Rural roads

Scraiclad

Hi, newbie cyclist here. I got a second hand bike a couple of days ago and have been breaking it in. The only problem is descending hills on the narrow, bumpy Donegal roads. Any tips for controlling speed? I've almost ended up in a field a couple times now. Thanks.

Beasty

That's what your brakes are for. Are they working/set up properly? There should be no squeaking and you should be able to slow to a stop on a downward slope - just gradually press until you get a steady deceleration

HivemindXX

If the roads are very bumpy then you will need to go slower than if they were smooth. Brakes are significantly less effective if you are bouncing in to the air as a result of potholes.

Your rear brake is better for controlling your speed so use this before your speed gets too high, you want to keep it in the comfort zone not alternate between going too fast and too slow. You can easily bleed off a little speed by gently applying the brake until it is dragging just a little. Do this every now and again but resist the temptation to leave it dragging the entire way since that would wear your pads out very quickly.

You will get better at bike handling and more familiar with the specific roads in your area and will therefore be able to stay in control at higher speeds so don't be too worried that you are going too slow. Anyway, the longer it takes you to descend the more time you have before you have to climb again!

Scraiclad

Thanks for the replies, I'm a little apprehensive of breaking too hard in case I go over the bars. I'll try just using the back brakes. I'll probably be grand after a few weeks and a few falls anyway.

Orion

Use both brakes together.

pelevin

There really shouldn't be "a few falls anyway". Keep within your comfort zone, & inevitably with time & practice your bike handling will improve & that comfort zone expand.

Gerry T

First congrats on getting out there. Second make sure the bike has a good service so brakes, cables, nuts etc etc are all sound.
As for down hill you do accelerate very quickly so use your brakes from the start and control your speed. Then make sure you feel in control and with experience you will know your limits, it's not a competition.
Above all enjoy the cycling and always ask questions no matter how silly you think the question.

Scraiclad

I'm fairly sure the bikes in good shape, it didn't get much use before I got it. I kind of knew it was a silly question, but I'd rather not break anything (whether it's the bike or me). Thanks for the replies. Seems like something I'll just have to get the hang of.

Orion

The only silly question is the one you don't ask. You will get the hang of it. Just stay within your comfort zone speedwise until you do. One a downhill you can slow yourself down by feathering the brakes - multiple rapid squeezes on both brakes to control your speed rather than hanging on to them.

tomasrojo

I tend to engage the back a little before the front, but I think theories vary as to what's the best approach.

I think the only advice I'd have for you is don't go very fast until you're more confident of how the brakes work for you.

outfox

If you're worried about going over the bars, slide backwards on the saddle to move more weight to the rear, and keep you centre of gravity low.

JBokeh

Lift yourself ever so slightly off the saddle onto your feet and point your heels to the ground while keeping your pedals at the 9 and 3 o'clock positions, and stick your bum as far back as it will go, it keeps a lot of the weight onto the back wheel, reducing the chances of it locking up, and also allows you to pull on the front brake a little harder without fear of going over the bars.
Coming from years of hydraulic discs on MTBs to rim brakes on a road bike took a lot of getting used to for me. It might be worth cleaning the wheel rim with a solvent just incase you've a dirty/oily braking surface