Help with the technicalities of freewheeling downhill

[Uni]

I'm not sure if I"m in the right section of the forum - forgive me if I'm not.

With downhill, I'm not talking about those specialist DH rides, just a bit of downhill along a trail.

 

Ok so I'm at a point where, when freewheeling downhill, I'm able to think about more than just staying on my bike and hoping for the best, here's some things that cross my mind

 

1. Does it matter what gear I'm in?

2. If yes, what gear should I be in?

3. I try to use my brakes as little as possible, but when I do, I tend to favour my back brake, although I force myself to remember to use both - when i started riding a few months back I was told never to use my front brakes or I'll go over the handlebars. Based on subsequent research - seems weight back, use both brakes?

4. My brakes start making a metal on metal sound - much like worn out pads on a car - this happens when I"m on a trail and on the road - braking too hard or do the brakes need some checking out (bike's just been serviced at LBS)

 

i think that's it. Any other tips /pointers will be useful.

ta

[ChUkKy]

My girlfriend asked me about front brakes and when she must use them :eek:

Use the front brake, thats what its there for... dont go and grab a handfull on a downhill, use common sense.

 

1. Yes

2. The one that you need to be in to climb out any suprise rises

3. I actually dont know how to explain when or how to use front brakes but I use it a lot, the only time I dont really use them is on the fast, twisty singletrack because if you do need to use it a little in the corner and you grab too much..... the pain arrives sooner than you think.

4. Metal on Metal sound.... get new pads if it sounds like it does because thats what it is then.

 

Ride more, and also ride with guys or girls with more experience than you... you will learn a lot

[Robrider]

1 and 2) not really. Depends on two things. If you want to get to the next level, you will want to learn to pedal to get extra speed. So then the answer is the right gear for the speed you are at. The other time you will want to pedal is coming out of corners. Same thing, you need to learn to judge the speed and get in the right gear. Don't stress too much about it, it comes with experience.

 

3) Both brakes, favouring your front... yes, I hate it when people tell newbies "don't use front brakes" worst advice ever. About 70% of your braking force is in your front. Obviously don't go over your handle bars. So body position is key under braking. Also, learn to leave your brakes in the corner. Will make a world of difference in your speed and confidence.

 

4) I would advise resin pads. they are much quieter. They wear down a little quicker, but its worth it.

[DR ◣◢]

1. Does it matter what gear I'm in?

Yes it does.

 

2. If yes, what gear should I be in?

At your level you should always be riding in a gear that is very easy to pedal. Rather spin a little more than put down power. This will prepare you for any sudden changes in the terrain that you are riding.

 

3. I try to use my brakes as little as possible, but when I do, I tend to favour my back brake, although I force myself to remember to use both - when i started riding a few months back I was told never to use my front brakes or I'll go over the handlebars. Based on subsequent research - seems weight back, use both brakes?

Both brakes play an equally important role in the ride. The front brake can handle up to 70% of the braking while you ride. Use them both equally. Try having just one or at the most two fingers on the brake lever. Always be relaxed and gently when you brake.

[Super_mil]

1) yes (if you're riding a dual sus there is chain growth during the compression stroke so depending on your chains length it could add stress to your drive train). This is irrelevant if you're on a hardtail.

2) best to be a minimum of 2 or 3 gears down just to make sure the above scenario doesn't play out. This is irrelevant if you're on a hardtail.

3) Most of your hard braking comes through the front brake. Try to only use the front brake in straight lines & as Robrider says get your braking done before the corner & try to lay off the brakes in the corner.

Also, try not to drag your brakes while going downhill. This really heats the system up and in a worst case you'll suffer brake fade when you probably want your brakes most.

4) have a look at your pads a see if they're worn. Sintered pads sometimes sound harsh while braking. Doing simple checks and learning to do at least minor maintenance will help you at some stage out on the trail.

[Uni]

tx all. Makes sense.

 

@Super_mil - my bike is I believe called a rigid bike, i.e. NO suspension at all.

 

@robRider - I'll check out my brakes. Don't want to invest anymore money in upgrading this bike as it's really a cheapie starter bike - an equivalent to learning to drive in a VW Golf - I figure if I learn to ride on this, anything else will be easier. (don't burst my bubble)

 

@seanN - " fast, twisty singletrack" - doesn't appear in my vocabulary right now - just straight downhill :-)

 

@s.i.r Maxxis - I'm getting there regarding braking gently and with just the two fingers - though there are times when i know i'm panicking and gripping a bit too hard.

 

I'll keep practicing, only k*k part, first have to get up the hill first

[Mr SingleTrack]

I don't agree with some of the given answers so here is mine:

 

1. Yes (if the downhill is technical).

2. Slightly heavier than what you would normally use at that speed (in other words 1 gear up). Why? If you go over rocks that suddenly brake your momentum, you will need to put power down immidiately to get over the rocks. You won't be able to put power down in a light gear relative to your speed. Note that youy should not be in too heavy a gear as you will not be able to put down enough power to clear thw obstacle. Anyone disagreeing with this, I urge you to try this technique, you can thank me later.

3. Yes, almost always. I even used my front brake at Sani2c day 2 going down the umko in the very slippery mud. It is called brake control. Get to know your brakes and know how much braking to apply. Endos and front weel slipage does not happen because you used the front brake, it happens because you did not apply the correct braking force...

4. Check to see that they are not worn out (don't think they are fine just because the LBS just serviced your bike...). If there is sufficient brake surface left they might just be a bit dirty or need to bed in again (the LBS might have swopped them around by mistake...)

 

Sorry about my spelling, on my BB ATM

[Sniffie]

 

4. My brakes start making a metal on metal sound - much like worn out pads on a car - this happens when I"m on a trail and on the road - braking too hard or do the brakes need some checking out (bike's just been serviced at LBS)

Just a wild guess: Avid brakes?

[hayleyearth]

Just a wild guess: Avid brakes?

 

You seriously think she will know that if she doesnt know how to look if the pads are done or not?

 

(no offence Uni)

[hayleyearth]

Best advice given above is: Ride more. Ride with people that can show you things.

 

It is doffo totally a different thing having the 'right tools' and to read how to do something and then going out to do it. Urgh, also super frustrating at times.

 

How often do you ride and where about?

I know there is a gravel road 'down hill' with loose gravel as one want to start riding at Modders, have you ridden this? (just want to know the level of what you are talking about)

[Uni]

(no offence Uni)

none taken

 

How often do you ride and where about?

I know there is a gravel road 'down hill' with loose gravel as one want to start riding at Modders, have you ridden this? (just want to know the level of what you are talking about)

i'm not riding as often as i should, i try get out at least once a week, ,either amble around emmerentia or modders. Sometimes i just ride around the neighbourhood (on the road when it's quiet)

i'm NOT talking about that DROP before you start the trail - I walk that - don't have the confidence to attempt that - i'm referring to bits of trail that are about 100 - 200m stretches that are downhill that you can coast down if you choose (like I do to catch a breather) - but the gradient is such that for me I need to brake now and again, and between sliding tyres, funny brake noises, and getting to the bottom and realising oh, wait these gears aren't right to start off again, whether it's just a flat or a bit of an incline.

 

I'm talking serious noob stuff here - no tricks, nothing fancy.

Edited June 25, 2013 by Uni

[Capricorn]

Just a wild guess: Avid brakes?

 

i only have avid, they dont randomly squeal. generalisations suck. but i understand

 

1. Depends, but leaning to yes.

2. Geared so that you can still have usable drive/torque when you decide to pedal again. I find with a gear that is too light/causes spinning to be a rubbish sensation. Note: very subjective.

But do ride on the big blade up front: will help prevent the chain jumping off if you dont have a type II derailleur or a chain device. Must say, since i've used Type IIs, no chain dropping.

 

3. Learning to use both brakes is ok, a more balanced approach. But try to learn to brake with your front while going in a straight line. you'll get an idea of how effective it is. Once you have a feel for this, then you'll understand hwo you can slough off a lot of speed, but just by feathering the front brake instead of clamping down on it. the best part is blowing off lots of speed without locking up, as is typically the case at the rear.

 

Please note, that whether you are using the front or rear brake, your momentum will serve to throw you forward. In general, a slight shift backward will counteract that backward shift. this bit of 'second nature' becomes really useful when going down steeper stuff.

[RockCoach]

Lots of good advice.

 

You can pull the brakes as hard as you need to but just keep this in mind:

 

- Pull both levers gently at first and progressively pull harder.

- As you brake harder and harder push your weight through your pedals (and thus through your tyres) by moving your bum (ie. centre of mass) futher and further back.

- You can brake with your chest on your saddle if you have an emergency stop going down a steep descent.

- Keep your upper body as low as possible.

- Brake for as little time as possible because a bike is at its most unstable while braking.

- Build up muscle memory by braking hard on different surfaces.

- Ease up on (modulate) the brakes when you are going over uneven trail or rocks, roots etc. try to do all your braking on the best surface and then roll over obstacles or around corners.

 

Good luck

 

[Wayne Potgieter]

i'm NOT talking about that DROP before you start the trail - I walk that

At modders just before you go up the long uphill tar bit?

[hayleyearth]

none taken

 

 

i'm not riding as often as i should, i try get out at least once a week, ,either amble around emmerentia or modders. Sometimes i just ride around the neighbourhood (on the road when it's quiet)

i'm NOT talking about that DROP before you start the trail - I walk that - don't have the confidence to attempt that - i'm referring to bits of trail that are about 100 - 200m stretches that are downhill that you can coast down if you choose (like I do to catch a breather) - but the gradient is such that for me I need to brake now and again, and between sliding tyres, funny brake noises, and getting to the bottom and realising oh, wait these gears aren't right to start off again, whether it's just a flat or a bit of an incline.

 

I'm talking serious noob stuff here - no tricks, nothing fancy.

 

What are you doing Saturday morning? I will come help you out and ride with you at Modders.

(Cant believe I am saying this as I actually hate that place, but I think I can lend you a hand and get your confidence up.)

And I need the training anyway (I am super unfit!)

I also only started riding around the time I turned 27, so I kinda understand where you coming from I think.

[Uni]

What are you doing Saturday morning? I will come help you out and ride with you at Modders.

(Cant believe I am saying this as I actually hate that place, but I think I can lend you a hand and get your confidence up.)

And I need the training anyway (I am super unfit!)

I also only started riding around the time I turned 27, so I kinda understand where you coming from I think.

 

The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me. Hayley I'll PM you.