| Riding down steep slopes and might seem | | | | simple as it seems. There are many conditions |
| intimidating to beginner downhill riders. The main | | | | that require different techniques of breaking. If |
| factor which transforms riding downhill into such | | | | you’ll just pull on the breaks and hope for |
| an intimidation is that everything happens faster | | | | them to stop, there’s a pretty good chance |
| and in a more intense manner. Riding downhill is | | | | you’re going to loose traction, spin and fall |
| different than ordinary bike riding in many ways. | | | | down. A basic technique of correct braking which |
| One of the main differences is the bikers’ | | | | is applied also in motor vehicles is to apply the |
| center of gravity. While riding on straight terrain, | | | | brakes gently smoothly. It’s better to apply |
| there’s no problem figuring out where your | | | | the brakes by alternated smooth movements as |
| center of gravity is and maneuvering accordingly. | | | | a posed to just clamping them. Brakes can also |
| Just like ordinary bike riding, but more so, | | | | be used as a way to turn your bike. Applying |
| there’s a grave importance to looking ahead | | | | your back brake can help you turn your bike, by |
| and realizing what kind of terrain we’re riding | | | | pivoting. |
| on. There’s a major difference between bike | | | | These were only a few introductory tips. Before |
| riding on rocks, wet ground, or on a leafy area. | | | | setting out on a downhill trail, I recommend taking |
| Once you’ll realize ahead of time what kind of | | | | a few lessons with a mountain biking instructor in |
| terrain you’re riding on, you’ll know how | | | | order to be sure that you have the knowledge |
| to maneuver your bike more successfully. | | | | and skills required in order to cope with the |
| This post will focus on braking principles. Breaking | | | | challenges downhill trails pose. |
| your bike while descending downhill isn’t as | | | | |