uncontrollable response when braking on corner
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If you have rim brakes, I would use some dish detergent like Dawn and a scrubbie pad and really clean your rims. Clean the pads as well. Rinse extremely well. Brake heavy before the turn, light as possible in the turn. Check for proper tire pressure. Tight skewers, wheels set properly in the dropouts. Proper adjustment of hub bearings, rim shouldn’t flop around.
Last edited by grizzly59; 09-30-21 at 09:20 PM.
#27
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First of all my condolences on breaking your clavicle. It happened to me last year - my first ever broken bone at the age of 63 - and I now have a piece of titanium in my shoulder. Not a pleasant experience.
Can you explain what you mean by 'flexing uncontrollably'. I suspect you are referring to a very unpleasant shimmying motion, which was also the cause of my crash. This does seem to be an issue with some bikes; it appears to be down to hitting a resonant frequency which is down to a combination of all the components involved, but I assume that the wheels and the frame are the major contributors. I read an article about it that suggested the way to stop it is clamp your knees to the cross bar.
Can you explain what you mean by 'flexing uncontrollably'. I suspect you are referring to a very unpleasant shimmying motion, which was also the cause of my crash. This does seem to be an issue with some bikes; it appears to be down to hitting a resonant frequency which is down to a combination of all the components involved, but I assume that the wheels and the frame are the major contributors. I read an article about it that suggested the way to stop it is clamp your knees to the cross bar.
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Thanks for interest.
I love riding this bike it is great fun apart from braking on curves at speed which I must admit is a serious drawback.
I have braked from high speed many times whilst on a basically straight road without any issues as it never deviates and stops as one would expect.
I love riding this bike it is great fun apart from braking on curves at speed which I must admit is a serious drawback.
I have braked from high speed many times whilst on a basically straight road without any issues as it never deviates and stops as one would expect.
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Thanks for interest.
I would not wish to swap bike as it is a delight to ride apart from this serious problem when braking on a curve/corner at speed. may have to if I can't find an answer.
Will get parts checked out as you suggest. Wheel set were rather expensive Vision Metron 40carbon fibre, but I suppose could have an issue.
I would not wish to swap bike as it is a delight to ride apart from this serious problem when braking on a curve/corner at speed. may have to if I can't find an answer.
Will get parts checked out as you suggest. Wheel set were rather expensive Vision Metron 40carbon fibre, but I suppose could have an issue.
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I was not conscious of going hard on the front brake and try to brake evenly on both levers. I am aware of braking prior to a curve is best but at times you don't know quite what to expect on new routes. Will certainly have to take it more carefully in future.
The Vision Metron 40 wheels also roll really freely which probably didn't help to hold back speed.
The Vision Metron 40 wheels also roll really freely which probably didn't help to hold back speed.
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Well, if you don't have the money for a replacement there really isn't much you can do. As it happens, I broke my frame when I had my crash. I managed to get a used good frame at a reasonable price which only involved getting a new bottom bracket. There's no way I could have afforded to replace the bike, or even get a new frame. If you've not been in that position then you are fortunate.
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That sounds scary. Generally, braking and turning at the same time leads to bad things. Do all the heavy braking before you get to the corner. As I have gotten older, I don't go as fast down hills. I found out I don't bounce as well as I used to.
Once you get back on the bike, I think you should get up to speed on a straightaway and see how the bike behaves under heavy braking. And maybe practice going around corners somewhere quiet.
Once you get back on the bike, I think you should get up to speed on a straightaway and see how the bike behaves under heavy braking. And maybe practice going around corners somewhere quiet.
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#35
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60kph is a normal speed on a bicycle. It is very normal on a downhill. Any bike in good operating condition should be stable at that speed. It is also fast enough that it will hurt if something goes wrong. Downhill the landing point is a lot lower than the launch point, it is a big fall.
It has been mentioned a few times already that weight goes to front wheel when braking and moreso when braking downhill. Can’t be avoided. But you can do something. Change the center of gravity of that bike. You could install a dropper post - and use it. You could stop at top of descent and lower the saddle. Or you could move the biggest weight on the bike, which is the rider’s body. Slide right off the back of the saddle. Get behind the saddle entirely and then lower your weight towards the wheel. If you aren’t agile enough to do that maybe you just have to go slower.
75% braking power on front wheel has been mentioned. Sounds right for flat ground. Downhill it could easily be 90%. Or more. Test the back brake. When applying the rear brake does nothing perceptible you are on the edge. Basically you are attempting to go down the hill doing a nose wheelie. Even Danny Mac won’t do a nose wheelie at 60kph.
Going into a downhill turn the back wheel will always want to drift out. If there is little or no weight on the back wheel the bike wants to just swing around the head bearings. A bike with any slight tendency towards shimmy is going to start to shimmy. Get some weight on the back wheel.
Lifting the back wheel has been mentioned. You want to avoid that. It does not just happen. Unfortunately on a downhill it does not take much to get it started. A little bump. A rock or a twig. This can be controlled but not for long. Even best stunt riders cannot do it for long. Change center of gravity. Get the back wheel on the ground. Sitting back further makes the bike far less sensitive to that little bump.
And then do a lot of reading about shimmy. Has many causes. If the bike is in good condition the likely cause is the rider. Until this crash is well behind you and confidence is re-established best to go slow.
It has been mentioned a few times already that weight goes to front wheel when braking and moreso when braking downhill. Can’t be avoided. But you can do something. Change the center of gravity of that bike. You could install a dropper post - and use it. You could stop at top of descent and lower the saddle. Or you could move the biggest weight on the bike, which is the rider’s body. Slide right off the back of the saddle. Get behind the saddle entirely and then lower your weight towards the wheel. If you aren’t agile enough to do that maybe you just have to go slower.
75% braking power on front wheel has been mentioned. Sounds right for flat ground. Downhill it could easily be 90%. Or more. Test the back brake. When applying the rear brake does nothing perceptible you are on the edge. Basically you are attempting to go down the hill doing a nose wheelie. Even Danny Mac won’t do a nose wheelie at 60kph.
Going into a downhill turn the back wheel will always want to drift out. If there is little or no weight on the back wheel the bike wants to just swing around the head bearings. A bike with any slight tendency towards shimmy is going to start to shimmy. Get some weight on the back wheel.
Lifting the back wheel has been mentioned. You want to avoid that. It does not just happen. Unfortunately on a downhill it does not take much to get it started. A little bump. A rock or a twig. This can be controlled but not for long. Even best stunt riders cannot do it for long. Change center of gravity. Get the back wheel on the ground. Sitting back further makes the bike far less sensitive to that little bump.
And then do a lot of reading about shimmy. Has many causes. If the bike is in good condition the likely cause is the rider. Until this crash is well behind you and confidence is re-established best to go slow.
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#36
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I have been riding a fantastic bike for several years now and have really enjoyed my time on this bike. I live in Perth, Western Australian and many roads here are reasonably flat. Hence steep hills are not always experienced. However, there are still a few around to test out skills.
I have enjoyed climbing many and also descending as well although probably not quite as confidently as speed makes for extra problems. Since I have had the BMC (previous bike, a Trek, was stolen), I have experienced some scary moments whilst descending. Coming down a reasonably long and quite steep hill, I braked whilst negotiating a slight bend. The bike reacted by flexing uncontrollably and would have tossed me off if I had not released the brakes. It quickly righted once the brakes were released.
On Wednesday last I was again descending a 5 - 8 % slope. I braked prior to the corner and braked into the corner when the bike again reacted by flexing vigorously and uncontrollably. I released the brakes, the flexing stopped but I ran on into a curb, crashed and broke my collarbone.
I have read many articles since and none describe this extreme response when braking during cornering. I figure that there must be something else happening here, such as some bike fault. It has been regularly serviced, by the cycle shop where I picked it up, so not any maintenance issue.
Any thoughts as this experience has been painful.
John
I have enjoyed climbing many and also descending as well although probably not quite as confidently as speed makes for extra problems. Since I have had the BMC (previous bike, a Trek, was stolen), I have experienced some scary moments whilst descending. Coming down a reasonably long and quite steep hill, I braked whilst negotiating a slight bend. The bike reacted by flexing uncontrollably and would have tossed me off if I had not released the brakes. It quickly righted once the brakes were released.
On Wednesday last I was again descending a 5 - 8 % slope. I braked prior to the corner and braked into the corner when the bike again reacted by flexing vigorously and uncontrollably. I released the brakes, the flexing stopped but I ran on into a curb, crashed and broke my collarbone.
I have read many articles since and none describe this extreme response when braking during cornering. I figure that there must be something else happening here, such as some bike fault. It has been regularly serviced, by the cycle shop where I picked it up, so not any maintenance issue.
Any thoughts as this experience has been painful.
John
BMC has many different models of bikes - if you know which model and year you have, that would help all in some understanding of the equipment involved.
Also, knowing this is a bit personal, it would be important to know your weight ? this has impact on how and when a bike might react to forces and braking stress.
Further down I'll make some comments on possible things to look at re the bike, and some things for more rider control and stable downhill riding.
I can only comment on my experience sitting on the bike whilst it happened underneath me. not pleasant and frightening when doing 60km/hr or even 30km/hr when I crashed. reading up on shimmying it sounds similar with the frame twisting rather than handlebars vibrating. However, only happens when braking? will need to find an answer before riding bike again.
where on the bike does, what you call, 'Flex' happen - where do you experience it? is it up front at the fork, or some other area?
Thanks for interest.
I love riding this bike it is great fun apart from braking on curves at speed which I must admit is a serious drawback.
I have braked from high speed many times whilst on a basically straight road without any issues as it never deviates and stops as one would expect.
I love riding this bike it is great fun apart from braking on curves at speed which I must admit is a serious drawback.
I have braked from high speed many times whilst on a basically straight road without any issues as it never deviates and stops as one would expect.
I was not conscious of going hard on the front brake and try to brake evenly on both levers. I am aware of braking prior to a curve is best but at times you don't know quite what to expect on new routes. Will certainly have to take it more carefully in future.
The Vision Metron 40 wheels also roll really freely which probably didn't help to hold back speed.
The Vision Metron 40 wheels also roll really freely which probably didn't help to hold back speed.
IF you are on the limits of rear adhesion/braking, you could be causing a 'slide/grip' reaction in the rear, which might seem slight at first, but will cause what seems like wild 'flexing' of the bike.
That's the precipice of crashing...
If the Headset of the bike is not properly adjusted (is either too TIGHT or too LOOSE) ! That will also cause wild bike behaviour in cornering under braking (and even without braking. This would normally not be apparent in straight line braking. Have your tech check the Headset for proper adjustment - VERY IMPORTANT !
Tips for improving your descending (when you have healed. LOL! )
1. DON'T Stiff-arm the bike. Bend your elbows strongly, bend forward and DOD put more 'weight' on the bars. Good weight distribution is important for proper riding and best outcome 45% front & 55% rear. The nature of the bike is that even with what seems 'all your weight' on your arms, you're not at that 45/55 %....
When Braking, the weight does shift forward, BUT locking your elbows causes the front end to become rigid, which is a sure formula for disaster. GET the weight onto the outside pedal, keep the elbows bend, stay down and forward. You would only slide back if you see a 'dip' or 'ditch' in the road surface ahead - something which would drive your total mass/weight forward in a very dramatic fashion.
2. Any time you do any 'turning/cornering' descending, put the 'outside' pedal down (outside of the turn) - lowest position, put as much of your weight onto that pedal, even by ever so slightly 'raising' your weight off the saddle (you're not actually coming off the saddle, just releasing that weight to handled by the outside leg). When practicing, it's ok to actually come off the saddle a bit; but not too far, maintaining saddle contact is important for fine control. Subtly will improve as your technique improves...
3. NEVER look down at your wheel or just in front of your wheel. Your attention should always be well in front of where you're riding... Be aware of road surface and conditions well before you get to them. The faster you go, the further forward is where your attention should be.
As applied in descending/cornering. Always LOOK AS FAR FORWARD INTO THE CORNER/TURN AS POSSIBLE. In a corner this means turning your head and putting your focus as far in the corner as sight line allows, often past the main part of the corner bend ! You should already be aware of what's in front of you and can keep that area, directly ahead, in the periphery of your vision.
Much of this is counter-intuitive and not a 'natural' reaction - it must be practiced !!! Then it will become 2nd nature and your cornering, descending skills and confidence will improve dramatically.
The 'Cornering' skills are just as important 'on the flat' as on a downhill. Especially if you are riding in a group.
Practice - Practice on a short and not-steep section, keep speeds well in bounds. Extend your 'reach' for longer, steeper, faster sections as skills improve.
It's well worth the effort and practice - descending is one of the purest joys of riding the bike !!! .... when it's not in done in white knuckle terror ! LOL !
would be great if you could give us some more info, - re my questions earlier in this post.
best of healing - Ride On!
Yuri
EDIT - also, 1. Has your tech checked your wheels for 'trueness' (wobble/hops in rims) ? 2. has your tech checked for smooth brake/cable function and brake pad condition ? all V-Important...
Last edited by cyclezen; 10-01-21 at 03:04 PM. Reason: punctuation is impotant!
#37
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I did have a bike that handled horrible in the turns. Fine in the straits, no swerve, no speed wobble. With inspection I discovered the rear tire had defect where the tread center had some wave to it. No hump just a small switching to the side and back. I thought it was minor, anything but minor in the turns. I thought I was going to wipeout, brakes or no brakes. I put new tires on, that solved my turning issue.
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#38
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If the bike has cantilever brakes you may need to change the length of the hanger. See the explanation at this link:
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q...tilever-brakes
Dan
https://bicycles.stackexchange.com/q...tilever-brakes
Dan
#39
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I did have a bike that handled horrible in the turns. Fine in the straits, no swerve, no speed wobble. With inspection I discovered the rear tire had defect where the tread center had some wave to it. No hump just a small switching to the side and back. I thought it was minor, anything but minor in the turns. I thought I was going to wipeout, brakes or no brakes. I put new tires on, that solved my turning issue.
And if everything is not right, go slow.
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Start with the basics: Where did you put your weight while cornering? You should straighten your outside leg and put most of your weight there. If all your weight is on your butt, or if you are gingerly trying to put your weight on both pedals, you will feel a lot more unstable cornering like that.
#41
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I did have a bike that handled horrible in the turns. Fine in the straits, no swerve, no speed wobble. With inspection I discovered the rear tire had defect where the tread center had some wave to it. No hump just a small switching to the side and back. I thought it was minor, anything but minor in the turns. I thought I was going to wipeout, brakes or no brakes. I put new tires on, that solved my turning issue.
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#42
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There’s another side to this. Bikes are remarkably stable and forgiving. If they weren’t they would not be so much fun. The bike is your friend. It wants to stay upright.
Here are a few examples of things that have happened to me on descents. In turns. All of this was at 70 to 80kph with little or no notice.
Deer bounds off the hillside onto the road in front of me. Right in apex of turn and I am already committed to my line. Which way will the deer go next?
Tree limb down in the road, blocking entire road. Explains why there is no traffic going up. That limb was not there two hours ago when I went through in other direction. Of course this is the hairpin on the descent with the least forward visibility.
Descending with a group. They are good riders. Everyone has a clean line. Everyone gives their friends lots of space. And we are fast. Another rider hits a stone - or he hits something. Bike lurches and starts to slide and drift towards me. He basically body blocks me from the side. BANG.
In every case the bike or bikes stayed up. Too much happening on a descent to stop and think about it. It happens and it passes. The guy who ran into me did take a moment at the bottom to thank me for backstopping him. But not a big deal. It’s a bike ride.
The bike is your friend. Let the bike be your friend.
Here are a few examples of things that have happened to me on descents. In turns. All of this was at 70 to 80kph with little or no notice.
Deer bounds off the hillside onto the road in front of me. Right in apex of turn and I am already committed to my line. Which way will the deer go next?
Tree limb down in the road, blocking entire road. Explains why there is no traffic going up. That limb was not there two hours ago when I went through in other direction. Of course this is the hairpin on the descent with the least forward visibility.
Descending with a group. They are good riders. Everyone has a clean line. Everyone gives their friends lots of space. And we are fast. Another rider hits a stone - or he hits something. Bike lurches and starts to slide and drift towards me. He basically body blocks me from the side. BANG.
In every case the bike or bikes stayed up. Too much happening on a descent to stop and think about it. It happens and it passes. The guy who ran into me did take a moment at the bottom to thank me for backstopping him. But not a big deal. It’s a bike ride.
The bike is your friend. Let the bike be your friend.
#43
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I've read many articles that stated that a bicycle in a turn when brakes are applied wants to straighten up and that that can lead to loss of control. The recommendation in t hose articles was to not brake in a turn.
I do hope that the OP heals fully and is able to ride and enjoy riding again.
Cheers
I do hope that the OP heals fully and is able to ride and enjoy riding again.
Cheers
#44
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I've read many articles that stated that a bicycle in a turn when brakes are applied wants to straighten up and that that can lead to loss of control. The recommendation in t hose articles was to not brake in a turn.
I do hope that the OP heals fully and is able to ride and enjoy riding again.
Cheers
I do hope that the OP heals fully and is able to ride and enjoy riding again.
Cheers
Rather than not brake in corners, you need a different strategy. Use a light hand on either brake but you probably want to treat braking like you would on wet roads. In other words, use more rear brake (to a certain point) than front and push back on the saddle to load the rear wheel like you would on a downhill. It’s a delicate balance, however. If the rear wheel does start to slide (and you have enough time), get off the brakes, specifically the front, and lean more.
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Plan Epsilon Around Lake Michigan in the era of Covid
Old School…When It Wasn’t Ancient bikepacking
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Solo Without Pie. The search for pie in the Midwest.
Picking the Scablands. Washington and Oregon, 2005. Pie and spiders on the Columbia River!
#45
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OP appears to have abandoned this thread and hasn't responded the the many questions here.
Still, I'll comment:
The main rule is do not brake while cornering. If you find yourself braking while cornering, you entered the corner too fast for your ability. If the route is unknown and you find yourself braking through corners, you need to slow down. I don't mean to "told ya so" the OP in saying this. Proper technique is to brake fully before the corner, enter the corner at the proper speed that allows you to safely navigate without changing speed and then accelerate out of corners. Braking while cornering throws off your balance and introduces all sorts of difficult to control forces on your tires and bike.
Something that worked for me: if you really want to learn this well, borrow a cross bike or mountain bike and do some flat cornering drills on grass. Navigating through flat corners offroad really teaches you how to sense the limits of grip, how to best execute bike/body separation to lean the bike and how to brake properly. Also as the speeds are much lower in this type of drill, the consequences are much lower. Get some cones, find a field and give it a try.
Still, I'll comment:
The main rule is do not brake while cornering. If you find yourself braking while cornering, you entered the corner too fast for your ability. If the route is unknown and you find yourself braking through corners, you need to slow down. I don't mean to "told ya so" the OP in saying this. Proper technique is to brake fully before the corner, enter the corner at the proper speed that allows you to safely navigate without changing speed and then accelerate out of corners. Braking while cornering throws off your balance and introduces all sorts of difficult to control forces on your tires and bike.
Something that worked for me: if you really want to learn this well, borrow a cross bike or mountain bike and do some flat cornering drills on grass. Navigating through flat corners offroad really teaches you how to sense the limits of grip, how to best execute bike/body separation to lean the bike and how to brake properly. Also as the speeds are much lower in this type of drill, the consequences are much lower. Get some cones, find a field and give it a try.
#47
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OP appears to have abandoned this thread and hasn't responded the the many questions here.
Still, I'll comment:
The main rule is do not brake while cornering. If you find yourself braking while cornering, you entered the corner too fast for your ability. If the route is unknown and you find yourself braking through corners, you need to slow down. I don't mean to "told ya so" the OP in saying this. Proper technique is to brake fully before the corner, enter the corner at the proper speed that allows you to safely navigate without changing speed and then accelerate out of corners. Braking while cornering throws off your balance and introduces all sorts of difficult to control forces on your tires and bike.
Something that worked for me: if you really want to learn this well, borrow a cross bike or mountain bike and do some flat cornering drills on grass. Navigating through flat corners offroad really teaches you how to sense the limits of grip, how to best execute bike/body separation to lean the bike and how to brake properly. Also as the speeds are much lower in this type of drill, the consequences are much lower. Get some cones, find a field and give it a try.
Still, I'll comment:
The main rule is do not brake while cornering. If you find yourself braking while cornering, you entered the corner too fast for your ability. If the route is unknown and you find yourself braking through corners, you need to slow down. I don't mean to "told ya so" the OP in saying this. Proper technique is to brake fully before the corner, enter the corner at the proper speed that allows you to safely navigate without changing speed and then accelerate out of corners. Braking while cornering throws off your balance and introduces all sorts of difficult to control forces on your tires and bike.
Something that worked for me: if you really want to learn this well, borrow a cross bike or mountain bike and do some flat cornering drills on grass. Navigating through flat corners offroad really teaches you how to sense the limits of grip, how to best execute bike/body separation to lean the bike and how to brake properly. Also as the speeds are much lower in this type of drill, the consequences are much lower. Get some cones, find a field and give it a try.
I will certainly do as you and others have suggested and develop cornering skills as I can't keep doping what I currently am experiencing.
#48
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Bike details
I have endeavoured to answer these queries several times but none get posted. trying again.
1. Bike - 2020 Teanmachine SLR02 D Two - 54 cm. Has disc brakes. Vision Metron 40SLwheel set.
2. Me - 76 yrs, 74kg
3. Only really riding regularly with group since retirement, hence experience limited and this bike really picks up speed downhill.
1. Bike - 2020 Teanmachine SLR02 D Two - 54 cm. Has disc brakes. Vision Metron 40SLwheel set.
2. Me - 76 yrs, 74kg
3. Only really riding regularly with group since retirement, hence experience limited and this bike really picks up speed downhill.
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This makes sense. I thought that I was applying slight pressure but probably squeezed a little too hard. Will have to enter at a lower speed and control speed gain with rear brake rather than front. Probably feathering brakes a better option.
This makes sense. I thought that I was applying slight pressure but probably squeezed a little too hard. Will have to enter at a lower speed and control speed gain with rear brake rather than front. Probably feathering brakes a better option.
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First off .... Every force "deflects: or "distorts" the fork, but in microscopic amounts, usually.
I am not sure what your question is---are you asking if disc brakes flex forks Dangerously or excessively? The fact that the whole pro peloton has safely been riding discs for a few years (and trust me, they brake harder than you do) and none of them have died from "fork deflection," seems to indicate that the forks are strong enough for the forces involved.
Second, if the fork deflected in large amounts under Any load, people would crash and die.
If Your fork flexes noticeably while braking then you need to take your bike to a shop.
IMO.