Cornering safely on a road or triathlon bike is a crucial skill for cyclists, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider. Proper cornering technique not only enhances your performance but also reduces the risk of accidents. Coach Steve, head coach of Davey Black Triathlon Club Melbourne, provides you below with essential tips and techniques for safe bike cornering.
- Body Positioning: To corner safely on a bike, start with your body positioning. As you approach a turn, shift your weight towards the outside pedal, lowering it to the 6 o’clock position. This action will help stabilise your bike and improve traction on the road. Keep your inside knee close to the top tube of the bike frame, allowing you to lean into the turn effectively.
- Look Ahead: Always look ahead toward the exit of the corner. Focus on where you want to go rather than the immediate road in front of your tire. This helps you anticipate the road’s curvature and any obstacles, allowing you to make smoother and safer adjustments during the turn.
- Speed Control: Adjust your speed before entering the corner. Slow down gradually rather than slamming on the brakes at the last moment. You can use your brakes lightly while approaching the corner, but avoid abrupt or hard braking during the turn, as it can cause loss of traction.
- Choose the Right Line: Select the best line through the corner. This typically means taking a wide entry, hitting the apex (the point closest to the inside of the turn), and then exiting wide. This line allows you to maintain your speed and control through the turn.
- Lean the Bike, Not Your Body: While it’s important to shift your weight, avoid leaning your upper body too much into the turn. Instead, keep your upper body upright and let the bike lean beneath you. This maintains better balance and control.
- Don’t Pedal: Enter the corner with enough momentum to get you around the corner without the need to pedal. Peddling through a corner may cause the inside pedal to hit the ground and this can lead to you being bucked off the bike.
- Brake Before the Corner: As mentioned earlier, it’s crucial to brake before entering the corner rather than during it. Apply both brakes evenly and gradually to slow down if needed. Using only the rear brake can cause your bike to skid, so use both brakes simultaneously for a controlled deceleration.
- Stay Relaxed: Keep a relaxed grip on the handlebars and your upper body relaxed. Tension in your arms and shoulders can make it difficult to control the bike and respond to changes in the road surface. Make sure your elbows are slightly bent, allowing them to be used as shock absorbers on uneven surfaces.
- Practice: Cornering safely on a road bike is a skill that improves with practice. Find a safe and empty parking lot or quiet road to practice your cornering technique. Experiment with different speeds and types of corners to gain confidence.
- Be Cautious on Wet or Slippery Surfaces: When riding in wet or slippery conditions, be extra cautious while cornering. Reduce your speed, avoid sudden movements, and be gentle with your inputs on the brakes and pedals.
- Group Riding: When riding in a group, communicate with fellow riders and maintain a safe following distance. Be aware of the riders around you and their actions to avoid collisions in corners.
Cornering safely on a road bike is a skill that combines proper body positioning, speed control, and a focus on the road ahead. Mastering these techniques will not only improve your performance but also keep you safe on the road. Remember that practice and experience are key to becoming a confident and skilled road cyclist.