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THE 6 FUNDAMENTAL SKILLS OF MOUNTAIN BIKING

POSITION & BALANCE

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

Position & Balance is a fundamental skill required for riding a bike. Without being stable on the bike, a rider is

constantly moving (balancing) to regain their stability, and therefore control, over the the bike. If a rider is not stable and

unable to balance, controlling the bike is much more difficult. 

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

 Operation of Controls is the other fundamental skill to mountain biking. It is learning how to operate the controls of the bike, the gears, brakes, and sometimes a dropper seat post. It is also a skill that can constantly be refined to help even the most experienced riders improve their riding efficiency, performance and control. 

TERRAIN AWARENESS

OPERATION OF CONTROLS

TERRAIN AWARENESS

 Terrain Awareness is an observational & tactical skill. By collecting information about the trail, a rider can be more aware of the terrain ahead and make better decisions, such as line choice, or to ride around the rock, or over it.  

DIRECTION CONTROL

TIMING & COORDINATION

TERRAIN AWARENESS

  Direction Control is a bio-mechanical skill, using the body to move the bike so the rider can control their direction. These movements can be used to maintain direction, change direction, or to corner the bike. As such, a rider uses this skill in many situations outside of cornering, such as negotiating technical terrain or riding across off-camber sections. 

PRESSURE CONTROL

TIMING & COORDINATION

TIMING & COORDINATION

  Pressure Control is another bio-mechanical skill, using the arms and legs either as suspension to smooth out the trail, or to actively push and pull on the bike to gain better control, traction or speed. It is very much a “sensory” skill, as the rider needs to “feel” the terrain by reacting to the pressure changes they feel through their hands and feet, as they ride. 

TIMING & COORDINATION

TIMING & COORDINATION

TIMING & COORDINATION

  Timing & Coordination is both a tactical skill and a bio-mechanical skill - it involves choosing when or how to apply certain skills, while also moving the body at different speeds and effectively coordinating different movements, to produce the desired result. Timing & Coordination is the key to further developing the other skills indi

  Timing & Coordination is both a tactical skill and a bio-mechanical skill - it involves choosing when or how to apply certain skills, while also moving the body at different speeds and effectively coordinating different movements, to produce the desired result. Timing & Coordination is the key to further developing the other skills individually, as well as bringing them together for more efficient, consistent riding.

WHAT IS SKILL-BASED LEARNING?

 Picture a race car. We can break it down into many different components like the engine, wheels, suspension, chassis, exhaust etc. All are needed for the car to work, but you can isolate one component, improve it, and the whole car will be quicker. It’s the same with the skills of mountain biking. If you highlight one skill, develop it, then the rider’s overall ability will improve, in a variety of situations. 

BOOK A LESSON

Enrol in our Fundamental Skills of Mountain Biking program, or we can design a lesson to target a specific skill, and you can learn and develop the skills that will maximise your enjoyment of mountain biking.

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Big Mountain

Crestmead Queensland 4132, Australia

Adam Campbell E: info@bigmountain.bike M: 0420 358 534

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