Does anyone else do this??? I have been mountain biking for about 20 years and for some reason this has just started happening to my legs several times over the last year or two. While descending steep terrain, I somehow lean the bike to one side while I am way back over the saddle and the tire gives my calf or hamstrings a quick "burn" rub. It really hurts like hell when you take a shower later. and it's not the bike, It happens on my Stumjumper FSR and just last night I did it again on my old-school Gary Fisher hard tail. It seems to be a problem with my body english. and I ride mostly cross country / all mountain type riding. not downhill. just wondering if anyone else has this problem and what they do about it
Why do you move so far back when climbing steep terrain? Have you always climbed that way or have you changed recently?
It sounds like he's saying it happens when he's "navigating" steep terrain. Not climbing. So I'm assuming he's talking about when he's descending.
^^If the saddle is in your chest, it's probably way too high which forces you to go too far back over the rear tire. Try dropping your saddle half-way or even slamming it all the way down before doing any steep descents. This will allow you to stay more over the seat/BB instead of sitting on the rear tire. Just my $.02.
I cant imagine doing that. I can lean back far enough to rub my butt, but not calf or hamstring. Things you could do. 1) Bend your arms when descending. Its good technique and will decrease the degree to which you are extended behind the bike. 2) Longer stem. 20mm will do wonders. 3) Turn your handles bars to reduce sweep. 4) Larger frame. Do you really tip the bike down that much when descending steeps? Doesn the saddle hit you in the arms? Good luck!
no, it doesn't hit my arms. all I can say is it seems to happen when I am "gettin it" and riding very aggresive. and actually it doesn't have to be steep, one time I got it when I was flying off a drop and across a deep sand wash and was leaning back to avoid going otb in the sand.
Yup. It's a bit of a PITA to stop and drop the seatpost all the way down BMX style and then raise it every time you have a hill to grind, but the old seat in-the-gut trick is definitly not a good trade versus the freedom and comfort of having that seat all the way down. And I don't get tire burns (different form?) but thats just another reason why you might go ahead and take the time to lower it. Especially when said downhill offers you a jump or leads into some whoops at the bottom. Having the seat up where it should be for climbing is the WORST when you go air it out. It changes the balance of the bike and makes me wonky in the air. No bueno. SO! The only other solution, which coincidenatally is where I'm also at right now, is buying an adjustable seat post like the Gravity Dropper...though I have yet to even try one out. It's another case of, I just need to spend another $350 and it'll be PERFECT! =(
Not criticizing. Just offering some info. There is a point where you are so far back, even in very steep terrain, that you unload the front and loose steering authority. You know this is happening when you are actually hanging (pulling) on the handle bars as you descend. This can be changed by putting your weight on your feet and keeping your hands light. Doing so allows your brain to determine where exactly to position your body, keeps you more forward, your CG on the BB, the front tire better planted, and requires less body english You will know you are in the right position when descending when you can stand on the pedals and float your palms a few mm over the grips. Theoretically, to his the rear tire with your hamstring while standing on the pedals, I imagine I would have to be descending a 70 degree slope. I could be mistaken. Hope that helps.
drop the seat nice and low, equal to the hight of the stem at least, keep your knees bent and wide, heels down, and make those shapes!!
Perhaps you problem is not position related but some sort of equipment malfunction? Maybe get something with a little more coverage.
The usual. MV-cross hill - sky canyon. I guess I am the only one. I can't believe that no one else has done this. maybe it has something to do with my broken feet.
