3 Easy Upgrades for Faster, Safer Downhilling

Megan Ross July 24, 2008

Switch to a Skinny Saddle
On a steep descent, your center of gravity needs to be toward the back of your bike—otherwise, you’ll flip over your handlebars. This means getting your butt behind your seat. You can’t do that if a bulky saddle is in your way. Go narrow and you will also shed weight, which you’ll appreciate on the climbs. Before you buy, read reviews carefully and consider a gender-specific version that is designed to match the contours of your body. Two great saddles to try: the Terry Fly or the Women’s Specialized Ariel.

Get a Grip: Wear Full-Fingered Gloves
Sweaty fingers can mean slippery brake levers—the last thing you want on an intense downhill. Secure your grip by wearing full-fingered gloves, which will absorb sweat and help protect your hands if you fall. Concerned about the heat? Try Fox’s lightweight and breathable Incline Gloves, available in men’s and women’s versions for about $20 a pair.

Brake Smarter, Not Harder with ‘Shorty’ Brake Levers
Short-reach brake levers, in conjunction with disc brakes, can revolutionize your downhilling world. Small-handed people love “shorty” levers (also called S.R.L.s) because they literally shorten the “reach” between lever and handlebar, decreasing the time and effort it takes to stop. My hands aren’t small, but I love my Hayes S.R.L.’s because they give me the confidence to use one finger on each brake instead of two. This frees my middle fingers to grip my handlebars—which gives me a stronger hold on the bike and increases my confidence and control on steep downhills.

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