Bike for Nervous Descender?

wjws

I've never been the best descender, and i know (from reading) it's mostly about relaxation, and confidence. However, are some bikes more stable and confidence inspiring on fast descents than others? If so, what are the characteristics that make for a stable and well mannered descender?

I'd love to be able to enjoy descents, but currently anything much above 35mph fills me with dread

I'd really appreciate the views of those who have tried a number of frames/bikes. I suspect the answer will be that it's technique, and the frame will make no difference - however, I have to ask.....

Thanks,
Will

bobpzero

i find if the descent is straight and there isnt much bumps in the road i can hold 42mph
but i think you should be happy with 35mph, if its a twisty and an undulating surface.

maybe a titanium or steel frame? warning about descents, they do change with what the weather is like & what vehicle(s) that have previously been on them.

anyways dont worry, just balance out your speed with a good bit of control.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j_wEG2RNMJc theres probably a lot more tho i like this one the best.

kingrollo

Just go at a speed your comfortable......you can always make up the time going up hill

35 sounds plenty fast enough - pushing it further, if your not confident is a recipe for disaster IMO

fast as fupp

one of these should be ok http://www.americanspeedster.com/Sc%20p ... 13_WEB.jpg

Anonymous

fast as fupp wrote:

one of these should be ok http://www.americanspeedster.com/Sc%20p ... 13_WEB.jpg

Iv'e just sprayed coffee all over my screen at your linky, nice one.

GyatsoLa

Stiffness makes a big difference for descending, as a general rule I'd say the stiffer the frame the better it feels going downhill. And not just the frame - I changed the wheels recently on my Cannondale from the Gipemmes it came with to Easton EA50's. the latter are a little bit lighter (not much), but are more aero and are stiffer and truer. Sadly, I don't feel much faster on the flat or on climbs with the new wheels, but it definitely feels like I can go faster with more confidence on big descents. I assume this is due to lateral stiffness.

wjws

Interesting comment on wheels - I run open pros (32 hole) on pmp hubs - generally speaking at 110-120 psi. Any view on whether maybe dropping the pressure to 100 - 110 psi will make any difference.

I've thought about it but always bottled it as i'd hate to get a pinch puncture on a descent.

markos1963

Usually bikes that go uphill well come down them well. My Orbea Onix is a good example, fabulous going up the hill and rock steady down it. However my idea of rock ready and yours could be a million miles apart, I get upset if I don't crack 40mph on a descent and I pull out all the stops to do it. I often get told off on club runs for leaving the group behind on downhill stretches :oops: Having owned a steel framed bike I can't say I would recommend one as a downhiller, far too flexible which seems to amplify any ossilations that are builing up. I think technique is so important and unfortunatly the size of your bottle as well(or your willingness to take a risk), I would look at this before spending money on a bike which might not fulfill your requirements.