Descending on a Mountain Bike

Bend, Oregon: Biking, Climbing, and Beer

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Descents on a thin-tire bike are pure pleasure and little work, for all you have to do is sit back and steer. On fat tires, however, downhill runs are more involved due to the non-pavement surface, resulting in a mix of white-knuckled fun and fear of falling. Learning the proper techniques for descending on slickrock, single- and double-track trails, dirt roads, and rocky streambeds will do much to keep you in the saddle — instead of over the handlebars and into the world beyond.

Okay, let's sprint through the basics: Wear a helmet. Be sure your bike fits you (if you're borrowing or renting a bike and the perfect fit isn't available, know that too small is better than too big when it comes to descents). Know which brake you're applying when you squeeze each brake lever. Usually, but not always, the left lever works the front brake, the right lever the rear. If you're very new at this, think"right-rear, right-rear," the same as when you're shifting (the right-side shifter operating the rear derailleur, the left-side the front). And the last of the basics — start slowly. Let 'er rip down the first hill you come to after reading the techniques below and chances are good you'll get nervous, hit your brakes, and fall. Go slowly at first, then faster as your confidence builds.