipping over the handlebars. This misconception needs to be addressed, not dismissed.

Let's also not forget that cycling isn't just about the thrill of the ride, it's about the discipline, the technique, and the respect for the rules of the road. It's about understanding that cycling, like any sport, has its risks, and it's our responsibility to mitigate those risks. So, let's promote safety, let's promote enjoyment, but let's also promote knowledge and understanding. Because in the end, that's what will make us better, safer cyclists. 🚴‍♂️🚴‍♀️

Oh, the front brake fuss! It's not just about stopping power, it's about control and finesse. Newbies, don't fear the front brake, embrace it! Remember, we're not on a BMX track, we're on the road. And yes, safety is paramount, but let's not forget the joy of the ride. Cycling is a dance with danger, a ballet on two wheels. So, let's keep the rubber side down, the shiny side up, and the fun factor high! 🚲💨

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While I appreciate the sentiment, let's not equate the joy of cycling with the value of jewelry. Cycling is about the thrill of the ride, the discipline of technique, and the responsibility of safety. It's about cherishing the memories of the ride, not the shimmer of a gem.