Riding very rocky single track

[dev null]

I am on Helderberg at least once a week, but I have never ridden the rock garden on the black route.  That thing scares the bejesus out of me.  Also have never ridden Tygerberg trails. 

[NotSoBigBen]

Nothing to do with the bike . The more you ride it the better you will get .

 

Then I should be a frikkin 'expert' by now but alas 

[dirtrider]

Then I should be a frikkin 'expert' by now but alas 

 

You not ? 

[Bizkit031]

What the hell is it with these guys who always throw wheel size into it,get over the bloody wheel size thing and look at where you can better your current package and riding style.

[the nerd]

First of all ask your self why downhillers are still riding 26 or 27.5 nor 29ers , because 29ers aren't always better.

 

 

200mm + of travel is the answer, not the wheel size. They could be riding a gearless. brakeless bike with 20" wheels and it will still do the same job. 

 

It's not the same thing, I wish people would stop comparing downhill bikes to bikes people ride everyday. What bikes do the "downhillers' train on? 

 

This is not directed at you but just a rant in general. 

[Kranswurm]

Your bike is too small first of all.

You dont need the dropper post.Although its nice to have.Stand in the pedals and loosen up.Let the bike have its head and get off the back of the saddle

Finally, trust your bike...its far more capable than you are so give it gas

[Tromp]

In addition to the advice above on getting your weight back, shorter stems and dropping your saddle a little; I also used to battle with rocks until a mate who has exceptional skills asked me "why are you riding around them and trying to keep off them? They nice and solid and generally have good grip. You should use the rocks, ride over them and choose a more proactive route through them. 

 

Then there is Minaar's advice: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J7dnXiNBDXE

 

Keeping your head up and looking forward and  keeping your elbows up and loose helps a lot. Focus on flow and panche rather than forcing your way over stuff.

At least one of the things I learnt from this vid is , to not " walk " your bike over the rocks/ obstacle , but the lift the bike and place it past the obstacle.

[rouxtjie]

To the OP....one word...SPEED

 

By going slower your wheel wants to get stuck instead of roll over. To get more speed you need more confidence. Ride rocky segments quicker than you usually do...you will be surprised how capable your bike is.

[Neill Du Toit]

Hubbers

 

I have a problem I am trying to solve. I really struggle riding very rocky single tracks like the one up in the mountain in this past weekend's Fine Breede.

 

 

 

I am currently on a 26er Dual Sus, Medium frame. It feels like I constantly get my wheels stuck and then want to do OTB. In fact, I did a spectacular OTB right in front of the medics at the top. I lose to much speed, and then it gets even more tougher to negotiate the rocks.

 

Is this just riding technique, or is this also bike related? Will going to a 29er make it much more easier?

 

BTW, I am 82kg, 1.82m tall.

Hi, I'm 1,84m and did the Fine Breede on a rigid 26er. Did not have any issues. Large Giant XTC with 80mm stem and 760mm handle bars.

 

Your setup might be different?

[Skubarra]

I am on Helderberg at least once a week, but I have never ridden the rock garden on the black route.  That thing scares the bejesus out of me.  Also have never ridden Tygerberg trails. 

 

If it makes you feel any better the trails we encounter at the Fine Breede is far "rockier" than than most of the trails on the other side of Du toitskloof ie Cape Town/Tygerberg etc (at least in my biased opinion). Always regret having a hardtail when I do that race..

[RocknRolla]

you guys will not like riding around our neck of the woods...

[popcorn_skollie]

Check your shock pressure in addition to the advice above.

Too low in front with too much rebound at the back adds to your situation possibly

 

Everything else has been said already. All valid points. But dialed suspension counts for ALOT. Trial and error here. 

 

Rock gardens can be such a jol when you going at speeds and the bikes suspension is actively working mid travel. Part of the fun is navigating features and line choices. Split second decisions and recoveries for when you don't make the perfect choice. 

 

Its a tough pill to swallow when people tell you to get another bike like its an easy remedy.

With the info you provided a larger frame does make sense. But the long stem and raised seatpost is a recipe for an unnerving ride regardless of frame or wheel size. Especially for rocky descents. Address that first. Before you make any other hasty decisions.

 

I'm also recovering mentally from rib injuries. I know Its hard to get back into the right headspace after you've been hurt. But mental recovery can happen alot quicker if your bike is setup to make you feel a little more comfortable and by extension a little more confident.

[NotSoBigBen]

You not ? 

 

Laat ek dit nou so stel ..... stel jou voor KleinBen ry agter my dan hoor ek net

 

let go the damn brakes Dad

just lifting your body and the wheels stay on the ground is not a 'bunny hop'

don't just sit on the bike like a bag of potatoes, help it a bit demmit

fast AND LOOSE Dad

does your front brake not work huh?

your a$$ must be BEHIND the seat when it gets steep you can't just stand and hope for the best

 

Sal ek aangaan?

[Uni]

Laat ek dit nou so stel ..... stel jou voor KleinBen ry agter my dan hoor ek net

 

let go the damn brakes Dad

just lifting your body and the wheels stay on the ground is not a 'bunny hop'

don't just sit on the bike like a bag of potatoes, help it a bit demmit

fast AND LOOSE Dad

does your front brake not work huh?

your a$$ must be BEHIND the seat when it gets steep you can't just stand and hope for the best

 

Sal ek aangaan?

Your son sounds like my OH.

Don't brake

just roll over it

it's not that steep

c'mon man it's so easy .....

 

few years ago I tried teaching him some coding basics ... so now on the trails when he gives me grief -- i remind him how he struggled with that - which is "so easy"

[Uni]

 The rocks sense fear. 

[dev null]

Laat ek dit nou so stel ..... stel jou voor KleinBen ry agter my dan hoor ek net

 

let go the damn brakes Dad

just lifting your body and the wheels stay on the ground is not a 'bunny hop'

don't just sit on the bike like a bag of potatoes, help it a bit demmit

fast AND LOOSE Dad

does your front brake not work huh?

your a$$ must be BEHIND the seat when it gets steep you can't just stand and hope for the best

 

Sal ek aangaan?

 

"Hoekom loop Pa dan nou?  Iets fout met die fiets?".

 

I have had so many faceplants.  My 2 boys find it quite funny now, that when I had my 50th, my one boy's wishes for me was that I would have no more faceplants.