Downhill ebiking sounds like fun, right? Flying down with the wind rushing through your helmet and the feeling of exhilaration. In reality, it is great fun as long as you know what you are doing. Therefore there are a few things you need to remember.
Brakes
Your brakes will generally be disc brakes on an ebike, the same as a car. This means there is a round metal disc front and back. There are brake pads on either side of those which close onto it when you brake. These discs are metal and if you apply anything to metal at speed it will heat up.
On long steep descents, the brakes get too hot and stop working as well as on the flat. They can start to squeal and the braking effect is reduced. If this happens, stop and wait a few minutes for the brakes to cool down. Should you have concerns that your brakes are not functioning as they should, get your local bike shop to have a look.
Whatever you do, never touch the disc brakes when they are hot.
If you have been downhill ebiking a lot, get your brakes checked regularly to ensure there is plenty of brake pads left and the discs are not getting too thin.
Downhill surfaces matter Smoother surfaces can be difficult too
Hands & shoulders
Squeezing the brake levers for a long period of time can take its toll and you can end up with sore hands and shoulders. It’s a good idea to take a break as this will relieve the pressure. I find bringing my shoulders up to my ears and then releasing them again helps with the tightness. Shaking my hands helps with any numbness due to the increased pressure on the handlebars. I do this a few times when I stop on a long descent.
When it is very warm or in the rain, your hands might become slippery and it would also be a good time to take a break to dry them off.
Bike handling
One of the key points when descending is to relax. This is easier said than done but if you can relax you will be able to descend more smoothly and with more speed. Look in the direction you are turning, this helps to bring you around the turn. Use both the front and rear brakes, many people are frightened to use the front brake but this has the most stopping power. Use the brakes smoothly, don’t jam them on. Always brake in good time before coming into a turn.
Downhill ebiking with confidence Lots of lovely views
Trial but no error!
The more you go downhill on your ebike, the better your bike handling skills will become. This will give you the confidence to try more routes and open up that new world.
Downhill feels great especially if you are confident, but make sure you are confident for the right reasons and not reckless.
Finally, always remember to make that noise you did as a kid, otherwise, it’s a wasted downhill. Whhhhhheeeeeeee.
