Descending on clinchers - unfounded fear?

[rockdoc]

I've rolled tubulars, and blown valves out of clinchers after really big really fast descents in the mountains. It is serious business. Like easily could have died serious. I'd be riding disc brakes in the mountains these days, no question.

[Louis]

Originally Posted by rockdoc

I've rolled tubulars, and blown valves out of clinchers after really big really fast descents in the mountains.

How long were they? (time wise)

[Dead Man]

Originally Posted by rockdoc

There is an old saying in rock climbing; something I've done for the past 45 years (and note; I'm still here)..... "There are old climbers, there are bold climbers, but there are NO old bold climbers"

I got two words for you:

Fred Becky.

[Tony]

Originally Posted by rockdoc

Now there's some great possibly deadly advice......

Perception of risk in the risk taker may differ from perception of risk in the risk observer. Folks who need certainty, "safety and comfort", are not risk takers and may have a hard time understanding.

Fear, playing it safe is fine and completely acceptable, however, this to many is actually the “no-life” way to go.

"Life truly lived is full of risk, to fence out risk is to fence out life itself"

[AngryScientist]

"a ship is safe in a harbor, but that is not what a ship is made for".

[Tony]

Originally Posted by thwart

The tough part is that in descending a mountain on a bike at 40+ mph you are dealing with potentially fatal mistakes.

Originally Posted by rockdoc

Now there's some great possibly deadly advice......

Thinking about all of this I want to be clear, deviating from personal responsibility is not my message, nor a right or wrong way, it is person-specific.
Descending on clinchers - unfounded fear? YES. Is there a risk in descending with speed, YES, it goes with the territory.

My advice to the OP, move out of that comfort zone, set aside the fear, risk of all those unforeseen reasons you mentioned which are small and unlikely to happen, focus on technique and enjoy the ride. Make sure your wheels, and bike as a whole is sound, thinking positive, believing in oneself is an important part of descending, mental condition can be as important as physical condition.

[martl]

Originally Posted by thunderworks

I'm curious what you've noticed. I'll be riding my first mountain tour next summer and would love some "what not to do" tips.

Most important: don't be afraid. The rest, as the video says.
Sorry, I'm a bad teacher n this. I've been a downhill skier since I can walk, I weigh next to nothing and as a city biker, I have plenty of practice handling tricky situations. I Also do my own bike maintenance.

[rockdoc]

Originally Posted by Louis

How long were they? (time wise)

Blew a valve out after coming down Bear Notch Road into Bartlett NH at top speed, passing cars the whole way down. I'm guessing- 6 mile downhills on either side? The valve blew out when I was putting the bike up on the rack, lucky for me..

Rode from Bartlett, up over and down to the Kancamagus highway, turned around, rode up and over again. This was an afternoon after doing the Mount Washington Bicycle Hillclimb on those same wheels.

[rockdoc]

Originally Posted by The B

I got two words for you:

Fred Becky.

I've spoken with a couple of people that climbed with him. Consensus was he is not very safe, pretty scary to climb with, and very lucky. Of course very very experienced. And in the mountains speed is safety to an extent......

rockdoc

[malcolm]

Look at the number of people that ride bikes downhill vs the number that have died from a flatted clincher or rolled tubular. I've not seen the numbers but I suspect far more have died from just plain old crashing. Lets not even get into being hit by a car.

Going downhill on a bike within your comfort zone of ability is safe you probable do more dangerous things without even thinking about it.

However if it bothers you or is a legitimate concern don't do it. You ride a bike for fun and fitness unless your are paid to do it why do something that makes you uncomfortable? I like to go downhill fairly fast on my mtn bike, many folks my age think it's too fast, some think it's too slow. I enjoy it and it's a risk that to me is acceptable. I get close to the limit of my ability but try and not go beyond. I make sure my stuff works and is in good shape.

[LouDeeter]

I do think about the heat buildup when I'm on a long, steep descent. I wonder how much the air pressure actually increases based on that heat and whether the heat will melt the glue on tubulars, which I no longer ride. Some tires have weak sidewalls and can blow out from the increased pressure or heat, but I've only heard of it, never experienced it.

[Tony]

Originally Posted by malcolm

I like to go downhill fairly fast on my mtn bike, many folks my age think it's too fast, some think it's too slow. I enjoy it and it's a risk that to me is acceptable. I get close to the limit of my ability but try and not go beyond. I make sure my stuff works and is in good shape.

I also like going fast, dirt and asphalt. I think owning five motorcycles has helped me with descending. I feel the OP, struggled with the same fears, especially with oncoming traffic, the fear was always around that front tire. Making sure your "stuff works and is in good shape" and TRUSTING that front wheel, believing, visualizing it is indestructible was key for me.

[LouDeeter]

Old adage in downhill skiing--Trust your training, trust your equipment.