fishtailing on new road bike!

[wiseowl]

It was TERRIFYING! I was cruising along, slight downhill, prob around 19 mph (wasn't looking at the computer), nice pavement. Not braking. Then the rear wheel fishtails all over the place- several big wobbles from side to side. Somehow I held on and got sorted out. What are some causes for fishtailing, and how do you properly recover from a fish tail so you don't go down? If I had hit, it would have been very bad for me and bike, but I feel like luck, not skill, kept me upright this time. How often does this happen to you ladies?

[indigoiis]

Were you using the rear brakes going down the slight downhill? That's one cause, from what I have read.

[maillotpois]

Rear brakes are the usual cause. Release the brakes completely, and you should recover.

I had this happen once, going into a hairpin a little hot after getting new brake pads. Had a car right behind me as it happened, and no shoulder. I released the brakes completely and the bike stood up straight as I came out of the turn and the people in the car, when it passed me on the straight, gave me a big thumbs up.

[KnottedYet]

Had that happen once on the front end of my recumbent when the QR skewer got kicked open when I was taking the bike out of my car. Riding along and suddenly the front was all over the place!

eeek!

[SadieKate]

Recovery: just remember that you weigh more than the bike and the bike will follow you. Release the brakes and let the bike straighten up. Keep your head up and your eyes forward as your body will follow your head and eyes.

I fishtailed once in a tri when it was raining and there was tomato harvest goo all over the roads. I was going into a turn trying to pass someone. I pedaled a little harder and momentarily took a straighter line.

[redrhodie]

I also wonder why it happened if you weren't braking? Were your hands on the drops? Maybe your weight was too far forward, and not enough on the seat, therefore not enough onto the back wheel? Does that make sense? The time I fishtailed, that's how I was positioned, and I was rear braking. Not enough traction between the rear tire and the pavement.

Glad you pulled out of it! Don't let it freak you out. I know how scary it was. Get back on the bike, and ride a road you're comfortable on right away to get your confidence back.

It's only happened to me once.

[SadieKate]

Good point about the braking. I think my fishtail was the turn combined with the tomato soup in which I was riding. Not recommended riding conditions. Maybe if it had been marinara.

[Veronica]

How often does this happen to you ladies?

Once on my mountain bike when I had no front brakes.

Once when I overcooked a corner (Trinity Grade for you Norcal folks) and braked too hard.

If you weren't braking - check your tire pressure, could be too low.

V.