Go Back  Bike Forums > Bike Forums > Singlespeed & Fixed Gear
Reload this Page >

Downhill braking question

Search
Notices
Singlespeed & Fixed Gear "I still feel that variable gears are only for people over forty-five. Isn't it better to triumph by the strength of your muscles than by the artifice of a derailer? We are getting soft...As for me, give me a fixed gear!"-- Henri Desgrange (31 January 1865 - 16 August 1940)

Downhill braking question

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old 10-07-08 | 08:25 PM
  #1  
cincinnatikid01's Avatar
Thread Starter
frijolero
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cuernavaca, Mexico

Bikes: IRO Mark V group

Downhill braking question

I have a question.
When im biking down a mountain pass and want to brake I start to fishtail a little.
I use my front brake for my heavy stopping and i also try to put pressure on my rear wheel when i can. I know im not skidding my wheel.
Anybody have a suggestion as to what might be happening here?
cincinnatikid01 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 08:29 PM
  #2  
Hobartlemagne's Avatar
Spelling Snob
 
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 2,862
Likes: 2
From: Plano, Texas

Bikes: Panasonic DX4000, Bianchi Pista

Your weight is shifting forward, causing the rear wheel to lose traction. The use of the rear
brake in this scenario is making it worse.
__________________

The first rule of flats is You don't talk about flats!
Hobartlemagne is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 08:30 PM
  #3  
Raving looney
 
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 2,482
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, ON, Canada

Bikes: 70s Leader Precision w/Shimano 600 (road), IRO Rob Roy (Fixed)

Fishtailing implies a lockup at the back, which means it's skidding - I can't see how you can fishtail any other way in this situation.
Flimflam is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 09:06 PM
  #4  
Banned.
 
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,021
Likes: 1
From: on the moon

Bikes: Cinelli Mash

why the fugg is this in the hipster forum?
solbrothers is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 09:12 PM
  #5  
cincinnatikid01's Avatar
Thread Starter
frijolero
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cuernavaca, Mexico

Bikes: IRO Mark V group

Originally Posted by Hobartlemagne
Your weight is shifting forward, causing the rear wheel to lose traction. The use of the rear
brake in this scenario is making it worse.
i think youre right. I notice it happening when i dont back pedal at all too. should i apply more weight to the saddle?
cincinnatikid01 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 09:46 PM
  #6  
Senior Member
 
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,568
Likes: 0
From: Athens, Ohio

Bikes: Fuji Track, Half built 70s Azuki

cincinati kid? I suppose you're hear for the toronto kid then, eh?

DOn't know why I couldn't resist posting that.
dayvan cowboy is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 09:49 PM
  #7  
Critical Jeff's Avatar
Permanent Beater Rider
 
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 466
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA

Bikes: Windsor Hour

my suggestion, don't hula hoop while leaning forward on your bike.
Critical Jeff is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 10:00 PM
  #8  
cincinnatikid01's Avatar
Thread Starter
frijolero
 
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 44
Likes: 0
From: Cuernavaca, Mexico

Bikes: IRO Mark V group

haha yeah i try not to... a lot harder on the turns tho
cincinnatikid01 is offline  
Reply
Old 10-07-08 | 10:17 PM
  #9  
the_don's Avatar
Senior Member
 
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 1,938
Likes: 2
From: Tokyo
Yeah, and make sure you keep your weight way back. But I don't know the situation of your bike setup, tires also make a difference. Also, how steep are the trails you are riding?
the_don is offline  
Reply

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off



Contact Us - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.