Downhill Gravel Riding Tips for Mountain Bikers (Stay in Control)
Downhill sections with loose gravel can be sketchy if you’re not prepared. In this post, I share practical tips on how to stay loose, choose better lines, and manage braking so you don’t slide out. Based on real experience from my local trails.
6/29/20251 min read
Riding downhill on gravel can feel sketchy, even for experienced mountain bikers. The loose surface, shifting rocks, and unpredictable traction demand more finesse than raw speed. In this post, I’ll break down simple tips that help me stay in control on loose descents.
1. Stay Loose and Relaxed
Tension is your enemy on gravel. Instead of fighting the bike, let it move beneath you. Keep your arms and legs slightly bent and absorb the bumps.
2. Look Ahead and Read the Terrain
Keep your eyes scanning the trail, not locked on the front tire. Look for smoother lines, avoid deep gravel patches, and spot ruts early.
3. Brake Smoothly and Early
Grabby braking can send you sliding. Instead, brake earlier and modulate pressure evenly—favor the rear brake a bit more, but don’t lock it up.
4. Keep Weight Centered or Slightly Back
Don’t go full enduro and shift all the way back—just stay centered with a bit more weight on the rear wheel to help maintain traction.
5. Trust the Bike and Commit
It’s easy to overthink and tense up. Once you pick your line, trust it. The more you second-guess, the more likely you are to lose balance or brake too hard.
Closing:
Loose descents take time to get used to, but with practice and these tips, you’ll feel more confident and in control. Remember, riding gravel is more about flow and finesse than force.
If you’re trying to improve your MTB skills overall, especially jumping, I wrote a simple, no-fluff ebook that breaks it all down. It’s called The Complete Guide to Jumping Mountain Bikes — check it out. to support the site and boost your riding.