5 mistakes that bikers should never make again

Laurin Lehner

· 24.05.2016

Photo: Robert Niedring

5 mistakes that bikers should never make again

Riding errors can easily creep in, as riding technique expert Stefan Herrmann knows. We show you the most common ones and, of course, how to do it right.

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Here, Stefan Herrmann shows the five driving mistakes that most often creep in and how to do it better so that the fun is in the driver's hands and doesn't make the spectators laugh.

1. the curve

Only the curves of a trail turn a ride into a surfing experience. And only those who dare to lean will get through the turn at speed.

2. basics

The basics have to be right, says expert Stefan Herrmann. Unfortunately, this is not the case for many bikers. You need to pay attention to a few important things when it comes to your basic position, the saddle position and your braking hand.

3rd departure

Speed increases on the descent. This makes the correct body position all the more important. Stefan explains why.

4. the wheelie

The wheelie is popular with bikers, but only very few master it. The expert knows: it's down to the wrong approach and too little practice.

5. bunny hop

Good mountain bikers master the bunny hop. This is the only way to overcome obstacles on the trail with ease.

Not like this!

70 per cent of all bikers struggle with lean angles when cornering, says expert Herrmann. Many are afraid of losing traction - the result looks like this. The saddle is fully extended, the body position is upright and shifted backwards. The arms are stretched and the rider has no opportunity to give his bike the necessary lean angle. The result: hardly any pressure on the front wheel - loss of control.

How to do it right

Position your body centrally above the bottom bracket. With the inside arm almost stretched out and the outside arm bent, you can lean the bike and ride through even tight bends at high speed. The saddle is lowered and rests against the inner thigh. This provides freedom of movement, a lower centre of gravity and guidance. The head looks into the exit of the bend and guides the entire ride.

TIP! Feel your way slowly. The best way to do this is on a tarmac road with a slight incline. Simulate cornering and memorise the key points beforehand.

Correct

The basic position: The legs are almost straight, the arms slightly bent. Your shoulders hover over the handlebars. In this position, you can see everything on the trail, save energy by keeping your legs straight, have enough pressure on the front wheel and can react to bumps with your bent arms.

Wrong

Not like this: legs bent, arms stretched. Even track sprinters quickly overload their thighs. The outstretched arms cannot react to impacts and bumps. The result: loss of control.

23 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

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Laurin Lehner

Editor

Born in South Baden, Laurin Lehner is, by his own admission, a lousy racer. Maybe that's why he is fascinated by creative, playful biking. What counts for him is not how fast you get from A to B, but what happens in between. Lehner writes reports, interviews scene celebrities and tests products and bikes - preferably those with a lot of suspension travel.

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5 mistakes that bikers should never make again

Laurin Lehner

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