Build confidence and control on every descent. Descending at speed can be one of the best parts of cycling. Whether you're racing or just riding for fun, strong descending skills help you stay safe and ride with more flow. These tips will help you improve control, positioning, and confidence on the downhills.
1. Start Slow and Build Up
Practise in a quiet area like an empty parking lot. Focus on basic cornering and braking at low speeds before moving to steeper or faster roads.
2. Hands and Body Position
Hold the drops with fingers near the brakes. Keep your elbows bent, shoulders low, knees slightly bent, and pedals level. Stay compact and ready.
3. Relax Your Body
Staying relaxed helps your bike move freely. Tension reduces your control and slows your reactions.
4. Skip the Aero Tuck
It’s tempting, but aggressive tuck positions limit control and braking. Prioritise stability over speed.
5. Keep Pedalling Until You Can’t
On steep descents, shift your weight slightly back and keep pedalling until you spin out. This keeps your legs warm and helps balance the bike.
6. Look Far Ahead
Your bike follows your eyes. Look towards the exit of each corner, not just at your front wheel.
7. Brake Before the Turn
Use both brakes to slow down before entering a corner. Stay smooth and avoid braking mid-turn.
8. Lean the Bike, Not Your Body
Let the bike lean into the turn while your body stays centred. This keeps traction and control.
9. Choose a Good Line
Use the outside-inside-outside line. Enter from wide, cut towards the apex, and exit wide to stay fast and controlled.
10. Hit the Apex
Target the inside apex of the corner for a straighter, faster line. Then let the bike drift out naturally on exit.
11. Cornering Form
Before the corner: brake, raise the inside pedal, lower the outside pedal. Press your outside foot down and your inside hand into the bar. Keep your head and shoulders aligned with your outside foot.
Improving your descending takes time. Practise often, focus on your technique, and ride within your limits. With every descent, you’ll build more control and confidence.
Climbing and descending go hand in hand. Check out our climbing tips to become a better all-round rider.
