Dangerous descending

steoroc
steoroc Posts: 37
edited August 2016 in Road general
Anyone got any experience riding on Hormigon (concrete roads)? I'm doing some climbing in Spain in a few weeks and some of the routes have concrete sections on the steepest parts (15%+)
I'd imagine I'll just have to crawl down, maybe lower the pressure in my tyres to avoid blow outs, any advice?

Comments

  • fenix
    fenix Posts: 5,437
    I've ridden sections of concrete roads round here - but on the flat. They're bumpy but I've not thought of them as more dangerous.
  • steoroc
    steoroc Posts: 37
    Fenix wrote:
    I've ridden sections of concrete roads round here - but on the flat. They're bumpy but I've not thought of them as more dangerous.
    You wouldn't do me a favour? Next time it's wet could you cycle across it fairly fast and pull the brakes hard then let me know how you got on? :lol:
  • dodgy
    dodgy Posts: 2,890
    Just use your awareness and feel once you're there. You should adapt almost instantly, you'll feel the limits of adhesion when trying to ride uphill, ride accordingly.

    There's quite a lot of that concrete stuff in North Wales in the back lanes, and when it's steep it can be hard going getting traction, I've never felt I was at risk because I simply slow down. Same as if I was descending on a steep hill with tractor muck on it.
  • whoof
    whoof Posts: 756
    Is your worry regarding large joining gaps between concrete slabs? If it is and they are well spaced I would break harder in between and release the brake to go over the cracks. Breaking downhill puts a lot of weight on top the front wheel and you thump into any of the joints. The bike will ride 'lighter,' providing you are riding it and not just sat like a sack of spuds if you are not braking. All of this depends on the joint spacing, the gradient, the condition of the rest of the surface and if it's wet or dry.
  • mallorcajeff
    mallorcajeff Posts: 1,489
    It will be a rougher ride as the surface will not be as smooth due to the make up of the substrate used in the laying of it but grip and performance wish i think you will struggle find much difference. I rode plenty of concrete surfaces while living in spain. Spain. If its really steep dont go with your brakes on all the way you will just burst the tubes and or tyres as the rims will get so hot. Brake harder and shorter time and witch between front and back to spread the workload if its really heavy going
  • darkhairedlord
    darkhairedlord Posts: 7,180
    Get some breast implants, problem solved
  • kajjal
    kajjal Posts: 3,380
    mallorcajeff wrote:
    It will be a rougher ride as the surface will not be as smooth due to the make up of the substrate used in the laying of it but grip and performance wish i think you will struggle find much difference. I rode plenty of concrete surfaces while living in spain. Spain. If its really steep dont go with your brakes on all the way you will just burst the tubes and or tyres as the rims will get so hot. Brake harder and shorter time and witch between front and back to spread the workload if its really heavy going

    This is very good advice.

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