Technique suggestion for a newb

[slowaaron]

Hello!  I've just started mountain biking with a goal of bikepacking next summer.  I come from an ultrarunning background, so I've got a big engine, but after 2 rides I realize that I am effin' clueless as to technique.

So far, via youtube search, I've learned that I want to get my weight forward-ish to climb and back-ish to descend.  I'm hoping someone can fill me in on other techniques/strategies that would be useful (I realize the only way to learn is to do, but a cheat-sheet would be nice).


Thanks so much!

[honez1414]

Watch these kids. Hope to be half as good one day. But seriously, the drills are very helpful.


https://youtu.be/YL_F0YCStNg

[slowaaron]

awesome - I'll add that (plus about 100 falls) to tomorrow's fun.  Thanks for sharing!

[Attaboy]

Definitely spend time doing drills etc at a slow speed. You need some hours on the bike to develop the balance; and the skills needed to become instincts. Ride technical trails slowly until you master some techniques. With your motor, it's even more important. Right now it's like having a Ferrari engine mounted in a Hyundai. Way too much engine for that car to handle.

[slowaaron]

Right now it's like having a Ferrari engine mounted in a Hyundai. Way too much engine for that car to handle.

With a drunk fool behind the wheel.

Yesterday I spent a bit of time watching a popular trail in town and the people effortlessly riding it.   It looked unrideable to me.  I'm realizing that it's bike skills that I have to practice.

[Yagi]

Honestly, I think you should just get out and ride with people.  Technique will come, but you can't learn everything you need to know from a youtube video.  Just ride.  Start slow.  Take a skills clinic.  Find somebody who's willing to mentor you if you need skills that badly.  If you ride in super-techy terrain, the biggest technique you might need to learn is hike-a-bike. 

Good luck.

[Mista Bone]

learn how to crash without getting hurt, too badly.

Like when I clipped a tree with handlebar the SECOND day riding after 22 years. Tucked and rolled, stood right up laughing (DUMBASS!)

I did buy gloves next trip to the LBS (local bike shop)

[Racingguy04]

Mostly I'd say get out there and ride, and if you can ride with other people, all the better.

One thing that I told a friend and she said made all the difference in her riding, is ride the banking in turns. the fastest way through a turn is not the straightest line (usually)

[slowaaron]

Thanks for the suggestions.  I'm going to mix up riding and drills from that video.  This has been fun so far, it's fun to notice improvement on every ride.

[Get Mounted]

Without doubt the bible for technical mountain bike skills. Treat yourself, treat your friends, this is a purchase you won't regret.

http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mountain-Bike-Skills-Edition/dp/0736083715

[mtbordie]

I'll second the mastering bike skills book for lots of good tips

[wahday]

I am fond of this video instruction series: http://youtu.be/2aw6a736QLk

But even they point out that one of the best ways to learn is to follow a more skilled rider and copy their technique or even try to improve on their lines, moves, etc. as you ride. For me I feel I can only track about 2 or 3 new techniques to work on at a time. So don't fill your head with too much data before heading out to get it cemented through real riding. But truly, I think finding rider(s) who are more skilled will be your best education. I am amazed at what I can ride after watching a good rider do it first...


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