Falling and front wheel

[Glasgow44]

Hi there

I was cycling up a steep section of a hill at the weekend and I could feel my front wheel rising and before I knew it, I had toppled over and fallen on the side. Probably a silly question - but is there a technique to cycling on really steep sections (I presume its something to do with keeping weight over the front wheel?)

 

[T4tomo]

Hi there

I was cycling up a steep section of a hill at the weekend and I could feel my front wheel rising and before I knew it, I had toppled over and fallen on the side. Probably a silly question - but is there a technique to cycling on really steep sections (I presume its something to do with keeping weight over the front wheel?)

Yes keep your "balanced", if its too far forward you loose traction on the rear wheel and if its too far back you wheelie and lose control!

 

[fossyant]

Ah, you had a 'little lie down'. Move your body weight.

 

[presta]

The simplest thing you can do is lean forwards, and if you're carrying a lot of luggage, put some on the front. Pedal smoothly, don't stamp on the pedals suddenly, and possibly try a higher gear, which will also help prevent you suddenly applying too much torque.

 

[a.twiddler]

If all else fails, what you need is one of these. Very hard to accidentally (or even on purpose) lift the front wheel on this.

(I'll get my coat)!

 

[BrumJim]

As above:
If you are on a rough or slippery surface, lean forward and get your chin as close to the handlebars as you can.
If you are on a grippy (e.g. tarmac) surface, get out of the saddle.

 

[Smokin Joe]

If you are on a grippy (e.g. tarmac) surface, get out of the saddle.

^^This^^

 

[Dogtrousers]

I find that if it's steep enough to fall off the back, which I have done, it's probably also steep enough to require me to stand up, and thus get my weight over the front wheel. Trouble is, if I stand up I risk losing traction at the back if the surface isn't ideal. And heaving my not inconsiderate bulk up to a standing position needs to be done in advance, otherwise I risk slowing to a halt and falling over sideways

Some hills are just made for walking

 

[presta]

I'm 6'5" and rode a 64cm Horizon with rear panniers only up hills as steep as 1 in 3, but even with the centre of gravity as high and far back as that, the only time I've pulled wheelies is on the level here in Essex. If I stop at a give way line in too low a gear, then stamp on the pedal in an attempt to pull out into busy traffic quickly, that's when the front wheel gets airborne.