Runaway train!

[MartinShires]

Thanks for everyone’s responses, I did put some hs2 discs and Dt swiss pads on which helped, but maybe based on this I’ll look at a full upgrade. I guess I hoped for a bit more on riding technique rather than a deep dive on brake tech but fun to read nonetheless!

I hear you, and despite riding a fully specced Rail (Saint brakes, 220mm rotors, Fox 38 Factory,Factory X2, 63 degree head angle, 35 mm stem) for several years ... yes, the bike can sometimes feel like a runaway train, even when you have good muscle to manage it. My only antidote outside of powerful kit is (1) Using lots of Body English ie constant weight re-distribution and (2) Softer suspension with slower rebound to aid traction (3) Squashing body weight into the bike on descents. The speed is still going to happen, but it feels like the rider controlling the bike more - common sense, I know.

 

[irie]

@Waverider Suggest watching the video posted earlier which deals with key issues such as stance and weight distribution etc.

 

[Waverider]

Good advice here. I know I don’t lean into the corners enough so that’ll exacerbate things, maybe revisit the suspension pressures too. I’ll take a look at that video for sure, flu, toddler, life etc. going on behind the scenes right now as well

 

[Pedec]

Are you using your front brake enough? That is were most of your braking power comes from. Can you do a small front wheel stoppie even going slow.

 

[Husky430]

Thanks for everyone’s responses, I did put some hs2 discs and Dt swiss pads on which helped, but maybe based on this I’ll look at a full upgrade. I guess I hoped for a bit more on riding technique rather than a deep dive on brake tech but fun to read nonetheless!

Have you watched any youtube vids on braking techniques? Using the rear brake as a speed governor and the front as an "emergency" backup is one I sort of use most of the time on really steep stuff. That combined with trying my best to "drop" your heels on the pedals and hanging back behind your slammed down seat I think gives me the best results. Again, nothing scientific there, just my 2 cents worth and something to look for on youtube.