General Cycling Discussion - Sand

Bikeforums.net is a forum about nothing but bikes. Our community can help you find information about hard-to-find and localized information like bicycle tours, specialties like where in your area to have your recumbent bike serviced, or what are the best bicycle tires and seats for the activities you use your bike for.



PDA

View Full Version : Sand

dpe19
08-09-04, 11:06 AM
I just got a Gary fisher 04 tarpon aluminum frame, to feel out the sport. I was riding fine on some easy local trails until I came to some parts of the trail that were pretty sandy. Although I did not fall off, my bike was fishtailing alot, giving me a few close calls, where I had to stop altogether. Any advice to help? I could be that I upgraded ffrom my old bike (ParkPre grandsport 94 Chromo). It was a much smaller frame,16" vs 19.5".

BigHit-Maniac
08-09-04, 11:25 AM
Just stay upright.. instead of leaning in the turns... and then raise your tire pressure a smidge so the knobs dig through it instead of floating on top of it.

Hopefully that'll help. All in all... sand is just fun, and very unpredictable.

:D
Virago
08-09-04, 12:13 PM
The trails I ride are very sandy. It's just one of those thing you have to get used to compensating for.

I know BigHit-Maniac suggested digging through, but for short, sandy sections, I find that taking some weight off the front and trying to be light and quick works well. You can sort of 'hop' through it, for lack of a better description.

dpe19
08-09-04, 04:10 PM
Thanks for the info. I am used to mostly street riding, so I do tend to lean into my turns too much. I will try your suggestions next time I am on the trail. :))
KevinmH9
08-09-04, 04:34 PM
I have gotten into alot of sand traps, and I cannot help it myself fishtailing, I usually go on the brakes a little bit, and then let off them enough to slow down enough so I don't lose any more friction. I haven't taken any spills yet but it seems to have worked for me.
roadfix
08-09-04, 05:24 PM
Why did you go from a 16 to a 19 inch mtb frame? I can understand if you're pre-teen, growing 3 inches taller legs........ but that's a huge difference and will definitely influence you in how you're able to handle your bike if the frame is too large for you.
dpe19
08-10-04, 09:54 AM
When I brought the ParkPre (it was new not used, ie 10 years ago) I was 5'4" and now I am 6'. I have been riding around on a bike too small for me so I could save up enough to get another decent non x-mart bike. So yes I am not used to handling a bike that big and I do need to get used to it. Thanks for the other advice though.