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5 MTB moves for alpine terrain

Laurin Lehner

 · 14.08.2016

5 MTB moves for alpine terrainPhoto: Robert Niedring
5 MTB moves for alpine terrain
Alpine terrain requires special skills. We show you the five most important riding techniques. Once you have mastered these manoeuvres, no trail will be too technical and no MTB descent too steep.



ATTENTION: Alpine terrain does not allow for mistakes. Be sure to practise these manoeuvres in easy terrain. Please note:
Manoeuvring on the edge requires concentration and common sense
:


1. move the rear wheel

Offsetting the rear wheel at the hairpin bend is the most elegant way of negotiating tight bends.


2nd hairpin bend

Mastering the hairpin bend requires a lot of sensitivity, but is quickly learnt. Stefan explains the most important tricky points.


3rd steep descent

Failure or success - in tame terrain, 70 per cent of it is down to the head, says expert Stefan Herrmann. In alpine terrain, however, more is required.


4. carry bike

Yes, even that has to be skilful. The Vertride grip is the most comfortable way to shoulder the bike. Expert Stefan Herrmann tells you what to look out for.


5. flash drop

The flash drop can save bikers. With this manoeuvre, you can prevent the dreaded drop over the handlebars. This is how the emergency plan works.

That's what counts: Offsetting the rear wheel on hairpin bends demonstrates real riding ability and makes even the tightest bends doable. Important: You should never practise in alpine terrain, but ideally on a tarmac descent. The slope makes it easier to get your tail up and the tarmac provides enough grip. A bend can be painted on or simply imagined. If you practise hard, you will make significant progress after twenty attempts at the latest. Important: keep at it! This is how it works: 1st approach: Start slowly and with bent arms and legs. The saddle is completely lowered - this gives you room to manoeuvre. Scan the bend for grip and radius.
Photo: Robert Niedring


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Laurin Lehner

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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