Do you stand going down hill?
11-06-13 | 11:19 AM
#26
just another gosling
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 20,583
Likes: 2,690
From: Everett, WA
Bikes: CoMo Speedster 2003, Trek 5200, CAAD 9, Fred 2004
I came from hardtail mountain biking where you tend to hover over the rear seat when descending to help absorb impact. I orient my cranks parallel to the ground, hover about an inch off the saddle and grip the saddle with the insides of my thighs. Keeps me aero, gives my butt a break, and keeps me stable. This is only when I spin out my cassette though. Until that point, I am seated and pedaling.
11-06-13 | 11:24 AM
#27
Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 1,472
Likes: 11
From: Near St. Louis, Missouri
Bikes: Giant Defy Advanced, Breezer Doppler Team, Schwinn Twinn Tandem, Windsor Tourist, 1954 JC Higgens
I sometimes do when riding with a group. As I'm heavier than most, gravity is my friend going downhill. If I'm pulling away too fast or catching up with other riders, I stand up to give my rump a rest plus slow down instead of hitting the brakes. However I'm ready to sit down quickly if I do need to hit the brakes or go around a bend. A lower center of gravity is better in both cases.
11-06-13 | 12:41 PM
#29
RacingBear
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 9,053
Likes: 68
From: NorCal
^What I do too, particularly on technical/bumpy descents. Hands deep in the drops, forearms flat, back flat, weight in the pedals, knees gripping the top tube. Kind of like skiing a downhill course, tucked but taking the bumps. Also puts more weight on the front wheel to keep the shimmy monster away. Guy shimmied out and died on RAMROD last year. Braking, I just move my butt back. On smooth descents I'll sit because it's easier but control isn't as good.
11-06-13 | 01:39 PM
#30
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Ahwatukee Arizona
Bikes: 14 Cannondale EVO SuperSix 5 105
11-06-13 | 02:28 PM
#32
Should Be More Popular
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 46,337
Likes: 11,829
From: Malvern, PA (20 miles West of Philly)
Bikes: 1986 Alpine (steel road bike), 2009 Ti Habenero, 2013 Specialized Roubaix
11-06-13 | 03:17 PM
#34
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 842
Likes: 0
Bikes: Trek 1.2
My bike feels unstable if I stand when going downhill, maye it's because there is something loose, or my bike just isn't that good. I prefer to stand at the crest of the hill and power through the top of the hill and then sit back down when I'm going downhill.
11-06-13 | 07:34 PM
#35
Portland Fred
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,553
Likes: 54
Bikes: Custom Winter, Challenge Seiran SL, Fuji Team Pro, Cattrike Road/Velokit, РOS hybrid
I sometimes stand with only one hand on the bars as a subtle hint to the car in front that they're going too damn slow
11-07-13 | 07:59 AM
#38
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 636
Likes: 0
I started standing going downhill to give my butt an extended break from the saddle. But I noticed I feel a little more balanced standing ( I understand my current bike is not fit to me, so this may change when I get my good bike ) and I also feel like the ride is smoother as my legs absorb some of the road chatter on unsmooth roadways.
Just curious if others do this. Or if this is a faux pas and I should stop. I don't want to get into bad habits.
Just curious if others do this. Or if this is a faux pas and I should stop. I don't want to get into bad habits.
11-07-13 | 03:42 PM
#40
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 880
Likes: 11
From: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Bikes: Trek Emonda SL6, Trek Madone 4.5, Trek X-Caliber
