idbrian
Crotch Rot
So i enjoy riding techy XC. I feel i do well on techy climbs and the flat short ups and downs. But i am horrible at descents. Most of my accidents, some bad, are on techy descents, which i'm sure is not unrelated to a fear i have for them. Most riding positions came to me naturally, but getting behind the saddle is a struggle for me. I know i am suppose to get way back there but it just feels so awkward. Even though i keep telling myself to stay behind the saddle out of instinct i shift forward when i hit rough spots. Also when i get back there i tend to ride the brakes and slow my descents to speeds that are slowly dangerous when hitting rough stuff.
I'm not so savvy about bike geometry, but i feel that maybe some bike changes would help me. I currently ride an '05 Trance, with the stock Rock Shox Duke XC up front. I am looking into a bike with some more travel (5-6") so i can have a larger fork upfront. Is there something with bike angles that can help me with this or is this just a fear problem? A bike shop i frequent, Peirmont, suggested a shock with more travel upfront which will angle the bike back. He said it helped him with descents. It would also accommodate the higher travel bike i plan on getting in the future.
I would really like to master the Sourlands, Blue Mountain type of riding. Any suggestion? I know i have to overcome the fear, i'm just wondering if there are some changes i can make to my ride to make it more easier.
Thanks.
I'm not so savvy about bike geometry, but i feel that maybe some bike changes would help me. I currently ride an '05 Trance, with the stock Rock Shox Duke XC up front. I am looking into a bike with some more travel (5-6") so i can have a larger fork upfront. Is there something with bike angles that can help me with this or is this just a fear problem? A bike shop i frequent, Peirmont, suggested a shock with more travel upfront which will angle the bike back. He said it helped him with descents. It would also accommodate the higher travel bike i plan on getting in the future.
I would really like to master the Sourlands, Blue Mountain type of riding. Any suggestion? I know i have to overcome the fear, i'm just wondering if there are some changes i can make to my ride to make it more easier.
Thanks.