Upgrading Your MTB Skills
- Wild Dirt
- Nov 8, 2021
- 2 min read
By Michaela Winterbottom
For most riders, mountain biking (MTB) is all about staying balanced while kicking some butt at a race. It seems simple, right? Just like any other sport, mountain biking is not for everyone. Beginners can find it daunting while the experienced riders find it exhilarating. Think MTB might be for you? Here are some basic techniques to get you started:
Finger Trigger
Let’s start simple. Practice pulling on the brake levers using only one finger on each brake lever. Doing this keeps you from clutching the brakes while attempting a halt and causing an accident, especially on a downhill section/steep drop off.
Open those knees
While riding, we tend to grab onto our bikes or seats with our knees, especially when we’re nervous or tired. Practice loosening up your body and opening your knees freely, to help shift your weight and center of gravity.
Shift your weight
Corners, straights, downs, ups, they all require you to shift your weight, and you’ll figure this out while you loosen up your body and just ride. As a general guide: Lean back while going down, lean forward while going up, and lean on your side/s through corners.
Hover the booty
While descending a hill, you should stand and shift your weight to keep a center of gravity. Use your bum to hover over your seat or even behind your seat to get your weight back. Doing this allows you to keep a balanced position on the bike and increases speed too!
Heels down
Riding with your heels down may be uncomfortable at first, but keeping your heels down allows you to transfer power from your legs to the pedals, and trust me, it helps.
For more tips, training, and crazy cool rides, contact Courageous MTB.
Instagram: @courageous_mtb
Facebook: Courageous MTB
