6 Top Tips For Descending On A Road Bike

Descending can be feel quite scary if you're a beginner; the high speed, the wind and noise can all make it a bit daunting! But Hank and Manon have plenty of experience weaving their way down descents, so if you're not confident descending, or just want a refresher, listen up for their top tips for descending on a road bike!

Chapters:
0:00 - Intro
0:25 - Terminal Velocity
1:07 - Braking = Speed
2:06 - Know Your Limits
2:42 - Expect The Unexpected
3:21 - Give Space
3:57 - Relax And Enjoy

Useful Links:

Do you have any tips for descending? Let us know in the comments below!👇

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[Shellewell]

You talk about knowing front and back brakes from each other but don't expand on how you actually utilise them separately while descending, which I feel is a pretty important addition if bringing it up.

[julian_b]

I’ve never got to terminal velocity. Anything over about 55kph and my self preservation instincts automatically kick in. My main advice is watch out for blind corners. It’s always tempting to swing wider into the corner when going at speed, but watch out for oncoming traffic. I know that’s obvious but it’s worth reiterating.

[madhattie]

Poor Hank! His voice sounded very strained. Good work to both of you! And hello person in red T-shirt waving at the camera 👋

[AnthonyStJames-ynnr]

I can attest to gaining confidence. I once reached 80kph on a long descent down a mountainous road and actually outran motorcycles and cars, but braking was a bit tricky and I fishtailed quite a lot, but I safely managed to got down the road. Let me tell you, the amount of focus you have at that speed on a bike is like being in those scenes in Call of Duty when everything goes slow-mo when they're breaching a room. To this date, I still can't believe I got that fast on a bike in such a dangerous stretch of road.

[Lookinnuthin]

I think you glossed a critical point, braking before the turn. Absolutely essential.

[playandteach]

I really don't like descending, but I have found that starting at the back of a group - or even with just my main riding partner, means that you don't need to worry about them overtaking you and committing you to a tighter line in a bend. Also, it's a vicious circle, but braking in a corner makes the bike stand up meaning that you need to take even more speed off to get round - so it's doubly important to do the braking before the bend.

[InvertedProphet]

I've been riding for 8 months now. Been challenging myself in many aspects. Found descending no problem. I trusted my bike and felt comfortable with my ability. Last big descent I did I thought I'd let a car go then head off after them. Usually people around here go racing down the roads here. Nope I caught them. Got up to about 70kph. Gotta say I do love descending. Having said that. Make sure your bike is serviced and the brakes work well.

[aszalai]

Descending should be fun. So go only as fast as you are comfortable with. It is not a race, and it does not affect your fitness level, so take it easy and just have fun on the downhills :) This way you will build confidence and gradually get better, instead of trying to push it and holding on for dear life.

[gilescudmore]

I love climbing but hate descending, the lack of control scares me!

[chrisc]

Great video, but I absolutely feel like some of them could have done with a bit more explanation on the tip, even though it'd mean a longer video.

The breaking one in particular just kinda went "these are the important things, right off you go" instead of giving even basic level tips on *how* to use those things.

[bejom]

Another great thing you forgot to mention is “know your descent”
If you have a head unit, put it there it will help you going faster and safer downhill😁

[pauldewberry]

I binned it at 50mph last year on a steep descent. Speed wobble. Double pelvic fracture, sacrum and ribs plus a collapsed lung. 1 week in major trauma unit and now my confidence is shot to pieces. If anyone has any tips who has had the same problem they would be most welcome

[roel-janmouw]

Want confidence, use the drops! petty this was not mentionned. Much easier to control your bike (and your brakes) in the drops when decending. Next to this, the risk to hit a bump at higher speed and loose grip on the hoods (you will hit the tarmac without a doubt) is mitigated to practically zero. You'll never loose control when in the drops. Essential for fast and confident decents!

[darrylhuculak]

A little more detail on braking into a corner would have been helpful. I've done 90+ km/h downhill, but still struggle as to when and how hard I should start braking for the next hairpin.

[Aussie_stu]

Sounds like Hank has been screaming while descending and blown out his voice.

[grecinos]

When I’m descending with a tailwind, it feels like I’m free-falling. I find myself braking more often than normal. Also… Always wear cycling gloves.

[ethangodridge]

Rule 7: Don’t copy Tom Pidcock 😀. He’s a madman on the descents, very skilled.

[SrFederico]

Terminal velocity on italian roads is literally terminal for the rider, so you have to be on the brakes almost all the time.

[권용대-bv]

I’m not sure if I could “relax and enjoy” while descending, unless it’s a straight line. Blind corners scare me.

[Brian.Gregorio]

After my first crash on a descent, it has been so difficult to get that confidence again. I use to be so comfortable and now I beat myself up about it all the time. A mechanical issue occurred causing me to crash at 35mph. I keep telling myself it was never the technique for descending, it was an freak accident that just happened to occur during my ride. Ever since, whenever I see that specific kind of tarmac, I tense up and I hold onto my brakes for dear life.

What are your tips to gain confidence back on the bike?