Support road.cc

Like this site? Help us to make it better.

Crosswind advise

I'm about 156 cm in height, riding a 48 cm frame. In crosswind I'm having the feeling the front wheel is about to lift off the ground. Also, I have to lean to either side to compensate for the crosswind to not fall off the bike. That can't be right? My wheel rims are 24 mm, and there's no extraordinary to my bike or clothing either. Any advise how to best tackle crosswind?

If you're new please join in and if you have questions pop them below and the forum regulars will answer as best we can.

Add new comment

6 comments

Avatar
Flying Scot | 10 years ago
0 likes

There were major cross winds yesterday, 40 mph plus an on bad roads, only at high speeds descending was there any discernible lift on the front, in this case covering the rear brake slightly was enough to transfer weight forward and stabilse it.

Again, this is kind of a subconscious reaction, so may not work for others.

Avatar
longtimejones | 10 years ago
0 likes

Thanks for the advises, I'll have a go catching a crosswind tomorrow and practice  1

Avatar
movingtarget | 10 years ago
0 likes

I'm a light-ish rider (55 kg, 163 cm) and where I live there's a river that divides the city so there are 9 bridge crossings. On really windy days ~30 mph I have probs holding a line (I try not to ride when the gusts get into the 40s as I have been blown laterally ~1 m which is spooky since there are usually cars right next to me), but I've never felt that I would go airborne. As stated above, it does help to try to scrunch yourself down as much as possible and keep plodding forward, less for the crosswind to catch hold of and the forward momentum helps keep you steady. It's instinctive to try to lean into the crosswind to maintain your balance but to you can end up wobbling all over the place or even fall over into traffic which um, would not be advised  3

Avatar
Flying Scot | 10 years ago
0 likes

I would imagine so, looking at your location.

You should of course be 5 years faster than me young timer.

Avatar
Flying Scot | 10 years ago
0 likes

Never took off in 30 years on the road!

It just pushes my front wheel all over the place making me lose my line.

Leaning into it doesn't help as gusts swell and drop and you end up all over the place.

Head down, low on the bars and a steady pace, make the minimum number of corrections....and don't think about it too much.

That's how Implay it anyway, don't blame me if you come off!

Avatar
Jack Osbourne snr replied to Flying Scot | 10 years ago
0 likes

+1 to that advice, although I've only been doing it for 25 years.

One issue might be that I ride in the same crosswinds as Flying Scot, so it might need a different approach in your part of the country  3

Latest Comments