Are you getting ready for mountain biking? In this post, we will try to discuss briefly what mountain bikers must remember while going for the next mountain ride.
Niall O’Riordan is an avid mountain biker. He has been able to develop good skills in handling bikes with his deep understanding and experience.
A few bad techniques to avoid
If you have developed a few bad techniques over time, then you must avoid them. Some of them are as follows:
1. Body position
When preparing to tackle a technical section on your bike, it is crucial to adopt a specific body position for better control and flow. Keep your head up, looking far down the trail, and stand in a sustained ‘ready’ or ‘attack’ stance with slightly bent arms, legs, and an upright torso.
Roll your wrists down slightly, maintain dropped heels to transfer forces effectively, and practice driving your heels down without locking your knees on flat terrain. This body position promotes stability and control through rough terrain and corners.
2. Cornering
Mastering cornering skills is crucial in off-road cycling to outperform others swiftly. Prioritize setting your speed before the corner to avoid braking mid-turn. Commit to the corner by aligning your head, shoulders, and hips with its line, ensuring weight distribution does not shift.
Adjust pedal position based on the terrain. Keep pedals level on the corners for balance. Reserve dropping the outside pedal for unsupportive or off-camber turns, breaking the road cycling habit of preemptively dropping it on every corner. Ensuring these techniques are perfected will significantly improve your performance on the trails.
3. Climbing
Climbing on trails demands skill and strategy to maintain traction and balance. Adjust saddle height slightly on steep climbs to center yourself and prevent the front wheel from lifting. Keep your head up to navigate obstacles effectively.
Set gearing early, stay seated for traction, and pedal smoothly for controlled progress. Emulate motorcycle trial riders who prioritize grip over speed, avoiding spinning the back wheel. Focus on control rather than rushing up steep inclines to prevent wheel slippage or loss of balance.
4. Braking
Mastering the braking technique is crucial for maintaining control and balance on the trails. Brake smoothly before entering technical sections to avoid upsetting the bike’s balance. Utilize both brakes, with a focus on the front brake for controlled slowing on descents.
Stay in the ‘ready’ position to ensure consistent braking performance. Avoid braking mid-corner or on challenging terrain to prevent skidding, slipping, or loss of grip that can cause loss of control. Proper braking execution enhances safety and control on the trails.
5. Descending
Maintaining control of steep downhill sections is crucial for a safe and thrilling ride. Stay upright on the bike to preserve the front wheel grip while braking. Look ahead to anticipate changes in terrain and find opportunities for better traction.
Brake smoothly and set your speed before descending to avoid skidding or losing balance. Start with small descents to build confidence gradually for tackling more challenging trails.
Remember these techniques while you are going for your next mountain biking.