"Determination is everything! Especially on the steep descent. Nevertheless, some technique is necessary. 1. the body position and 2. the measured use of the brakes. Steep descents without steps and edges are ideal for getting a feel for these two points. Or constant unevenness, such as on stair descents." (Stefan Herrmann, riding technique expert)
Approach
Before you set off, you should have already worked out the ideal line. If you can already balance on the spot, this will work on the approach. I advise steep descent novices to ski the descent first. To find your line on the approach, you can make a small marker at the entry point - this will help you find the start easily. Start at walking pace. The crank position is horizontal.
WRONG: Approaching too slowly - consequence: loss of balance
WRONG: Fear - Consequence: cancellation
Swipe
Now it's all or nothing. There's nothing in between! Important: Avoid unnecessary steering movements. As soon as the front wheel rolls over the edge, stretch your arms and legs and push the bike underneath you. The centre of gravity moves behind the saddle. However, it should only be as extreme as shown in the photo - otherwise your arms will be slightly bent. Ride in a single line towards the run-out you have spotted. Keep your eyes on the road and brake in a controlled manner during the entire manoeuvre.
WRONG: Undosed brake application - consequence: loss of control
Control the outlet
The technical passage is completed. Your eyes are on the run-out. The centre of gravity is now slightly more central again - this gives you control, and you can brake decisively but still in a measured manner and thus keep the speed down.
WRONG: Centre of gravity too far back for too long - consequence: no pressure on the front wheel - loss of control!
WRONG: Blocking of the wheels - consequence: loss of control
Dosed braking
Every biker should be able to do this. The good thing is that it's really easy to learn if you have a brake with good modulation. The goal: You don't want the wheels to lock up, but you still want to slow down significantly. This exercise is ideal: Grip the handlebars with both hands - you are standing next to the bike. Stretch your arms and gently grip the front brake so that the rear wheel rises and remains at the same height while rolling. A flat surface with good grip is an advantage for this exercise.
Staircase descent
This exercise will give you a good feel for the correct body position. One thing is clear: the centre of gravity must be moved backwards during the steep descent - but the bottom moves behind the saddle. Caution: Many steep descent novices exaggerate. Out of fear, they move so far back that their arms are completely stretched and they lose control at the front. The stair descent is a good way to get a feel for this.
Find your line
The choice of line is unimportant on smooth or constant uneven surfaces such as stairs. It's different off-road. Steps and roots lurk here. It is therefore worth taking a closer look at the steep descent.
Ideally, your line should fulfil the following criteria.
It should: 1.) be free of steps and rocky outcrops that cannot be rolled over, 2.) be free of hollow roots, 3.) be as grippy as possible, 4.) have a run-out where you can slow down and
5. can be ridden through in one piece.
Tip: Go through your descent in your head beforehand - this will give you a picture of your movements for a controlled descent.
Interview with riding technique expert Stefan Herrmann: "Not much technique - but it has to be right!"
You say that you need more courage than technique on the steep descent. Does that mean I just have to overcome myself?
It's not quite like that. Because the little technique you need for this has to be right. Otherwise it hurts!
What is important?
In addition to determination, it is important to 1) correctly assess the terrain and 2) brake in a measured manner and 3) be in the right position on the bike. That's it.
Sounds simple. So why do so few people dare to try the manoeuvre?
Out of fear. Steep descents can look terrifying. What's more, many people don't know how they and their bike will react during the descent.
How do I get a feel for it?
As with any skiing technique: by slowly feeling your way. No ski jumper has learnt to ski jump on the Olympic ski jump, but has improved in small steps. When it comes to steep descents, you should start with easy descents without terrain edges - it shouldn't be too steep at the beginning either.
What fascinates you about steep descents?
It's incredible what gradients are actually possible on a bike. Provided you can judge the situation - and that takes experience. It also keeps you flowing on the trails and gets the adrenaline pumping on angry descents. So: I'm sure it's worth learning the riding technique.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 2/2018 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Laurin Lehner
Editor
