Hey everyone!
I’ve recently started riding again after a long time, and it’s been both exciting and nerve-wracking. I live in a city with quite a few hilly areas, and I’ve noticed that going downhill is where my fear kicks in the most.
To give some context, I used to ride a city bike with a very upright position and a flat handlebar, which felt stable and comfortable. That bike was also much slower on descents, so I never really felt much fear back then. Last year, I got a new gravel bike with a more aggressive geometry and drop handlebars. It’s a fantastic bike, but it picks up speed very quickly on descents, and that’s been a big adjustment for me.
Unfortunately, on the second day of riding my new bike, I had a fall. Since then, I’ve been trying to rebuild my confidence, adapt to the more aggressive riding position, and learn to handle the bike’s different dynamics. When I descend now, I often find myself feeling nervous about the speed I’m gaining, even when I use the rear brake to try to keep things under control.
The steep descents in my city, especially on busy streets or sections with sharp turns, make me feel uneasy. I’ll include some photos or map links to show the kind of downhill passages I’m talking about.
I sometimes worry about losing control or braking poorly, and while I try to take it slow, the fear still lingers. For those of you who’ve been through something similar, how did you overcome this fear? Any tips for improving control, adapting to a more aggressive riding position, and feeling more confident on downhill sections?
Thanks so much for any advice or encouragement!
by jormvngandr
4 Comments
Ouch- sorry you had a fall! I had a similar experience (but on my mountain bike) where I was a bit nervous for a while after. For me, I had to get back to trusting what my bike could do and not worrying about what it could not- I started to believe I could stop without crashing. It took a while (maybe a month or two?) of riding while worrying, but eventually I did get back to believing I could ride steep stuff and stay in control. I hope this helps and that others have more relevant advice.
It’s a good fear to have, it’s more than reasonable. Its of upmost importance to first be safe and know all the details of getting the bike ready and sound, with nothing loose or uncalibrated. The bike must be sturdy, every component has to be firmly attached to be able to resist the forces. Use helmet with no exception, but act as if your head was still as vulnerable. Safety is first. Fun, pleasure, exercise and being with others outside in the weather is awesome seconds… speed is far below! (I didn’t answer your question, but I want to inspire that your instincts, to me, are correct, you just need to adjust them rationally to allow you do riskless (but not reckless!) fun activities.
To descend, slide your butt almost off the back of the seat almost, which you sit on with your thighs.
– This takes the weight off of the front wheel, which is important for control.
– this also prepares you for hard braking if needed
– your shoulders and arms should be relaxed and loose, hands lightly resting on the bars
– don’t death grip the bars, that can cause pilot induced oscillation and wobbling
– the geometry of the bike will keep it stable and damp any vibrations etc, you don’t need to help the bike, just relax
– when not in a turn, pedals should be level, the leading foot braced against the pedal, to be ready for hard braking if needed
– if hard braking is needed, arms should be straight and locked, and slide your butt even further back, which will allow you to brake as hard as possible, without pitching forward
– be ready to bunny hop over an unexpected hole or wide road crack, sewer grating, or really high paint stripes, or whatever, don’t run into or over it
– you’re likely going very fast down a big hill, so you can confidently ride in the middle of the lane, as you’re going the same speed as the cars, don’t hug the curb
Take your time and most importantly learn to brake.
>adapt to the more aggressive riding position
With drop bars, beyond being aggressive, placing your hands in the drops will lower you center of gravity, and give you a very secure position (your hands can’t slip anywhere) with a fine level of control over the braking force you are applying (more power, and control than on the hoods).
Leaning more forwards may seems scarier at first but adopting a proper descending position (for the drop bars of your gravel bike), should give you more control, and in turn more confidence.
>even when I use the rear brake to try to keep things under control
Train to use your front brake. It’s much more powerful than the rear one. Take it slow, and as Horror-Raisin-877 wrote, put your weight in the back and you won’t flip.
Knowing how hare and fast you can brake will make a world of difference with your tolerance to gaining speed.