Losing the front wheel

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Boozer

Member

Oct 5, 2001

351

0

• Jan 19, 2002

• #1

i haven't really heard this issue being discussed anywhere, so i thought i would find out everyones opinion on this.
When attacking a flat corner of some degree (not a 90 degree turn, but sharp), what do you do when your front wheel suddenly washes out? lets say you are half way through, sitting in the correct position at the front of the seat with your leg extended, when your front wheel hits a rock and washes away. What do you do?

 

A

Anssi

Member

May 20, 2001

868

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• Jan 19, 2002

• #2

What I should be doing: keep rolling on the gas. Unless the front end takes an enormous hit, you should end up going pretty much where you were going.

In one of the nationals this year one of the top riders (maybe Hughes) hit a rock (maybe 6" across) and his front wheel jumped out of line like 2 feet. He just kept on the gas and resumed accelerating.

 

B

Boozer

Member

Oct 5, 2001

351

0

• Jan 19, 2002

• Thread starter
• #3

im guessing that would work great on a nice surface with plenty of grip, but what if you are riding on a rather slippery dirt road? would this technique work here? any comments on body positioning?

 

Jeff Gilbert

N. Texas SP

LIFETIME SPONSOR

Oct 20, 2000

2,963

2

• Jan 20, 2002

• #4

I'm not sure in your case, in mine I usualy pucker:uh:

 

W

wizard69

Member

May 3, 2001

251

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• Jan 21, 2002

• #5

I lost the front wheel on my bmx once it was in a race first jump and my wheel fell of we got it on video it is very funny.sorry for getting off topic but thats what your title made me think of.about the cornering thing when my tire washes out I panic and let go of my bike then I asume the featle position

 

H

Hondaman_06

Member

Nov 8, 2001

75

0

• Jan 21, 2002

• #6

What i do when i lose the wheel on a slick trail or road either A. get off the gas put my footdown and try to catch myself or B. Nail the gas and try to slid the backend around and get the bike standing back up straight again.

 

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bschoch

Member

Dec 10, 2001

7

0

• Jan 21, 2002

• #7

Front wheel washing

My advice would be to weight the outside peg. It can be done by keeping your weight centered over the bike while making the turn. It also helps to press the outside leg tight against the bike to help weight the outside peg.

I don't know if this will cure the problem but give it a try.

 

T

TrackMaster

Member

Mar 15, 2001

212

0

• Jan 21, 2002

• #8

When my frontend washes out, i usually wind up laying the bike down and sliding off the track and over a berm. :eek:

But only because the 250s a bit heavy. I usually put my foot down on the ground, since its out anyway, to catch myself. Then I gas it and slide the rear end out flattrack style. And hope I dont get runover by the guys behind me. ;)

 

High Lord Gomer

Poked with Sticks

Sep 26, 1999

11,788

35

• Jan 22, 2002

• #9

Boozer, you're probably much better at this than I am, but my reflexive letting off the gas usually weights the front and and makes it bite again.

Thankfully, though, not many rocks around here!