Descending

[bmccasland]

I think part of the problem may be my bike set up. I think maybe the break levers are a little far for my fingers, which means i kind of have to do a wierd hand thing to reach, which means in a pinch, i'm letting go of handlebars to grip the levers - what do you think?

Having had fit issues in the past....
On general principal I'd take your bike to your LBS (and wear riding clothes) to have your brakes levers adjusted so you can reach them without having to let go of the handlebars. You need to be seated on the bike so your mechanic can see where adjustments are required. Knowing you can reach the brakes to control your speed might help your confidence - but more importantly you should be able to have your palms/heel of your hand on the bar while your fingers reach for the brake.

When you're going down hill, is this on a group ride or solo? Groups make me a bit more nervous, so I try to allow space between me and the adjacent riders. Also look further down the road than you might otherwise, you definitely don't want to steer quickly. Think long graceful curves. And if you're turning, coasting around a corner, keep your "inside" knee up while you make the turn (keeps your center of balance where it should be).

On the otherhand, I like speed, so I tuck in to go as fast as I can down the hill 'bout the only time I really fly! My lungs and legs can't make me fly on flats!

Go get those brake levers fixed!

[alpinerabbit]

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ghlight=curves

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...ghlight=curves

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=18648

and



http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showthread.php?t=24433

[han-grrl]

Thanks for those links

everytime i thought "but what about..." there was the answer!

So i think i definitely need to set up the bike better, clearly i'm not reaching the levers well enough, and no wonder i feel so scared!

I really like the idea of learning to let it go, baby steps at a time...