Where to shift weight when descending?

Peddle Up!

Still working on my descending technique.

Most of the guides recommend putting your weight back on the saddle/pedals, but a couple of articles I've read recently suggest putting weight forward over the front wheel, if you're a big lad. I am (not a porker, you understand ) so should I? I'll try it of course, but I was wondering about other people's experience.

balthazar

Fast descenders ride naturally. On the flat, you settle into a natural, balanced position which permits best control of your bike: why not keep that same position around fast corners?

If you're really keen to read about descending, the only article I've seen online that's worth reading is this one:

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/brandt/descending.html

Monty Dog

Keep the weight between the wheels and as low as possible - you know you've got it right when you 'rail' a turn, keeping the pressure on the wheels constant, if you tighten the turn radius slightly you'll also get a little acceleration out the bend. Putting the weight onto the front wheel will increase the risk of it washing-out which is almost impossible to recover.

sungod

you are reading different things because they are simplifying too much, in practice you need to shift your weight

this describes it well...

http://www.flammerouge.je/content/3_fac ... escend.htm

Peddle Up!

Thanks for that - excellent guide.