Steel mountain bike?

[SadieKate]

This may just be my impression, 'cause I'm not terribly great at mountain biking - but if I pedal on a flat or downhill, I gain too much speed that I can't deal with tight turns or obstacles.

Try looking further ahead!

I think Irulan said it best once. Something along the lines of "if you learn to brake properly, you'll ride faster." I think she's the one who said it (at least I'll give her the credit) and it's very true - but you have to look ahead and anticipate.

[Cataboo]

Try looking further ahead!

I think Irulan said it best once. Something along the lines of "if you learn to brake properly, you'll ride faster." I think she's the one who said it (at least I'll give her the credit) and it's very true - but you have to look ahead and anticipate.

I'm working on it - way faster than I used to be.

[Becky]

Salsa! I love mine.... I also second the suggestion for handlebars with 10* of sweep or more.

[Irulan]

I'm working on it - way faster than I used to be.

well its like this... if you are riding so fast that you are having a hard time slowing down for obstacles, sevaral things can happen.

1. Brake check that turns into an endo. If you are at a speed that you can do controlled/modulated braking at, you'll be much less likely to do a brake check (which can easily turn into an endo)

2. Braking from too high a speed approaching a corner creates brake bumps in the trail. These suck; they are like washboards on a dirt road. You can tell a trail that has too many beginners and/or out of control riders on it by the braking bumps. As a trail builder I get annoyed by this.

If you need ideas how to develop your braking and speed control skills there is a wealth of knowledge with the riders here.