Riding technique for steep descents: How to ride downhill

1 - At the edge

Don't start wobbly at the edge, but ride towards it prepared. In other words: pedals horizontal, centred position on the bike, ready to brake and the bike aligned in the fall line with the saddle completely lowered. Very important: Be determined and trust your skills!

2 - Fall line

As soon as the bike tilts uphill, the body's centre of gravity moves backwards. It is centred on the plumb line through the bottom bracket. This prevents a rollover. You lower your chest into a compact riding position. Modern bike geometries enable a central body position during the descent.

>> Our report on steep descents is also exciting: Why are we attracted to the depths when freeriding? <<

3 - Runout

Control your speed by applying the brakes carefully throughout the descent. The tyres must not lock, otherwise they will slip. No strong steering manoeuvres. Use your arms and legs to cushion the bumps on the descent. Be prepared for compression on the runout!

We're going steep - this is how the pro riders explain the steep descent riding technique

Controlling a situation that is difficult to control - that's what appeals to me about steep descents. Especially in terrain where there is no run-out. That's why Kilian Bron impresses me. Because he skis in terrain that I know. In other words, from a mountain peak at an extremely steep angle, where you say: you can't ride a bike there any more, you'll fall off. And here Kilian Bron is doing things that I would never do. I think that's super cool.

You have to control your speed on steep descents. As soon as you lose traction, things get nasty. Rule of thumb: Your front brake stops you, while the rear brake can only slow you down. Tip: Take a close look at your lines. This will boost your self-confidence, because self-confidence is the key to success! I feel butterflies in my stomach on particularly steep runs like in Squamish or Sedona. That's what makes steep runs so appealing.

How steep can you ski? I was already fascinated by this question as a professional skier. And we then transferred this idea to the bike. There are so many facets: gravel slopes, rocky descents, alpine trails or built stunts like Jordie Lunn's ladder. The thrill comes from the fact that you have to pull off the steep descent and make the right decisions along the way. Wade Simmons is good at this. He has skied some of the sickest lines there are in Squamish.