How to Improve MTB Technical Skills
Mountain biking (MTB) offers an exciting blend of adrenaline, adventure, and skill. However, as you progress, it becomes clear that technical skills are crucial for mastering the trails and pushing your limits safely. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced rider looking to refine your abilities, here’s a quick guide to enhancing your MTB technical skills.
In an upcoming series we are going to be digging further into these topics, giving you tips and tricks to help progress your riding.
- Nail the Fundamentals
Before advancing to complex techniques, it’s essential to establish a solid grounding in the basics. Ensure your bike is appropriately set up, with suspension and tyre pressure adjusted to match the terrain and your riding style. Spend time honing fundamental skills like balance, braking, and cornering. These basics form the building blocks for more technical riding.
Tip: Practise in a controlled environment, such as a local park or pump track, where you can focus on technique without worrying about challenging terrain.
- Perfect Your Body Position
Your body position on the bike is one of the most crucial aspects of MTB. A low centre of gravity helps with stability, particularly when navigating steep descents or technical sections. Keep your elbows bent and out, your knees slightly bent, and your weight centred or shifted as needed. Your chin should be over the stem and your hips over the bottom bracket, allowing your body to absorb the terrain under you.
Tip: Regularly check in with your body positioning during rides. Consider using video analysis or feedback from a riding partner to identify areas for improvement.
- Master Braking Techniques
Braking effectively is about more than just slowing down; it’s about control. Use both brakes in tandem, applying the front brake for power and the rear brake for stability. Avoid grabbing the brakes suddenly, especially on steep descents, as this can cause skidding or loss of control. Instead, practise modulating your braking force and timing, especially in varying conditions like wet or loose surfaces.
Tip: Practise controlled braking on different terrains, such as grass, gravel, and mud, to understand how your bike responds and to build confidence.
- Navigate Technical Terrain with Confidence
Riding over roots, rocks, and drops is part and parcel of MTB. Approach technical sections with a positive mindset and keep your momentum. Look ahead at where you want to go, rather than fixating on obstacles. Your body should act as a natural suspension system, with your arms and legs absorbing the shocks as you navigate the terrain.
Tip: When tackling particularly challenging sections, break them down into smaller parts. Focus on clearing one obstacle at a time, gradually piecing together the entire section as your confidence grows.
- Train Progressively
Improving your technical MTB skills takes time and consistent effort. Gradually increase the difficulty of the trails you ride as your skills develop. Set clear, achievable goals for each session, whether it’s conquering a new feature or refining a particular technique.
Tip: Consider structured training sessions or attending a skills clinic, where you can receive expert guidance and tailored feedback to accelerate your progress.
- Stay Positive and Enjoy the Ride
Mountain biking is about having fun as much as it is about skill. Embrace the process of learning and don’t be disheartened by setbacks. Every ride is an opportunity to improve and to enjoy the great outdoors. Remember, even the pros had to start somewhere, and progression comes with persistence and practice.
Tip: Keep a riding log to track your progress and highlight areas for improvement. This not only helps in setting future goals but also serves as a motivational tool as you reflect on how far you’ve come.
Ready to Take Your Skills to the Next Level?
If you’re serious about improving your MTB technical skills, why not incorporate monthly skills sessions into your coaching package? These sessions are designed to provide you with personalised guidance, helping you to master those tricky sections and advance your riding to the next level. Whether you’re aiming to boost your confidence or refine specific techniques, these tailored sessions can be the key to unlocking your full potential on the trails.
Book a free call today to learn more about how our coaching packages can help you achieve your MTB goals!
