Keep Your Momentum During Turn

Ever notice how some riders waste their pace when cornering?



Maybe you're one, invariably seeing a gap open to the people you're riding with. They sweep through bends and hightail it down the road, making you scramble to get back on. Corner after corner, their efficiency adds up while your energy gets used up.

Here's how to stay with those nimble guys and gals:

Shift down before the turn. If the corner is tight and you need to slow, remember to shift into a lower gear before you stop pedaling and start leaning the bike. In an overly large gear it takes more time and effort to get moving again.


Know whether to stand or sit while exiting. Cornering scrubs speed, so you may want to stand and accelerate to regain momentum. Standing, however, requires more effort. In some circumstances -- wide, sweeping corners, for instance -- you can stay seated, jam in the saddle, and keep contact with the bunch. This almost always works for downhill turns.


Be prepared to sprint. If you're with a training group, the riders may have a tradition of sprinting out of corners. Be ready to invest a sudden burst of energy after each turn. If your friends are in a mellow mood, you can stay seated and save energy for when they get frisky (like on hills).

One good reason to stand out of corners is to remove pressure from your rear end and stretch your legs and back. If you get in the habit of standing smoothly for a few strokes after most turns -- even if you don't have to in order to stay with the group -- you'll ride more comfortably.