Dwonhills - what am I doing wrong??

[SnappyPix]

For me, speed doesn't induce speed wobble (was hitting 70+kph today with no probs) - but now I know what does, as I nearly started a shimmy off again today.
It's definitely when I begin to shift my hands from the hoods to the drops - I've tried sliding them down the handlebar, but this morning inadvertently gave a very, very slight flick as I moved my hand, and the handlebar responded, causing the wheel to start to go. Luckily I'm aware of this now and rectified it immediately by easing off and resting my knees on the top tube.
For me, it's definitely not mechanical - just operator error!

[Runawaymum]

hey Snappy what part of NZ are you in? I'm in Auckland I dont think its the speed, just using the brakes incorrectly duh !! Back to the drawing board

[crazycanuck]

Hey RM-just a quick wave to you in Auckland-We used to live there but are now over here yonder. Have fun with the traffic-i guess you've already figured out that you need to hog the whole lane hey!
Are you a mtn biker as well? No need to worry about Auckland drivers if you are!

Snappy-Sorry to hear you have to leave nz .


c

[RoadRaven]

Remember ladies that the mechanics of bicycles are pretty fundemental, and they are made to go at speed that people can take them too.

When we go downhill, we take bikes to speeds that begin to challenge their frames.

The speed wobbles is most likely a combination of the weight distribution on the bike, the wind resistance or direction, the increasing speed and the way you apply the brakes.

When braking downhill, feather the brakes, don't just apply and hold tight - that will cause a sudden change in resistance and not allow the bike time to adjust.

I also use a combination of braking both wheels, though I don't know if that is recommended, but it works for me.

Have fun experimenting, Runaway... I'm sure those Goddesses of cycling will continue to watch your technique and guide your wheels

[SnappyPix]

hey Snappy what part of NZ are you in? I'm in Auckland I dont think its the speed, just using the brakes incorrectly duh !! Back to the drawing board

Hey - small world! Yes, I live in Auckland!! Wow! Whereabouts are you?

[Runawaymum]

Hi CC bet its alot warmer where you are right now Yeah I'm real good at taking the whole lane when I need too I tend to ride out South where its a bit less hairy ( mostly). I've come to the conclusion that for every 20 -30 K travelled you get one idiot who either doesn't see you or doesn't care !!!!

Snappy pm'd you back

Raven I definetly think both is the way to go, there is another thread on this board that advocates using front brake mostly, having tried that I think I'll go back to both!!

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=7729

[velogirl]

Wow! Definitely brake with both front and rear at the same time. That's the way your bike is designed. If you brake with only front, you could endo. If you brake with only rear, you could skid. Apply both brakes evenly and adjust based on how your bike responds.

SnappyPix -- your wobble was likely caused not by bumping the bar/turning the wheel, but because you momentarily relieved weight from the front of the bike. When we descend, we should try to put a bit more weight on the front of the bike (one of the reasons you should always descend in your drops).

On of the biggest challenges with women's bike fit is that we modify man-sized bikes to fit our smaller upper bodies. We do this by adding a shorter stem. With older women and more recreational riders, we also put a stem with a large degree of rise, placing us in a more upright position. This combination (short, high stem), places too little weight on the front of the bike, which contributes to poor handling and speed wobble. If using a longer, lower stem isn't an option for you, try to consciously put more weight on the front of the bike when you descend, and I almost guarantee your speed wobble will disappear.

[Kathi]

Velogirl,

I agree with you about the changes from the intended design of the bike required to get a good women's fit causing handling issues. I wonder if some of the WSD frames also compromise handling because of their design.

I'm thinking the reason why I'm very comfortable at higher speeds on my new bike is because of its custom fit. Unlike my stock frame which was jerry rigged to fit me I don't notice the speed on my new bike.

Also, I now have handlebars that are the correct width for me and handbuilt wheels that were designed for lightweight me, thus less stiff than prebuilts and giving me a smoother ride.

My partner is looking at getting handbuilt wheels because he can't keep up with me!

[yogabear]

Just want to second the idea of using both front and rear brakes equally

Also, for myself, I feel more comfortable applying braking pressure in 'extreme' conditions such as fast downhills while riding in my drops. I am a tiny rider so I have little hands and also, I don't have a lot of hand strength. I like how my bike brakes better in the drops in certain situations, especially when downhilling in 'scary' fast situations