Improve Your Mountain Biking Skills

Improving your mountain bike skills is not so difficult. The best way to learn is to watch someone that knows what they are doing and try and copy what they are doing.

There are a lot of courses out there that you can do. These are good because they will teach you the basics and get you doing it yourself.

In the next few sections we will go over some of the basic aspects of mountain biking skill that any true mountain biker need to know in order to ride the trials properly.

I ride a lot, weather it's on the mountain bike or road bike. I'm lucky because I get sponsored to ride which means that I get given a road bike and heavy discounts on a mountain bike.

Now I know that most people won't get anything thing like that and the only reason I bring it up is because I get to use top of the range bikes. This makes all the difference when on the trails. If your riding a £50 Halfords bike then I'm not surprised that you can't do the simple mountain bike skills.

Having said that, don't get mistaken into thinking that having a £5000 bike will turn you into a pro. It's about being the right stuff for your level and the terain you ride on. For more information of the sort of bike you should be looking at check out some of these.
Mammoth Lifestyle
Freedom Cycles
Cycle Shack

now it's not just the bike you need to look at. It's important to get your clothing right especially in the winter. Frirst you need to get some proper cycling shorts with a padding. This will make the saddle a lot more enjoyable. After that it's just down to making sure that you don't buy rubbish. Try not to go for the cheapest all the time, head for makes like Giordana or if you really want to splash out then go for La Col or Asos.

Once you have got the right bike and the right clothing you are ready to hit the trails. Now all you need to do is learn how to ride them.

When mountain biking it's common to come across fallen logs or other obstacles. When you come to these obstacles what you could do is find a route round them or get off you mountain bike and carry your bike over. Alternatively you could man up and ride over it.!

That may have been a bit harsh....sorry! But it's true. Any good mountain biker won't take a second look at a log or anything ells for that matter.

First things first. Before you next hit the trails I won't you to practise riding over obstacles. Start small and work your way up. When practicing, as you approach the obstacle try and find the lowest point. This will be the easiest and fasted way over.

Most purpose built trails that have logs ion them will have a cut out. Done either by the builders or worn out by other riders. You what to hit that cut out.

As you approach the log (or what ever), get your speed right and stand up on the pedals so your back side is off the saddle. Make sure your knees are bent though.

Make sure your strong leg is at the front as you may need to pedal over the log. Also make sure you are approaching the log head on. Hit it at an angle may course your tiers to slip and you could be on the deck before you know it.

Just before you hit the log lower your body slightly and lift your front wheel up. If you have suspension forks then the rebound should help you to do this.

Make sure your feet are level with your strong leg forward. You begin yo go over the log.

Try not to just hit the log and bounce up, as the shock from hit the log may send you off balance.

As your front wheel roles over the log move your weight forward so that the back end of your mountain bike becomes lighter. This will help the rear of your bike get over the log.

Alternatively if you are using clip in peddles, try lifting the back of your mountain bike up by jumping slightly on your bike.

If you are using flat pedals you will need to continue your pedal stroke to get the back wheel over the log.

Once you have done this, let the back wheel come down off the log and ride away.

. Keep your feet and pedals level as you reach the log. This will keep you balanced.
. Make sure your knees are bent and you are stand off the saddle.
. Keep off the breaks! It's a lot easier if you don't break as you may not have enough speed to get over the log. Get your speed right during the approach
. Keep your momentum. Make sure you lean forward so your back wheel gets over the log and you keep rolling. Once the bike is over the log start peddling again and ride off.

There you have it. Now nay time you come across a log or another obstacle you will have no problem riding over it.

Now go away and practise your new skill. The more you do the more confidence you will have and the more fun you will find it.

Never forget, mountain bike is all about enjoying yourself. With these mountain bike skills you will have more fun and be able to show off to you friends