GUIDES
How to Improve Mountain Biking Skills
Notes from when I did my mountain bike technical leader course
Climbing
Weight position
Position your weight to keep the front wheel on the ground for effective steering and sufficient traction through the rear wheel. The can require a shift forwards onto the front of the saddle. Pull back rather than up on the handlebars with the elbows bent and tucked in. This helps keep the front wheel on the ground and going straight.
Gear choice
Pick a gear that is appropriate to the hill. Try to choose a chainring that will be suitable for the whole hill before starting the climb, then use the rear gear to find a suitable cadence (pedal speed). Pedal at a speed which is comfortable. Too slow and a lot of strain is put through the back and knees. Too fast, and the smoothness of pedalling will be disrupted creating a jerky motion, and loss of traction through the rear wheel. Rougher climbs may also require a slightly larger (harder to pedal) gear.
Line selection
Choose the smoothest line for the rear wheel, as this is the critical factor. Lose traction on the rear wheel and all forward motion is stopped. Look a long way up the track rather than just in front of you, to help choose the best line all the way up the climb.
Image from: Pete Fagerlin
Descending
Braking
Use both brakes fairly equally. It is the front brake which does most of the speed limitation, especially on steeper descents. The point of most effective braking is just before the wheels start to skid. Once skidding, adhesion with the ground is lost, and speed control is much less effective. The point at which wheels start to skid is mainly dependent on the type ground surface, and so this should be taken into account when braking. Speed should be kept under control at all times.
Weight position
Keep weight off the saddle, and use arms and legs as shock absorbers; keep them relaxed. To stop a somersault over the handlebars on a descent, keep weight well back. On steep descents this may mean right over the rear wheel, behind the saddle. This also has the effect of lowering the rider, also helping. Sometimes it may assist if the saddle is lowered.
Gear choice
Much depends on the type of descent, and whether any pedalling is necessary during or immediately after the descent. Where possible use the large chainring,as this helps keep the chain taught and stops it banging around, or becoming dislodged. Where a certain gear is required immediately after a descent, select that gear prior to the descent, the bike can be pedalled immediately once the bottom is reached. Keep pedals horizontal.
Line selection
Choose the smoothest line for the front wheel, involving the least steps, holes, roots or rocks. The rear wheel will follow, and is less critical especially on steeper descents. Cornering.
Braking
Appropriate to the sharpness of the corner and ground conditions, speed should be scrubbed before and just as the corner is entered. Once in the corner itself, it is really too late. Again, avoid skidding. Speed should be such that control is maintained throughout, and avoiding action can be taken should the corner be blind and have others travelling in the opposite direction.
Weight position
Place the pedals in a vertical position, with the inside pedal uppermost. Some weight should be transferred from the saddle and inside pedal onto the outside pedal. This helps keep the tyres gripping the ground
Gear choice
According to the speed on the exit of the corner, gears should be selected before or as the corner is entered.
Line selection
The smoothest and firmest line with least loose or slippy surface should be used. Sometimes the apex of the corner can be used, however often on larger tracks regularly used by vehicles, this is the outer wheel track. Where safety is the main concern, e.g. on blind corners or tracks regularly used by vehicles, the outside line, or left hand side of the track is appropriate.
Pedalling
Gear choice
General pedalling should be completed at a comfortable cadence (pedal speed). Cadence is generally faster and more fluid in more experienced riders, but all riders can improve peddling technique. On smooth tracks and roads, pedalling should be comfortable at 80 - 90rpm or above. In more technical terrain, cadence tends to decrease to enable a smoother rhythm to be achieved. Often 60 - 80rpm is more appropriate in these situations.
Stopping
Braking
Obviously critical to stopping, both brakes should be used roughly equally. The front brake is the one that has most effect. For the same reasons as when descending, do not skid as this is not the most effective method
Weight position
To make braking more effective, especially in emergency situations, push weight back over the rear wheel. It is not necessary to go right behind the saddle, but moving back will have a significant effect on stopping distances.
Gear selection
As appropriate, but keep the pedals horizontal
Line selection
It is best to use the firmest and most solid ground surface, as this will provide the best grip.
Riding over obstacles
Braking
Obstacles should be approached at a controlled speed, so brake well beforehand.
Weight position
Relax limbs and allow the body to move freely by standing up. Generally weight will be central over the bike.
Gear selection
Often slightly higher than when simply riding to provide some quick acceleration or lift to the front wheel when lifting it off the ground. Gears should, as always before selected before reaching the obstacle.
Line selection
The line of least difficulty helps. Choose the straightest approach, and the smallest rise or drop with the smoothest line immediately afterwards.