Downhill roots/dropoffs

[sndmn2]

I don't do these right and could use some technique tips. I ride a 80's rigid, so no suspension, center pull rim brakes. Anyways I have a tendency to brake when coming to these and then it seems as though my wheels will momentarilly lock when off the ground, re-contact the the ground causing a jarring skidding type of action. If the ground is soft sand I start to lose control and the result is sometimes washout.. Should I just man up and lay off the brakes completly? Slow down as best I can but be off the brakes when I come to the roots? Also can someone recommend dirt tires. I"m running what I would call dirt tire with with features for the road . Thanks

[utabintarbo]

There are many situations where it is better/safer to lay off the brakes and let it roll. This is one of them.

[mtbfree]

There are many situations where it is better/safer to lay off the brakes and let it roll. This is one of them.

Yep, try to bring your speed down before getting to the rooty section, then stay off the brakes as much as possible until you're past the roots and back on smooth dirt.

[ArcticRobot]

Be very light on your rigid and watch your speed. I've been thrown down on rigid many times in places, where I fly on my FS bikes. Try to get your center of masses as low as possible, light hands, heavy feet, good line - usual mantra.

[Di_bear]

I ride FS, but I don't approach these any differently than I did with a rigid. Assuming this is like what you encouter a PLRA...

Brake BEFORE the "obastacle." STAND (just get your butt off the saddle), but what you're going to do next is key. While "standing," bring your butt back, maybe even behind the saddle, and lower your upper body. This does three things:

• lowers your center of gravity for greater stability;
• takes your weight off of the front wheel so it can more freely move over obstacles;
• places your center gravity over the right part of the bike for descents (center of gravity should move back while descending), which is mostly where I encouter roots/dropoffs.

Since you're standing, just let the bike freely move beneath you. When it drops off a root or whatever, a relaxed you will naturally let the front end drop. Your hands will extend forward during the dropoff but will come right back when the bike levels out. This is really what it is about--letting the bike move freely.

[iamkickstand]

Think of the roots like jumps, land on the downside of the next root, repeat as necessary, don't use the brakes. Enjoy.

[mr_opjones]

Think of roots or drops as they are almost not even there in regards to speed on the trail, always look at the landing and not the root itself. Stand up a little on the bike and use your legs as suspension as you go off of the root and into the landing. I ride fully rigid SS on the trails and it's the way to go.

A few good examples on this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YeRHYPsPpQ&feature=plcp

[scat silvurz]

Since you're running an older MTB bike, you might want to trott down to your local bike shop (LBS) and ask them what 2.35 sized tires they have in stock. A nice chubby 2.35 will fit on your rims, yet provide a much more forgiving ride as compared to the skinny low-volume tires you are currently running. It makes a huge difference, when you don't have ANY suspension. And, the added grip and cushioning will allow you many new ways to approach those tricky rooty sections.

[Roy]

Also check the frame for tire clearance. Or lower the tire air pressure to the point you get pinch flats or lose traction in corners. ( about 20 psi)
The first few miles at Poto would be a good proving ground. Just ride to the guard shack area and loop back on the road to the trail head, Then repeat at at a lower tire pressure.

Legs make the best suspension system. However you can expend almost as much energy on a rocky down hill as ridding up hill.
Learn to lift your front wheel over bumps and jumps. Start by learning on the flat land ( like jumping a curb) and then progress to minor down hill slopes.
Learn how to maintain control over your bike while letting it float under you. (no death grip )

Remember that you "old" bike was once hi tec and bikes like it were ridden everyhere. Ride that bike untill the repair bill = a new bike.


Roy