5 moves you can practise even in winter

Laurin Lehner

· 11.01.2015

Photo: Robert Niedring

5 moves you can practise even in winter

Admittedly, winter is not the best time to hone your MTB riding technique. We show you five manoeuvres that are fun both off-road and on asphalt.

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Never dismount again - There are a number of MTB moves that can be learnt away from muddy trails. They are not only fun off-road, but also extremely useful. Together with riding technique coach Stefan Herrmann, we show you how to offset your rear wheel, master wheelies and drops, negotiate steps and balance on a stationary bike.

1. Move rear wheel 180 degrees

Riding technique pro Stefan Herrmann turns his bike to change direction. The 180-degree turn requires bike control. "But if you practise diligently, you'll quickly make progress," says Stefan.

Photo: Robert Niedring Riding technique pro Stefan Herrmann turns his bike to change direction. The 180-degree turn requires bike control. "But if you practise diligently, you'll quickly make progress," says Stefan.

The 180-degree turn is not just stylish. It also demonstrates riding ability and can be helpful on narrow trails. We show you how the turn works.

Approach 1st bend

Approach the bend in a gentle motion and choose a point where you want to bring the front wheel to a standstill.

2. rear high

Now pull the front brake and stretch your legs slightly. As soon as the rear end lifts, shift your centre of gravity outwards. The hips lead - the rear follows.

3rd rotation

Your hips lead until the rear end hovers over the desired position. The front brake remains applied. This step is the trickiest and requires some practice.

4. let's move on

The change of direction is complete. Now you can release the front brake to bring the rear down to the ground. Then pedal quickly to pick up speed again.

4 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

2. the wheelie

Stefan on a speed wheelie on a descent somewhere in Munich. However, the best prerequisites for learning are: pedalling slightly uphill, a middle saddle position, a rear brake with good modulation and a suitable gear. Stefan knows: "Most people use the rear brake too forcefully instead of letting it drag lightly". The result: the front wheel hits the ground.

Photo: Robert Niedring Stefan on a speed wheelie on a descent somewhere in Munich. However, the best prerequisites for learning are: pedalling slightly uphill, a middle saddle position, a rear brake with good modulation and a suitable gear. Stefan knows: "Most people use the rear brake too forcefully instead of letting it drag lightly". The result: the front wheel hits the ground.

Hardly any other move is as much fun as riding on the rear wheel. The good thing about the wheelie: with a little practice and the right tips, anyone can learn it quickly.

1. bend:

Bend low over the handlebars to create enough tension.

2. stretches:

Pedal hard and shift your centre of gravity backwards with the help of a dynamic arm extension. One finger is always ready for action on the rear brake!

3. pedalling:

Once you have reached the "sweet spot", the aim is to maintain your balance by braking gently and balancing with your knees and shoulders. Keep your arms straight!

3 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

3rd wheelie drop

Before you set off: Choose a suitable gear (not too small) and check that the chain sits firmly on the sprocket. If you step into the void, you risk going over the handlebars. It is best to practise on a higher kerb.

Photo: Robert Niedring Before you set off: Choose a suitable gear (not too small) and check that the chain sits firmly on the sprocket. If you step into the void, you risk going over the handlebars. It is best to practise on a higher kerb.

The wheelie drop comes from trial bikers. But mountain bikers can also benefit from the riding technique. This is because it allows steps to be mastered without a run-up. The wheelie drop is also great fun. Trial pros use the technique to climb up to three metres in height.

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1. kick in hard

Slowly roll to the edge and bring the front wheel as close to the edge as possible. The pedal position is vertical at this point, with the stronger foot in front. Then give the impulse by pedalling hard. Result: The bike rears up.

2. dropping

When doing a wheelie drop, the front wheel should be significantly higher than the rear wheel. This provides safety. With the help of your arms, you can vary how steeply your bike should rise. The general rule is: steeper is safer - especially on higher drops. One finger should already be on the rear brake.

3. landing

Ideally, you should land with the rear wheel first. This allows you to cushion the impact of the landing with your legs. When you land, you should brake carefully to bring the front wheel gently to the ground.

3 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

4. park bench or step up and down

Jumping onto a park bench and back down again is fun and demonstrates bike control. This approach can also be used on trails. If you can make it up the park bench and back down again, you can also do it on steps in the terrain.

1. high with it

To balance your front wheel on a park bench, you shift your centre of gravity backwards. Result: The front becomes light. Key point: manual technique. Start with a little momentum and lift your front wheel onto the park bench.

2. tighten rear

The timing must be right for the second step: As soon as the front wheel touches down on the park bench, you have to tighten your rear wheel. To do this, take the weight off the rear wheel. You can do this by swinging your hips towards the stem. If the timing is not right, your chainring will hit the edge of the park bench.

3. select options

Many people lose speed by pulling the tail. This is why the wheelie drop (see p. 84) is a proven option for getting off the bank safely. If you still have enough speed, you can use the normal drop technique (see next step).

4. safely down

Stefan still has enough momentum to use the drop technique. To do this, he stretches his legs and arms dynamically as soon as his front wheel is about to leave the park bench. The result: his centre of gravity shifts backwards - he lands with both wheels at the same time.

4 Images

Photo: Robert Niedring

5. traffic light stop

Red traffic lights are a great opportunity to practise your balance. Of course, the manoeuvre also works without traffic lights. We show you two options. "Standing on the spot without putting your feet down makes you a better biker," says Stefan. However, he is referring more to the classic balancing manoeuvre.

1. the classic variant

When you approach the red light, you can already lower your telescopic support to the centre position - many people find this easier. Now it's time to stay cool. Fix your gaze on one point and only react to tilting tendencies with gentle and slow equalising movements. This works best with the use of your knees or steering movements. The brakes are applied, but can be released easily.

2. the show version

This is another way of standing in one place without putting your feet down. However, this variation is more difficult. A centre saddle position is ideal. Then pull the brake, turn the handlebars 90 degrees and place your feet on the tyres at the same time. You only give equalising impulses (gently) through your feet. Tip: Lean against the traffic lights at the beginning to get a feel for it.

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Photo: Franz Faltermaier

You can read this riding technique story from BIKE 1/2015 and many more in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:

Read in the Apple App Store
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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 moves you can practise even in winter

1. Move rear wheel 180 degrees

2. the wheelie

3rd wheelie drop

4. park bench or step up and down

5. traffic light stop

Laurin Lehner

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