Comments on: Throwing The Bike Backwards On Climbs

By: not a racer

not a racer — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 19:08:01 +0000

Why exactly is this the problem that needs to be remedied by the person in front? If you’re ‘glued to’ someone’s wheel, aren’t you the one who caused the problem?

By: Jordan

Jordan — Thu, 12 Mar 2009 11:44:12 +0000

This problem doesnt occur because the rider “loses cadence and speed standing up”, this is only part of it. The agressive bike throw happens due to simple physics, it is an action-reaction. You stand up and exert force over the front of your bike and your bike is in turn pushed backwards under you. This same principle is the reason for finish line bike throws, the ride sits back on their bike violently to force it forward.

By: Tommy P

Tommy P — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 11:11:00 +0000

I’ve seen plenty of experienced riders throw their bike back also. Trick is to not stop pedaling when you stand up. The throw back is a result of your body weight moving forward and the much lighter bike moving back as you push against it, not just lower cadence. You can stand up slowly by keeping weight over seat and rising up over a full pedal stroke rather than instantly.. keep the power on as you do this. When riding behind someone on a climb it is prudent to keep your front wheel a few inches to one side of their rear. And of course always pay attention to those in-front and behind despite pain and suffering.

By: Brad Davies

Brad Davies — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 23:42:05 +0000

Our term for this is the `samurai sword’ – that is the bike comes through as if the rider in front is practicing hari kari… The other thing that clicking down a gear does is alert the rider in front that you are about to stand up.