On the list of meanest prejudices against mountain bikers at the top of the list: the skid mark and the question of the extent to which it damages the ground and thus indirectly the image of mountain bikers. If you simply roll comfortably through the forest, it is said, the tyres do no more damage to the ground than hiking boots. Downhill, skid marks on natural trails tear up the ground. But what about on heavily compacted, built trails or in a bike park? Do other guidelines apply here when it comes to trail-friendly riding? After all, there are even riding technique tricks that centre on the rear wheel drifting around corners, such as the so-called Scandinavian Flick.
Fun manoeuvre or no-go - Is the brake drift morally justifiable? 1905 people voted anonymously, here is the result:
Pros & cons - two experts, two opinions
PRO - Hans Voglsamer, Lake Garda bike pioneer:
"Of course you can. If you want to let your rear end wag around the bend, please do so. I think it looks quite elegant if you do it skilfully. If you want to point the finger and draw attention to erosion, I would like to say that I also prefer intact trails. But a few bikers swinging around the bend with a skidding rear end doesn't immediately trigger a landslide."
CONTRA - Stefan Herrmann, riding technique expert:
"Clearly a hooligan move! Blocking the rear wheel on the trail not only contributes to soil erosion, but also confirms all the hooligan prejudices that mountain bike opponents accuse us of. As we all know, this often leads to trail closures. In short: locking the rear wheel is antisocial. OK in the bike park, but a no-go on natural trails!"
VOTE ON FACEBOOK
"A clear no-go! So many trails are so broken that deep ruts form and stones come loose." - Heinrich F.
"OK in the bike park because they're well-maintained - only for dorks in the countryside." - Konstantin V.
"Well, how many of you have never locked the rear wheel? As always, it depends on how and where you use a skid." - Christoph S.
