A safe downhill ride on a road bike is the reward for all the effort on the way up, is a rush of speed, is a casual swing from bend to bend. And it's not that difficult: use our tips - and enjoy the descent from mountain passes as a freestyle experience! You should pay attention to these points on road bike descents:
The posture on departure
Sit compactly, dynamically and responsively in the saddle without cramping. Push your buttocks so far back that they are still comfortable, but put as much weight as possible over the rear wheel to improve braking performance.
The view
Don't look at the front wheel, but look far into the bend on your imaginary line in order to be able to judge its course.
The arms
Bend your arms slightly - they are your shock absorbers when there are waves or potholes in the driving line.
The hands
Grip the lower link firmly and place the index fingers of both hands on the brake levers so that you can always react and brake at lightning speed.
The legs
The leg on the outside of the bend is stretched out and builds up pressure, the leg on the inside of the bend is bent to the maximum so that the pedal is at top dead centre and allows the greatest possible lean angle. When descending, roll through the bend on your road bike without pedalling.
Tips for the descent on a road bike
- Never go downhill without gloves!
- Dress warmly enough to cope with a long descent without shivering.
- Check the brake pads before long journeys and adjust the brakes if necessary.
- Do not ride downhill with the brakes constantly applied. If you are travelling too fast, brake briefly and hard and then release the brakes again.
- Look, but stay away: there is often grit, dirt or sand on the edges of bends.
- If it rains after long dry spells, the roads are particularly slippery because soot, dust and water mix to form a greasy layer.
- After prolonged downpours, the wet tarmac is washed clean and hardly less grippy than when dry.
- If you can't ride downhill for 20 minutes with your hands constantly on the lower handlebars, your handlebars are too low.
The right braking point
Brake powerfully and evenly with both brakes in good time before the bend. The front brake can transmit significantly more braking force than the rear brake! Release the brakes when you start to lean into the bend.
The view
Look into the bend and ahead to assess the road conditions and the situation towards the exit of the bend.
The right pace on the descent
You are travelling at the right speed when you are rolling quickly through the bend without having to pedal or brake.
The right line choice on the descent
Approach the bend from the outside, pull inwards towards the apex and let yourself drift outwards again towards the exit of the bend. Never ride in the oncoming lane and remember that you will protrude far into the carriageway when leaning into a left-hand bend!
The acceleration after the bend
Take the momentum out of the bend and pedal dynamically again at the exit of the bend when you straighten the bike.
