ScotiaLass
Guru
- Location
- Middle Earth
I went off the cycle paths today and encountered some quite rough paths through woodland (loose stones, gravel, puddles of water/light mud and small pot holes).
I ride a hard tail MTB but it's been a long time since I rode it on terrain like this, (and actually a long time since I rode at all!) and I really can't remember how I handled it back then!
How do you handle this terrain? Do you slow down, speed up, loosen your grip or tighten it?
I have Continental semi slicks on the bike and they seemed to cope well enough, although the back wheel jumped a bit when I hit a big stone on the path. I automatically leaned the opposite way, as the tyre felt like it was skidding from under me and the bike straightened up again. I did think I was going to come off at that point!
My bike is very heavy - is this a good thing for riding trails like this?
I did enjoy getting off the smooth cycle paths but I'd like to be more prepared the next time!
Any help and advice much appreciated
I ride a hard tail MTB but it's been a long time since I rode it on terrain like this, (and actually a long time since I rode at all!) and I really can't remember how I handled it back then!
How do you handle this terrain? Do you slow down, speed up, loosen your grip or tighten it?
I have Continental semi slicks on the bike and they seemed to cope well enough, although the back wheel jumped a bit when I hit a big stone on the path. I automatically leaned the opposite way, as the tyre felt like it was skidding from under me and the bike straightened up again. I did think I was going to come off at that point!
My bike is very heavy - is this a good thing for riding trails like this?
I did enjoy getting off the smooth cycle paths but I'd like to be more prepared the next time!
Any help and advice much appreciated