A sudden back tire flat would not be so bad but what about a front front. That would get the blood pumping. What is the best technique to stay in control. Has any one had a high speed flat?
2007-04-09 03:30:11 · 6 answers · asked by RaiderMike 1 in Sports ➔ Cycling
High speed downhilling takes balls and talent. Going in a straight line is one thing, but negotiaing a twisty downhill requires constant weight shifting and the ability to read the road ahead to set up for the corner. If you happened to catch this years Milan San Remo on OLN (uh, I mean 'versus') you would have seen Andrea Moletta (Gerolsteiner) crash, almost flip over a retaining wall, and break his thigh because he didn't set up for the corner properly. Jan Ulrich and joseba beloki notoriously crashed on high speed descents by not setting up properly.
You have to have your position stabilized before the incident occurs. When taking high speed downhills on the road it's a good idea to keep the weight off of the front wheel. That way in case of a blow-out, the bike is much more stable. since your weight is not pushing down on the front wheel. You often see pros leaning way over the front wheel on a downhill. This _will_ make you go faster as it is more aerodynamic, but is much less stable.
If the front tire were to blow out on a downhill, and you are not laying on the front wheel, hit the rear brake hard, but not hard enough to lock it up. Use the front brake, but most importantly, do not turn attempt to turn the bike. With a flat tire, the front end will come right out from under you if you attempt to turn.
If you blow out on a corner, just let it go. You won't be able to recover. Protect your head, because you _will_ hit the pavement.
When taking a highspeed corner on a downhill, the trick is to shift your weigh so that your center of gravity is in the center. Too far forward and the rear end will slide out, too far back and the front end will slide out. It's a delicate balance. I wouldn't try it at high speed, practice first at slower speeds until you get a feel for the conditions. the 'conditions' will change dependng on the tires, and weather, and road surface.
Wear a helmet.
2007-04-09 09:32:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
"Carefully"
This has actually happened to me. Was blasting down a gravel road with a buddy, doing 30mph or so, and hit a rock that instantly pinch-flatted the front. I kept it upright.
The thing to do is stay composed, keep your weight back a bit, try not to turn (because you have zero traction), and slow down gradually if you can. Just don't make any sudden movements if you can avoid them.
If you have to leave the road, it might work out better - for example a nice grassy shoulder will improve your control compared to hard pavement, so you can hit the brakes and steer a bit more effectively.
This is one reason I always ride a bit more conservatively than the young guys who are faster but haven't had as many close calls!
One tip: cyclo-cross is excellent skill development for this sort of thing. Remember when Armstrong had to go cross-country in the Tour de France that year? He later noted that cyclocross had prepared him for that.
Scott
2007-04-09 14:38:56 · answer #2 · answered by scott.braden 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you stay composed, it does not have to be a disaster in the making. Unless you roll a tubular tire off of the rim, the front wheel will not stop turning and launch you off the bike. Like with any panic stop, it is best to put your weight backward. You can apply even pressure with both brakes or rely on the rear. Either way, you won't go over the bars as long as your weight is back on the bike.
2007-04-09 11:13:01 · answer #3 · answered by Jay P 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
pull a wheelie
or brake with the back brake
I reckon if you get a sudden flat in the front you will be off the bike and rolling along the road. do you wear a helmet? I don't but then I don't think about getting a flat tyre either.
2007-04-09 10:39:56 · answer #4 · answered by XT rider 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Friends of mine on thier tandem got a front wheel flat on a downhill & they both broke bones. I have no clue how you would keep control. I hit 42 mph on a downhill in IND on TRIRI & had the same thought. All you can do is your best & pray it doesn't happen.
2007-04-09 10:59:37 · answer #5 · answered by Linda 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do not panic, from experience(ouch) it does not have to end in tears. Just brake in a controlled manner and do not attempt to turn.
2007-04-12 00:44:54 · answer #6 · answered by jim jam 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋