Bad riding technique or inherent design issue

[S D]

My Focus Jam2 seems to want to put its rear wheel out in front on steep descents , its more noticeable in the wet or on loose stuff but it sort of feels like its the weight of the motor pulling the rear around.
Ive tried weighting the rear more and moving around on the bike but no difference.

any advice much appreciated.

 

[maynard]

R u using front brake ? And shifting ur weight back . Not shore man . Probably just need more practice and modulate the breaks.

 

[GrandPaBrogan]

Could be your tyres not suitable over the terrain you mostly ride...

 

[Mteam]

My Focus Jam2 seems to want to put its rear wheel out in front on steep descents , its more noticeable in the wet or on loose stuff but it sort of feels like its the weight of the motor pulling the rear around.
Ive tried weighting the rear more and moving around on the bike but no difference.

any advice much appreciated.

Too much front brake being applied?

 

[Mabman]

Are you aware of this principal?


I find it useful personally even on straight steeps. Constant vigilance of the front end is key.

 

[Lee Dove]

Sounds like you need to practice body weight distribution on steep stuff. I doubt it is the bike unless you have not got enough air in the front fork.

 

[S D]

Too much front brake being applied?

Could well be , Ill try and take notice next time out

 

[S D]

Are you aware of this principal?


I find it useful personally even on straight steeps. Constant vigilance of the front end is key.

Straight steeps are the thing im talking about . sounds like more practice reqd

 

[Mikerb]

personally on straight steeps I only use the front brake if there is plenty of grip. If there is no reliable grip I only use the rear brake. What could be happening ( assuming you are using the front brake) is that when the front wheel finds grip the back of the bike tries to overtake. This would be accentuated if the front wheel grip pushes the tyre offline to the left or right. So I would say use both brakes to approach the steep at a survive-able speed and then only use the rear brake with your weight as far over the back wheel as you can both to help traction and to be in a non OTB position on the bike if the front end fails to roll over an obstacle.

 

[maynard]

personally on straight steeps I only use the front brake if there is plenty of grip. If there is no reliable grip I only use the rear brake. What could be happening ( assuming you are using the front brake) is that when the front wheel finds grip the back of the bike tries to overtake. This would be accentuated if the front wheel grip pushes the tyre offline to the left or right. So I would say use both brakes to approach the steep at a survive-able speed and then only use the rear brake with your weight as far over the back wheel as you can both to help traction and to be in a non OTB position on the bike if the front end fails to roll over an obstacle.

Survive-able what a word. I'm gonna use that

 

[Lee Dove]

This is not my ebike but it shows the principle. You need to keep your hips above the bottom bracket to keep the back end down. If they are forward of that "over the bars" is likely and behind it makes it difficult to steer.

 

[steve_sordy]

Notice that the heels are down!

 

[Gary]

I'd ignore any advice based off that foto. the photographer has tilted the camera to make it look steep.
it's not actually very steep at all. infact it's the one of the mellowest trails on that hill and the riders hips are actually too far back and he looks to be on the back brake too. (braking often causes a rider to move their weight rearwards to counter).

Wearing a backpack can also mess up most body positioning/skills advice (unless you're specifically giving advice for backpack wearers)
My asdvice would be don't wear one

 

[apac]

My Focus Jam2 seems to want to put its rear wheel out in front on steep descents , its more noticeable in the wet or on loose stuff but it sort of feels like its the weight of the motor pulling the rear around.
Ive tried weighting the rear more and moving around on the bike but no difference.

any advice much appreciated.

Flick between front and rear brake to keep the bike going straight staying balanced. Don't be scared of front brake, you need it more than the rear, it will stop the rear end sliding outwards. The only place to practise this and to see how the bike feels and acts is on a really high steep bank. Try and descend without skidding.

 

[Jackware]

I'd ignore any advice based off that foto. the photographer has tilted the camera to make it look steep.
it's not actually very steep at all. infact it's the one of the mellowest trails on that hill and the riders hips are actually too far back and he looks to be on the back brake too. (braking often causes a rider to move their weight rearwards to counter).

Wearing a backpack can also mess up most body positioning/skills advice (unless you're specifically giving advice for backpack wearers)
My asdvice would be don't wear one

I feel like Dr Watson, but how did you recognise the route and how do you know he's on the back brake?

 

[RickBullotta]

And get your weight on the pedals, not the saddle!

 

[Gary]

I feel like Dr Watson, but how did you recognise the route and how do you know he's on the back brake?

I just happen to know the trail very well. I have ridden that forest for 30 years.
The rider's line choice isn't the best and his body, arms, feet and left hand positioning suggests he's on the rear brake.

I'm not new to gravity based biking

 

[urastus]

This is not my ebike but it shows the principle. You need to keep your hips above the bottom bracket to keep the back end down. If they are forward of that "over the bars" is likely and behind it makes it difficult to steer.

View attachment 42211

He can't be trusted; look at how his tyre and rim match up . He's one sick puppy

 

[apac]

 

[Lee Dove]

I'd ignore any advice based off that foto. the photographer has tilted the camera to make it look steep.
it's not actually very steep at all. infact it's the one of the mellowest trails on that hill and the riders hips are actually too far back and he looks to be on the back brake too. (braking often causes a rider to move their weight rearwards to counter).

Wearing a backpack can also mess up most body positioning/skills advice (unless you're specifically giving advice for backpack wearers)
My asdvice would be don't wear one

Name the trail then. Also back pack in use because it is a 5+hr Enduro race and I hate bottles. I also run the levers close to the bars, I doubt the back brake is on in the photo

 

[Gary]

Flat white at Caberston.

 

[Lee Dove]

Flat white at Caberston.

Give our superhero rider a prize ! ?

 

[steve_sordy]

Hmm. He's either already in there or he very much wants to be.

 

[steve_sordy]

............... Wearing a backpack can also mess up most body positioning/skills advice (unless you're specifically giving advice for backpack wearers)
My asdvice would be don't wear one

My backpack has saved me from so many injuries that I wouldn't feel safe not wearing one. It is has become part of my ppe.

 

[apac]

Hmm. He's either already in there or he very much wants to be.

She definitely brings the eye candy. You wouldn't think it but she is a successful motorcross rider.

 

[steve_sordy]

She definitely brings the eye candy. You wouldn't think it but she is a successful motorcross rider.

I thought she was too calm to be the newbie she is portrayed to be. But I guess he needs a safe student to demo the moves.

 

[MountainBoy]

Wearing a backpack can also mess up most body positioning/skills advice (unless you're specifically giving advice for backpack wearers)
My asdvice would be don't wear one

OK, Smartypants, if you don't wear a backpack, then where does the beer go?