Singlespeed & Fixed Gear - Downhill braking question

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cincinnatikid01
10-07-08, 08:25 PM
I have a question.
When im biking down a mountain pass and want to brake I start to fishtail a little.
I use my front brake for my heavy stopping and i also try to put pressure on my rear wheel when i can. I know im not skidding my wheel.
Anybody have a suggestion as to what might be happening here?

Hobartlemagne
10-07-08, 08:29 PM
Your weight is shifting forward, causing the rear wheel to lose traction. The use of the rear
brake in this scenario is making it worse.
Flimflam
10-07-08, 08:30 PM
Fishtailing implies a lockup at the back, which means it's skidding - I can't see how you can fishtail any other way in this situation.

solbrothers
10-07-08, 09:06 PM
why the fugg is this in the hipster forum?
cincinnatikid01
10-07-08, 09:12 PM
Your weight is shifting forward, causing the rear wheel to lose traction. The use of the rear
brake in this scenario is making it worse.

i think youre right. I notice it happening when i dont back pedal at all too. should i apply more weight to the saddle?
dayvan cowboy
10-07-08, 09:46 PM
cincinati kid? I suppose you're hear for the toronto kid then, eh?

DOn't know why I couldn't resist posting that.
Critical Jeff
10-07-08, 09:49 PM
my suggestion, don't hula hoop while leaning forward on your bike.
cincinnatikid01
10-07-08, 10:00 PM
haha yeah i try not to... a lot harder on the turns tho
the_don
10-07-08, 10:17 PM
Yeah, and make sure you keep your weight way back. But I don't know the situation of your bike setup, tires also make a difference. Also, how steep are the trails you are riding?