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.