General Mountain Biking Tips

More Mountain Bike Tips

I'm not an expert biker but these tips seem to work for me. While I don’t race and don’t claim to be a pro I do like learning to ride better. After all, the better I get the more fun I have!

These core concepts that have helped me refine my riding skills.

• Look where you want to go, not at the monster at the edge of the trail. Looking at that thing you do not want to run into called "target acquisition". Trust me, you do not want to acquire any of those targets (trees, rocks, etc.) if you focus on them, you will.

The corollary to this rule then is.

• Look ahead, down the trail. Where you look, your wheels will follow. Your brain will register the things on the trail in a photographic fashion; no need to think about them.

• Ride easy. Don’t hang on to the handlebars in a death grip. You should be able to wiggle your fingers and move your arms and shoulders in a relaxed manner. Do not lock your elbows or hunch your shoulders. If you can't ride without locking your arms or tension in your shoulders, have the fit of your bike checked by a professional.

• Momentum is your friend. With enough controlled momentum you can get over obstacles, rises, and around corners better than going slow and braking for everything. Too little momentum will stop you when you could just roll or hop over something.

• Butt out of the saddle, feet level, arms relaxed. Use this position any time you approach anything technical or a descent. Don't crouch, stand up, but don't lock your joints.

• Let your arms and legs work with the suspension. Let your body work like a spring.

• You should be able to move up and down, forwards and backwards, and side to side while riding your bike, especially out of the saddle.

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