Downhills

youngy81

I've got a Specialized Secteur Sport which is a triple. When doing downhill routes I'm finding that even in the lowest gear I'm maxing out at approx 33mph. I'm pedalling but really just spinning out and not adding any more speed. Is there a solution to this??

cougie

You need to learn to pedal faster - beginners cant spin as fast as seasoned veterans. It'll come with time. What is your cadence on the flat ?

Also some hills you're better off just tucking down and not bothering with pedalling - the pros hit 60mph on some descents and their gears arent that much higher then yours.

youngy81

Thanks for that, I was thinking the problem was likely me rather than the machine Obvious solution then is more training...

Nairnster

Try using the highest gear if pedalling downhill surely??

Speedmenace

sounds off to me, are you riding in the drops? most hills you can go faster than 33pmh just from coasting down them

blackpoolkev

There's more to fast descending than simply having a high gear.

For maximum speed on downhills, sprint hard at the top then let the gradient and your best tuck position do the rest.

Nairnster

Forgot to say, let go of the brakes.
You should be able to hit that speed on the flat if you sprint, so definitely something amiss if you cant top it on a downhill.

youngy81

Thanks for the tips, ive a lot to learn about cycling..

smurfylicious

Brakes off on a 1 in 5 hill and crouching low over the bars should see you doing 50mph before too long.