Steep Downhills on a CX bike
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Steep Downhills on a CX bike
So, I've commuting on a trail to work for the past few days. I am faster on the climb vs. my friends MTB.
But going downhill on this trail is scary as hell and I feel every vibration in my hands. How do you guys deal with this? Are CX bikes not meant for downhill trails?
But going downhill on this trail is scary as hell and I feel every vibration in my hands. How do you guys deal with this? Are CX bikes not meant for downhill trails?
Last edited by rekon; 05-22-14 at 11:39 AM.
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Define "downhill". CX bikes are most definitely not meant for what serious mountain bikers call "downhill". Neither are most mountain bikes. On the other hand, you obviously can take a CX bike down a hill.
If you're still worried about the vibration in your hands and not fearing for your life, it's probably OK.
If you're still worried about the vibration in your hands and not fearing for your life, it's probably OK.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#4
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Define "downhill". CX bikes are most definitely not meant for what serious mountain bikers call "downhill". Neither are most mountain bikes. On the other hand, you obviously can take a CX bike down a hill.
If you're still worried about the vibration in your hands and not fearing for your life, it's probably OK.
If you're still worried about the vibration in your hands and not fearing for your life, it's probably OK.
Downhill = For a 10 mile stretch its about 400 ft downhill. The downhill is not constant and it's mixed with level and uphills.
I have to admit I did fear my life (or at least injury) a few times. I had to brake almost all downhill stretches. My disc brakes were screeching. Which reminds me I have to check my brakes because now I have to squeeze the lever hard to brake and the rear brakes are sketchy.
#5
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Hoods are the worst place because you don't have a solid grip. Bar-top interrupter levers are great for steep descents because you have a solid grip and can get your weight further back than from the drops.
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Beaverton, OR
Posts: 14,744
Bikes: Yes
Mentioned: 525 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3230 Post(s)
Liked 3,868 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Short steep drops are the thing that nearly make me pee myself. There's a local race that is notorious for one particular drop. Here's a pic of one rider showing great form:
though if she isn't careful with the front brake, this could end badly.
I usually ride this section something like this (though this isn't me):
The key, I think, is to keep your weight centered over your pedals, pushing vertically down into the pedals, not perpendicular to the trail surface. The steeper the hill, the more you need to shift your weight back. And when it gets really steep, resist the urge to brake hard.
__________________
My Bikes
My Bikes
#8
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Ok, maybe that's why I was on the hoods - I was riding out of the saddle. If I'm in the saddle the drops will be easier. Which leads me to wonder - doesn't it hurt to ride downhill in the saddle. Assuming the trail is very bump/rocky
#9
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,535
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3670 Post(s)
Liked 5,422 Times
in
2,756 Posts
You don't want to be on the saddle. Look at the pic. Her butt is way off the back of the saddle.
#10
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Most likely, it's a combination of speed, steepness and slope that creating the challenge on your route. Leaning back and slowing down will help. What tires and what size tire are you using?
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-22-14 at 05:34 PM.
#11
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
My tires are stock: Kenda Kwick 700x30c
More specs of my bike here (Save Up to 60% Off Motobecane Cyclocross Bikes - Fantom Cross Outlaw)
Oh and here's my bike:
Is the tire size/kind OK? What are your thoughts?
Last edited by rekon; 05-22-14 at 10:35 PM.
#12
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
A larger tire provides better grip and improved stability on technical terrain. It also allows you to reduce air pressure to 40 to 50 psi, improving the shock absorbing capacity of the tire. That improves traction further while improving rider control and comfort.
I run a variety of tires on my CX bike, depending on the surface. I like slicks for pavement and smoother gravel that's not too technical. I use the Happy Medium on wet gravel and earth trails. I'm installing a 700x40 touring tires for some sharp-edged gravel that I'll travel next week.
Using a range of tires is the greatest benefit of having a CX bike. It transforms the performance of the bike completely.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-23-14 at 06:59 AM.
#13
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
That's a very small tire size for the type of riding you describe. Consider the Kendra Happy Medium in a 700x35 size: Happy Medium Pro
A larger tire provides better grip and improved stability on technical terrain. It also allows you to reduce air pressure to 40 to 50 psi, improving the shock absorbing capacity of the tire. That improves traction further while improving rider control and comfort.
I run a variety of tires on my CX bike, depending on the surface. I like slicks for pavement and smoother gravel that's not too technical. I use the Happy Medium on wet gravel and earth trails. I'm installing a 700x40 touring tires for some sharp-edged gravel that I'll travel next week.
Using a range of tires is the greatest benefit of having a CX bike. It transforms the performance of the bike completely.
A larger tire provides better grip and improved stability on technical terrain. It also allows you to reduce air pressure to 40 to 50 psi, improving the shock absorbing capacity of the tire. That improves traction further while improving rider control and comfort.
I run a variety of tires on my CX bike, depending on the surface. I like slicks for pavement and smoother gravel that's not too technical. I use the Happy Medium on wet gravel and earth trails. I'm installing a 700x40 touring tires for some sharp-edged gravel that I'll travel next week.
Using a range of tires is the greatest benefit of having a CX bike. It transforms the performance of the bike completely.
thanks this helps a lot! So, will these tires fit on my current wheels? Or, will I have to buy new wheels?
#14
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
These will fit on your current wheels, no problem. The Happy Medium is a great tire. It will be fast and smooth on pavement. It climbs as well or better than your current tire and provides great control going downhill. It's not the best tire for mud, but that's not an issue in So Cal.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
Last edited by Barrettscv; 05-23-14 at 08:14 AM.
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Watch this for sure:
Local trails ala cx on Vimeo
Local trails ala cx on Vimeo
#16
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
These will fit on your current wheels, no problem. The Happy Medium is a great tire. It will be fast and smooth on pavement. It climbs as well or better than your current tire and provides great control going downhill. It's not the best tire for mud, but that's not an issue in So Cal.
Correct, mud is not an issue - we are experiencing a drought out here. I don't remember the last time we had good rain! lol
#17
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Watch this for sure:
Local trails ala cx on Vimeo
Local trails ala cx on Vimeo
Last edited by rekon; 05-23-14 at 08:51 AM.
#18
Banned
& with Top mount Interruptor levers , you may be able to push your center of gravity lower and further back..
Cross Boots had heel spikes to grip sketchy course downhills portaging the bike, until you got back to a ridable section of the course.
But the OP is just negotiating a unimproved dirt road , sorry if you have to slow down or risk crashing.. so it goes ..
walking is still an option ..
Cross Boots had heel spikes to grip sketchy course downhills portaging the bike, until you got back to a ridable section of the course.
But the OP is just negotiating a unimproved dirt road , sorry if you have to slow down or risk crashing.. so it goes ..
walking is still an option ..
#19
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
It also looks like the biggest issue is off-camber and loose dry earth on the surface. A larger tire at lower air pressure combined with taller knobs on the shoulder of the tire are needed.
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,119
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#21
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#22
Have bike, will travel
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Lake Geneva, WI
Posts: 12,284
Bikes: Ridley Helium SLX, Canyon Endurance SL, De Rosa Professional, Eddy Merckx Corsa Extra, Schwinn Paramount (1 painted, 1 chrome), Peugeot PX10, Serotta Nova X, Simoncini Cyclocross Special, Raleigh Roker, Pedal Force CG2 and CX2
Mentioned: 46 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 910 Post(s)
Liked 288 Times
in
158 Posts
Thanks! So, with that said, is 700x35 tire size (https://www.kendatire.com/en/bicycle/...py-medium-pro) still sufficient?
__________________
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
When I ride my bike I feel free and happy and strong. I'm liberated from the usual nonsense of day to day life. Solid, dependable, silent, my bike is my horse, my fighter jet, my island, my friend. Together we will conquer that hill and thereafter the world.
#23
Senior Member
Stay in the drops, hang your ass waaay out over the back and put you stomach on the saddle. Go slow enough that if you crash no damage is done. Be prepared to jump off from the back and catch your bike by its seatpost. Strongly disagree with the "lean back" advice, I mean you gotta move your position as far back as possible but you want to stay really low and stomach-down while keeping enough weight on the front wheel. Keeping enough weight on the front wheel is critical for downhill switchback turns. If you lean backward on a switchback the front tire will lose grip and slide. Go slowly and cautiously. Better to walk your bike down really loose stuff or unfamiliar territory if you tires aren't aggressive enough. I only use my interrupter levers going uphill. Can't even imagine being anywhere but in the drops during a steep descent even with significant bar drop.
Last edited by Clem von Jones; 05-24-14 at 12:26 AM.
#24
got the climbing bug
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: San Diego
Posts: 10,204
Bikes: one for everything
Mentioned: 82 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 632 Post(s)
Liked 908 Times
in
273 Posts
lean back but stay balanced. Don't think about crashing or you will. Very fun looking trails. I have disc brakes on my rig and they really help. More control and ZERO chatter
#25
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 495
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 24 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Update: I've been doing a lot better on these downhills. However, my BB5 brakes feel a little sketchy. I'm thinking about upgrading to BB7s. Has anyone had experience doing this upgrade? If so, how do you like them?
Also, I'm planning on ordering the happy medium tires soon. Question - Do 700x35 fit on my bike? I'm assuming they do but just making sure...
Also, I'm planning on ordering the happy medium tires soon. Question - Do 700x35 fit on my bike? I'm assuming they do but just making sure...
Last edited by rekon; 06-02-14 at 10:07 PM.