Need help on descending hairpin turns
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 236
Bikes: 2003 Diamondback Apex; 1998 Gary Fisher Kaitai (commuter)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Need help on descending hairpin turns
These are always tricky for me. I can make these switchback turns going uphill, by going to the outside of the turn before actually making the turn. But taking these turns going downhill is a toughy. I can't seem to apply the same principle as going uphill. I usually have to clip one foot out and kind of turn my way through it. My fear is that I'll go right over the edge (and believe me there are some drop offs!)
Any advice?
Oh, yeah, miscellaneous question:
Does yielding to hikers actually mean stop your bike, or just approach cautiously? Should they get off the trail or should the biker?
Any advice?
Oh, yeah, miscellaneous question:
Does yielding to hikers actually mean stop your bike, or just approach cautiously? Should they get off the trail or should the biker?
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Southern Maine
Posts: 8,941
Mentioned: 130 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 12182 Post(s)
Liked 1,490 Times
in
1,103 Posts
Hi,
I have been both a hiker and a mtn biker. My feeling is you play it safe. I have seen hikers jump around apparently surprised; and that would not be good at speed. Actually saw a jogger hear a cyclist a couple weeks ago, and thought he would run across the road to miss her. Not smart, she was cooking
right along. I was nearly abreast of them, so any impact could have sent her flying at me. This weeks RBR newsletter has a page on hairpin turns. I found it worth reading, think you might enjoy it, too... https://roadbikerider.com/manage-my-account.php
I have been both a hiker and a mtn biker. My feeling is you play it safe. I have seen hikers jump around apparently surprised; and that would not be good at speed. Actually saw a jogger hear a cyclist a couple weeks ago, and thought he would run across the road to miss her. Not smart, she was cooking
right along. I was nearly abreast of them, so any impact could have sent her flying at me. This weeks RBR newsletter has a page on hairpin turns. I found it worth reading, think you might enjoy it, too... https://roadbikerider.com/manage-my-account.php
#3
Wood Licker
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Its in your mind. It is the same principle you just have to do it. Go to the outside and turn. The only time this doesn't work is on really technical downhills where there are obstacles in your path, then you may have to modify your line, but this take practice.
Either that or do a rear wheel pivot. Lock your front brake, lift rear wheel until straight and then continue on your way. While not as fast it does feel safer usually.
Either that or do a rear wheel pivot. Lock your front brake, lift rear wheel until straight and then continue on your way. While not as fast it does feel safer usually.
#4
I ride a REAL Schwinn!
Join Date: May 2002
Location: NH, USA
Posts: 607
Bikes: Lemond Nevada City (stock), '00 Schwinn Moab 3 (very upgraded)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Make sure you brake before you start the turn. This will allow you to lean/turn the bike easier and reduce its tendency to want to straigten up. It will also give your tires more traction while turning. Approach on the outside and turn down into the switchback. Put your weight on your outside foot. This will force the tires into the surface, giving you traction and a more secure feeling. If this doesn't work for you, you can try what Maelstrom suggested: Slow down and pull hard on the front brake and loft the rear wheel into the air. Swing the rear wheel around in the air until you are facing in the proper direction to continue riding. Not only is it not as hard as it might sound, but it is a cool way to look like you know what you are doing and impress other riders.
-Moab
-Moab
#6
Guest
Posts: n/a
Mentioned: Post(s)
Tagged: Thread(s)
Quoted: Post(s)
Originally posted by moabrider47
Put your weight on your outside foot. This will force the tires into the surface, giving you traction and a more secure feeling.
Put your weight on your outside foot. This will force the tires into the surface, giving you traction and a more secure feeling.
#7
Gravity Is Yer Friend
Join Date: May 2002
Location: "Over the Hill" and going down fast in the 805.
Posts: 2,961
Bikes: Scott Gambler, Scott Ransom, Kona Bear, Bianchi 928 Carbon/Chorus, C'Dale Rize4
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
You just need to leeeean a bit
#8
Wood Licker
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I love watching the pros turn. I am getting better and my lean is down but I still don't put my body down with the bike...
#9
New to bikeforùms.net
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,202
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by Maelstrom
I love watching the pros turn. I am getting better and my lean is down but I still don't put my body down with the bike...
I love watching the pros turn. I am getting better and my lean is down but I still don't put my body down with the bike...
Mael...they only lean like that because their going fast! Anybody can do it! lol
#10
DEADBEEF
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Catching his breath alongside a road near Seattle, WA USA
Posts: 12,234
Bikes: 1999 K2 OzM, 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 6 Times
in
4 Posts
Even after spending more than half my life mountain biking, I still can get into some of those extreme leans. When I attempt something like that, I always seem to float up and wash out no matter how fast I'm going.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM 2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
#11
keep moving forward...
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NRH
Posts: 405
Bikes: 2009 Motobecane Fantom CX
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
the fact that they also have a berm to power into has nothing to do with it whatsoever...LOL
#12
Pedalphile
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 514
Bikes: better ones than yours
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Any problems you're having w/ turining while going Downhill are all in your mind if you can make them going up.
The main thing is to look far ahead of the actual turn. Your bike will follow your eyes. Some novice riders will get over the back wheel and feather the break to take it slow. Simply lower your head and shoulders and stick your butt in the air so you sort of resemble a flying squirrel, and remember to stay loose. This is the most stable position you can be on a bike....then just roll through it while continuing to look ahead. The faster you go through it, the less of an obstacle it will be.
The main thing is to look far ahead of the actual turn. Your bike will follow your eyes. Some novice riders will get over the back wheel and feather the break to take it slow. Simply lower your head and shoulders and stick your butt in the air so you sort of resemble a flying squirrel, and remember to stay loose. This is the most stable position you can be on a bike....then just roll through it while continuing to look ahead. The faster you go through it, the less of an obstacle it will be.
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,012
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Shannon,,
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.
So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.
So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.
#14
Wood Licker
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
Originally posted by jcivic00
the fact that they also have a berm to power into has nothing to do with it whatsoever...LOL
the fact that they also have a berm to power into has nothing to do with it whatsoever...LOL
#15
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2003
Location: Northern Utah
Posts: 236
Bikes: 2003 Diamondback Apex; 1998 Gary Fisher Kaitai (commuter)
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Thanks everyone. We'll see how it goes tonight. This trail I'm doing tonight has plenty of hairpin turns to practice on.
#16
Pedalphile
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 514
Bikes: better ones than yours
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by TimB
Shannon,,
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.
So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.
Shannon,,
just a clarification, don't just push your bum up into the air, it may look to inviting and provide distraction for the guys following you:angel:, get it back behind the saddle. this keeps the Centre of gravity well behind the front wheel making it easier to turn.
So boodie back and low, arms relaxed and keep your gaze a about 10ft down the trail not at your front wheel.
#18
Pedalphile
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Tennessee
Posts: 514
Bikes: better ones than yours
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Originally posted by TimB
I don't use the technique because it is slow, but it gives control and builds confidence which is the object of the exercise??
I don't use the technique because it is slow, but it gives control and builds confidence which is the object of the exercise??