On a classic bike, there is only one cornering technique for technical, steep uphill sections: get off and push. And even with the power of an Alban Lakata, you won't get very far when the going gets tough. The human input into the drive is simply too erratic to provide permanent traction on the rear wheel. Only the combination of man and machine delivers constant propulsion and makes cornering possible in the first place, as E-MTB riding technique expert Stefan Schlie demonstrates to perfection on the following pages.
But don't let this unsettle you. Techniques such as the Powercurve or the Jumpswitch require perfect body control and basic knowledge from the sport of trials. From easy to difficult is the motto on the following pages. Even if the pro moves are still too demanding in terms of riding technique - pedal management, centre of gravity, balance, there is plenty to do at the base. And even the basic techniques offer aha moments. Because one thing is clear: we leave dismounting and pushing to the classic bikers.
Contents of part 2: Curve techniques
1. BASICS:
Correct pedal management is the key to good riding technique.
2. RANDOM CURVE
Admittedly, that doesn't sound like riding technique expertise. But chance here only means that you can disregard pedal management. This technique works in wide, not too steep bends.
3. CONTROLLED CURVE
Tighter, steeper bends require a special technique. This is where pedal management in the form of pedalling sequences comes into play. Now also with the familiar radius-optimised outside-inside-outside curve line.
4TH POWERCURVE
The power curve is the queen of cornering techniques. Anyone who masters it is not only a damn good riding technician, but is also guaranteed to earn envious glances. Here we show you the show move par excellence.
5. UPHILL SWITCHBACK
A trick from the trial kit box: Correct timing is particularly important here.
6 FRONTSWITCH
The frontswitch may be new to many. A suitable technique for very steep and tight uphill bends that require a high degree of balance.
7 JUPSWITCH
Alongside the power curve, this jump turn is one of the supreme disciplines and, when performed well, is just as impressive. This manoeuvre also has its roots in trial sport.
1. BASICS:
Correct pedal management is the key to good riding technique.
Pedal management is the basis for many cornering techniques. Put simply, the pedal must always be positioned so that you don't hit anything when pedalling. This is also important so that the motor always provides consistent support. Because when the motor power is gone, traction is also lost. The be-all and end-all of pedal management is to find out which foot is in front and which is behind. As with left- or right-handed riders, this is individual. If you don't know your favourite side yet, you can easily try it out: simply roll on the flat and feel which pedal position you feel most comfortable with. Trialers speak of the "good" or "bad" foot. The good foot is always in front. Also important: the choice of gear. Every move works best with a certain gear. Defining this is very simple: the bike should cover about one wheel length with half a turn of the pedals.
Place an object next to the front wheel (Fig. 1) and then turn the crank 180 degrees.
If the correct gear is selected, the object is now next to the rear wheel (Fig. 2).
2. RANDOM CURVE
Admittedly, that doesn't sound like riding technique expertise. But chance here only means that you can disregard pedal management. This technique works in wide, not too steep bends.
1. into the bend with vigour
Outside, inside, outside - let's ignore this golden rule for random curves. Instead, we'll stick to the outside line of the bend. The riding position is relaxed and upright. To avoid too much thrust and traction loss, we select a medium support level and a very low gear. The longest route is now
the best. Use the outer line of the bend.
The eye guidance is important: Avoid looking directly in front of the bike. Fixate on the exit of the bend. The sideways leaning behaviour of the bike, and therefore the sideways arm movements, are negligible with this technique. Simply remain centred on the bike and pedal evenly. As you pedal along the outer line with little lean angle, you don't need to worry about the pedals touching down. As this technique is mainly used in less steep bends, you only need to keep the engine thrust in check. This works best with a finger on the rear brake (Brake Move Control). You ride with a dragging brake and thus keep the engine thrust in check in a finely dosed manner.
3. CONTROLLED CURVE
Tighter, steeper bends require a special technique. This is where pedal management in the form of pedalling sequences comes into play. Now also with the familiar radius-optimised outside-inside-outside curve line.
The first special feature of this cornering technique is that you approach the curve from the outside (Fig. 1). The most important point is the apex of the curve, as this is where the most important movement sequence takes place. Recognising the apex is not so easy because every bend is different. Select the optimum gear (see 1. BASICS).
As soon as the apex of the bend is reached, you should have the bad foot in front (Fig. 2) in order to aim for the inside of the bend with the next half turn. You have now travelled through the critical area of the bend. The right foot is now in front again.
You allow yourself to be carried further out into the exit of the bend and are ready for the next manoeuvre. This type of bend is already quite dynamic. Push the bike underneath you as you turn into the bend. Your centre of gravity is on the outside. The arm on the inside of the bend is extended, the arm on the outside of the bend is bent.
4TH POWERCURVE
The power curve is the queen of cornering techniques. Anyone who masters it is not only a damn good riding technician, but is also guaranteed to earn envious glances. Here we show you the show move par excellence.
The technology for medium curve radii
You have internalised the controlled curve and pedal management has become second nature. Then you are now ready for the high school. The power curve is the most aesthetic and dynamic way to turn your bike round a corner. The approach is exactly the same as for the controlled curve: pedal management. In this case, however, the gear can be slightly thicker than the ideal gear. In contrast to the classic cornering technique, you no longer push the bike into the corner with your inner arm outstretched.
Instead, you actively let yourself fall into the bend, whereby the arm on the outside of the bend is unusually stretched and the inner arm is bent (image 1). Your gaze is particularly important with this technique. Force yourself to look as far forwards as possible towards the exit of the bend. This supports your sense of balance.
This allows you to gain momentum and then, at the right moment, explosively push the front wheel with the wrong foot and change direction. In principle, the power curve works like a wheelie where you change direction at the same time. If you lean into the bend consistently and the pedal management is right, you will be amazed at how much speed you can surf through the bend.
5. UPHILL SWITCHBACK
A trick from the trial kit box: Correct timing is particularly important here.
Switchbacks are a tried and tested way of negotiating particularly tight bends downhill. Thanks to the motor power, narrow switchbacks can even be mastered uphill with the E-MTB. The main criterion for mastering uphill switchbacks is sufficient speed. In other words: maximum support level. Up to the apex, you have to roll with your good foot in front! From the apex of the bend, your centre of gravity should be at the front/bottom (Fig. 1).
Now pull the front brake firmly. As the rear wheel lifts off the ground, stretch your legs and "hop" to the outside of the bend (Fig. 2).
In contrast to the downhill curve, the impulse into the outside of the curve uphill must now be as active as possible through speed, lively turning and hip rotation. If the timing is right, the rear wheel is moved to the outside of the bend, the right foot is then at the front, the bike is now centred under the body, ready to continue in the direction of travel.
6 FRONTSWITCH
The frontswitch may be new to many. A suitable technique for very steep and tight uphill bends that require a high degree of balance.
The direction is changed directly via the front wheel.
First approach the bend from the outside inwards (Fig. 1). Don't even try to roll through the bend, instead continue straight ahead. As soon as the rear wheel has passed the apex of the bend, stop your bike with both brakes. In this case (pictures), Stefan leans briefly on the rock face.
This makes it easier to balance. Now the front wheel can be turned. As with the uphill switchback, the pedal position is also important here. The good foot is in front.
Now make yourself very small, drop slightly into the centre of the bend and then straighten up suddenly. The arm on the outside of the bend is stretched, the arm on the inside of the bend is bent (Fig. 2).
Turn your upper body and hips in the new direction of travel (Fig. 3).
You are now standing straight again and facing the exit of the bend (Fig. 4). If you have now engaged the correct gear, you can continue driving comfortably from this position.
7 JUPSWITCH
Alongside the power curve, this jump turn is one of the supreme disciplines and, when performed well, is just as impressive. This manoeuvre also has its roots in trial sport.
A bunny hop with change of direction and pedal management - The jump turn is anything but easy and is part of the advanced trial technique. The coordination of movement sequences is particularly important for this move.
And this is how it works: Set the highest possible assistance level. As with the front switch, the curve is approached almost out of the curve (Fig. 1 and 2).
Now make yourself as small as possible again (Fig. 2) to build up tension. The correct pedal should be in front and slightly up at this point. Now comes the bunny hop with simultaneous rotation. Quickly move forwards/upwards and simultaneously turn your shoulders and torso in the new direction of travel. Push the handlebars forwards so that the rear wheel can lift off the ground. The dosage of the movement sequence depends on the steepness and nature of the bend. If you have done everything correctly, you will be perfectly positioned towards the exit of the bend after the move, ready to continue pedalling.
