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Last Post 09/06/2016 03:14 PM by 79 pmooney. 4 Replies.
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smokey52

Posts:498

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09/06/2016 07:44 AM
Interesting article in NY Times today: http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/31/health/how-to-ride-downhill-on-a-bicycle.html
ChinookPass

Posts:809

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09/06/2016 10:49 AM
110psi is way to high, esp for 25mm tires which is what most should be on in the mtns. For a lighter female triathalete, 85-90psi should be plenty. Also stay off the hoods, get in the drops. Way more control and much more power to the brake levers if needed. Watch a video of Sagan cornering and learn the subtleties of counter-steering.
Dale

Posts:1767

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09/06/2016 12:26 PM
...or just study this repeatedly.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RxXqQqAc2pA
Orange Crush

Posts:4499

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09/06/2016 01:49 PM
clearly this is aimed at inexperienced riders and the recommendations should be read as such.The hoods recommendation is fine in that regard because most inexperienced riders will not be able to pull off a relaxed in the drops position. Relaxed position is key to everything else.
79pmooney

Posts:3189

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09/06/2016 03:14 PM
This is also aimed at tri riders. They ride skinny tires. 28s? Aren't those beach tires?

I strongly don't like advising newcomers to ride the hoods downhill. If they start that way, it is unlikely they will ever change. And what happens when they hit something they didn't see at 40 mph? Especially if they are riding with a proper relaxed grip? Guess who's hands are no longer anywhere near the handlebars.

I did that once the first year on my UO-8. I was descending to a free for all intersection, head up looking for cross traffic. I hit a rock. Knocked my hands off the hoods (even with brake cables). Coasted through the intersection lying on the stem with my hands beside the front hub. Deep bruise from the UO-8 stem bolt on my sternum.

That was quite a lesson. Since then, I have hit many more rocks, debris and potholes including some that have put pie shaped dents in my front rim. The lesson of that day has served me very well. Anytime it is "iffy"" RIDE THE DROPS!

I hear many more stories of riders losing it hitting things they didn't see or judge properly than in the old days. Granted, reporting is far better. LA lost a key teammate on a training ride. Contador was taken out in the TdF by a teammate who lost if on a speed bump. (In the old days, a lot of us were also bailed out by those d*** non-aero brake cables.)

When I ride no-hands, I like to do it at times I choose.

Ben
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