How To Mountain Bike Down Steep Hills

Mountain biking is a sport that many people enjoy. It is exhilarating to go down steep hills with the bike, and it is a great workout as well. The key to going down steep hills is knowing how to handle your bike.

To mountain bike down steep hills you must have the right gear and know how to use it. You should have strong brakes, good tires, and good gears so that you can go up and down the hill with ease. You also need to know how to control your speed by braking or shifting gears. Finally, make sure that you are going at a slow enough pace so that you don’t lose control of your bike when going downhill.

How do you ride down hills?

Drop your heels. Bracing your feet against the pedals helps your body maintain stability and resist the forces that downhill braking puts on your body. Keep your arms and legs bent. Shift your hips back slightly. Chin over stem. Ease the squeeze. Scan the trail.^[1]

What gear should you be in going downhill bike?

High Gear = Hard = Good for Descending: The “highest” gear on your bike is the largest chain ring in the front and the smallest cog on your cassette (rear gears). In this position, the pedaling will be the hardest and you’ll be able to accelerate while traveling downhill.^[2]

What should you avoid when riding downhill?

Use the sitting position. Sit as far back on the seat as possible. Stay focused and be prepared to stop—losing control is the greatest hazard. Do not release the clutch. Pump the brake (alternately squeezing and releasing the brake) every few seconds to maintain a slow speed or stop.^[3]

Why is mountain biking uphill so hard?

Cycling at altitude is harder both on the flat and in the hills! At the point of the pedalling phase where you have the lowest leverage on the cranks (6, 12 o’clock), your speed momentarily slows. The rate of deceleration is greater when cycling uphill due to the additional effects of gravity on your momentum.^[4]

How can I bike uphill without getting tired?

1) Weight. The heavier you are, the harder every climb will be. 2) Training. Unfortunately, biking uphill only really becomes easier if you do it regularly. 3) Get your gears right. 4) Pacing the climb. 7) Ride in a group. 8) Preparation. Conclusion.^[5]

Should I pedal downhill?

If it is a relatively short downhill and you have considerable speed you are typically better off coasting and then pedal when you get to a flat or flatter section. You are better off exerting yourself on the lower speed ascent. Then recover on the downhill. It might be 2 minute recovery or 20 minute recovery.^[6]

Can you use a mountain bike for downhill?

Generally, yes, a hardtail mountain bike can handle downhill riding. This should be easier on a smoother downhill road but is still possible when you are riding downhill on a trail that is comparatively rougher.^[7]

How hard is downhill mountain biking?

Downhill trails are built to be extremely steep, challenging and fast. You can expect lots of gaps, jumps, drops, technical corners, and of course rocks and roots.^[8]

Is gear 1 high or low on a bike?

Gear ‘1’ on a bike is a low gear: this is the same for gears in a car. This gear is best for climbing, riding over difficult terrain, and riding slowly. This gear may also be referred to as the ‘easy’ gear.^[9]

Do you shift gears while pedaling?

Shifting your gears while standing still stretches the cables and strains the derailleurs. Remember, you have to be pedaling before the bike will change gears.^[10]

What action should you take before heading downhill?

When you start to head back downhill, use your engine and transmission to slow the car down instead of the brakes. Shift to a lower gear before you start heading downhill, as this will help slow down the car without you having to ride the brakes, says the National Park Service.^[11]

Should you descend in the drops?

Riding in the drops while descending is actually safer than riding on the hoods. Not only do you have a better grip on the handlebars, you also have a lower center of gravity which means more traction or grip on the road. Additionally, while in the drops you are in a better position for more powerful braking.^[12]