Hair pin bend in single track

[Reden]

What is the proper technique for riding these sharp corners?

I totally suck at these and constantly loose front traction.

I've done the tire setup thing but very little improvement.

X-king front and Rece King rear. (26")

1.9 bar, 1,8 bar front rear pressures.

 

I suspect my position on the bike is wrong during this.

 

Any advice?

[Pants Boy]

Lean the bike, not the rider? IE Stay upright but lean your bike through the corner.

[niterider]

Are you talking about uphills or downhills?

 

On uphills, keep your weight forward, chest as close to the bars as you can get it, and take the widest line possible through the turn. Keep a steady power output to maintain traction.

 

On downhills, lay off the front brakes, and generally take the widest line, depending on ruts, whether its bermed, etc. Use the back brake and slide the back wheel a bit if you want to correct yourself into the apex.

 

Also, look at the exit, which will turn your body slightly in that direction.

Edited August 13, 2013 by niterider

[Ryanpmb]

What is the proper technique for riding these sharp corners?

I totally suck at these and constantly loose front traction.

 

 

Any advice?

You may need to move your weight forward slightly. Leaning down and forward could help this and keep the necessary weight on the back too.

[RexFuzzle]

Get a 29er they do well at everything... oh no wait...

Keep your outside pedal down and put your weight on it...

[Cassie]

Ther are some instructional vids available...youtube, i think

Google is your friend...

[Chro Mo]

Are you talking about uphills or downhills?

 

On uphills, keep your weight forward, chest as close to the bars as you can get it, and take the widest line possible through the turn. Keep a steady power output to maintain traction.

 

On downhills, lay off the front brakes, and generally take the widest line, depending on ruts, whether its bermed, etc. Use the back brake and slide the back wheel a bit if you want to correct yourself into the apex.

 

Also, look at the exit, which will turn your body slightly in that direction.

This is good advice.

 

I found using the outside line, keeping cadence high and maintaining consistent output works for me.

[G00SE]

Keep your outside pedal down and put your weight on it...

 

That, and... keep those elbows out. I found that doing this forces you to shift your weight foward slightly giving your front tyre much more grip.

 

If your front is washing it just means there's not enough weight on the front tyre.

[Pappa Bear]

Youtube - bikeskills hairpins.

 

You need to keep your bike upright and not lean it - dependant on speed - and acctually turn your handlebars..... Also take as wide line as possible

[braailegend]

Are you talking about uphills or downhills?

 

On uphills, keep your weight forward, chest as close to the bars as you can get it, and take the widest line possible through the turn. Keep a steady power output to maintain traction.

 

On downhills, lay off the front brakes, and generally take the widest line, depending on ruts, whether its bermed, etc. Use the back brake and slide the back wheel a bit if you want to correct yourself into the apex.

 

Also, look at the exit, which will turn your body slightly in that direction.

 

Good advice, just remember never brake in Berms, it breaks them.

 

Edit: i repeat.. Never never never brake in berms please, some has to fix it and that someone is usually not the rider

Edited August 13, 2013 by braailegend

[Khoisan]

I also found leaning forward going uphill into a switchback and trap like hell works.

 

Practice makes perfect and i have the scars to prove it!

[milky4130]

IMO it has nothing to do with tires.

Try taking the turn as wide as possible, drop elbow/lean as previously suggested i.e. the one on the inside of the turn & accelerate through the line.

[MrJacques]

On an uphill, this is how you do it with style... (watch from about 01:40)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=0hINNMpfIxs&t=102

Edited August 13, 2013 by Jacquers

[MrJacques]

[Hairy]

As per some of the positive comments above .... but also get to know your body position and ballance better on the bike, practice track stands and also find a pole you can cycle around in tighter circles at a slow pace until you are nearly turning on your back tyre only.

 

You will feel how your bike responds to your body input and the tight switch backs will also come along easier.

[Reden]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytKNNswHp2E

Cool, and it's Santacruz.

Edited August 13, 2013 by Reden