Most here are talking about pavement. Gravel is a different beast.

Fast descending on gravel switchbacks means braking late into turns, cornering technique on loose surfaces and being in the right gear to accelerate under power out of the turn.

Tire pressure is key. A few pounds pressure can be the difference between bouncing down the road uncontrollably and an easy to control bike with lots of traction.

Technique and reading the road are important for turning.

Late braking requires guts and technique, but mostly guts. Well bled disk brakes don't hurt either.

Paved or gravel, endurance geometry often doesn't inspire confidence. I sometimes wish my bike had a little snappier handling.


-Tim-