Techniques to Mountain Biking and Cyclo-cross are very simular, and the more confident you are at technique, the more enjoyable your ride will be. |
Technique |
Mountain Biking Technique |
There are many techniques that you can use whilst out mountain biking. Here, we'll go through; The Wheelie It's taken me quite a while to get to grips with this technique, and even now I can only wheelie about 10 feet, still, this is more than enough to set you up for some more of the trickier techniques you might need out on the trails. To start, cycle along at a gental pace, in about middle chainring, and 3rd or 4th on the back. Pull up on the handle bars and find your balance point over the back wheel while applying rear brake to stop you from cycling off too fast and losing the wheelie. As you practice...you might like to start off on a small uphill gradient, which will help with the technique. The Bunny Hop You'll need a small wheelie to set you up for the bunny hop. I can bunny about 21" which clears most obsticals. To begin the hop, cycle upto the obsticle at a reasonable pace, say 5-10 mph, and pull up on the handle bars while shifting your body weight backwards. This will raise the front of the bike up and over the obsticle. The second part to the hop is to quickly lift up on the pedals and push the bike forward and down, in effect, this raises the back of the bike, and pushes the front down...ideally cleaning the obsticle. Start off small to start with, then build yourself up to bigger and better hops. Braking Very important to know how to break properly out on the trails...you don't want to go arse over tit by applying too much front break. A little of both front (60%) and back (40%) goes a long way. Falling off Sounds silly, but if you know how to fall off correctly, you stand less chance of hurting yourself when you make contact with terra firma. Aim to roll into the fall and don't whatever you do instinctively stick out your hands to break your fall. This technique of falling correctly is worth practising in sand or soft ground, as it will reduce the risk of breaking bones |
Cyclo-cross Technique |
In Cyclo-cross the techniques are very simular to mountain biking, and indeed alot of mountain bikers compete on their bikes. If you're riding a cyclo-cross specific bike or MTB, then you'll need a couple more techniques than those shown above; Jumping on and off the bike This technique is very useful in a race situation, where time is of the essence. The technique to jump off the bike is to bring either your left leg or right leg, which ever is the most comfortable, to the inside of the leg which is attached to the pedal. When the obsticle approaches, clip out of the pedal and land running next to the bike ready to hop over the obsticle. When the obsticle has passed, throw your right or left leg over the saddle, and aim to hit the saddle with the inside of the thigh...this will take alot of confidence and practice, so take your time trying it out. Carrying the bike As with the photos on the right, there are many ways to carry your bike. These are the classic ways to carry your bike, when cycling becomes difficult and it's easier and faster to run...simply bring the bike tightly onto your shoulder, and keeping it steady by holding the handle bars will hep you tackle the hill or decent that approaches. Race start This is possibly the most important part of the race...to get a bad start could mean you fighting your way past slower riders all race long, rather than showing a clean pair of heels to the oppostion. Keep your eyes on the race marshall, ready for him to start the race. Also do your homework, and choose the best place to get a good start, away from any hazzards or obsticles. At the off, you'll have to give it 110% for the first half of the lap, to get a good position before competitors settle down to a comfortable pace. Cross etiquette Very important in all racing, whether Cross or Mountain Biking to maintain good manners. If you're going faster than someone in front of you, call out "I'm on your right" to let the person know you're coming through. Likewise, if someone behind you is trying to get past, let them do so safely, otherwise it could spell trouble for both of you. Make sure you get to the race start in plenty of time for start of the race, you don't want to be still getting ready or out on a practise loop as the race begins..again sounds silly, bu it's been done. Try smiling and talking to fellow competitors and spectators whilst racing, it can ease the burden and make you feel better :) |
