How to: EMTB Trail Riding Technique #1 - Cresting bends quickly and safely
Markus Greber
· 12.08.2022
Riding technique: cornering on gravel
The looser the gravel and the drier the ground, the more difficult it is to control the E-MTB. If you simply lean into the bend on gravel - as usual - you will quickly end up on your nose. The best way to utilise the full width of the path is to start on the very outside, pull inwards at the apex of the bend and let yourself drift outwards again at the exit of the bend. With this line, you have utilised the largest possible curve radius. A gravel bend is best ridden with the saddle slightly lowered and the speed reduced beforehand, as the brakes are taboo in the lean angle. Now to the finer points: The view is particularly important, as it determines the line. As soon as you enter the bend, look far ahead and fixate on the apex of the bend.
Now comes the critical phase: only the bike is tilted towards the inside of the bend, while the centre of gravity remains vertical. The greater the angle between the body and bike axis, the more stable and safer the cornering will be. To do this, stretch the arm on the inside of the bend and bend the arm on the outside of the bend. The crank position is important: at slower speeds, you ride through the bend with the cranks horizontal. In the sportier, faster version, the foot on the outside of the bend pushes the crank downwards. Now you press down on the outer pedal with your full weight, as if you wanted to press the tyre sidewalls into the ground. This body tension literally scratches the bend.
At the apex of the bend, the exit of the bend comes into view. From this moment on, you can drift outwards.
Tip for gravel bends
The tyre pressure has a decisive influence on the traction of the E-MTB in gravel bends. Over-inflated tyres will slip away immediately. Experiment with Tyre pressures between 1.5 and 2 bar.
Riding technique: mastering a trail bend
Trails generally offer significantly more grip than gravel paths. In this respect, cornering is even easier here than on slippery gravel. However, there are other obstacles to contend with off-road. Roots, rocks or branches protruding into the path - quick reactions and physical effort are required on trail bends. The movement sequence and technique remain the same on the trail. However, as the traction causes higher centrifugal forces, the movements and body positions are more pronounced. Eye tracking is even more important on the trail than on gravel bends. The bike automatically follows your gaze. If you stare at the root or the stone directly in front of the front wheel, you will almost certainly bump into it. If, on the other hand, you scan the line and fixate on the exit of the bend, the bike stays on track and you can safely manoeuvre through the turn.
With this riding technique, a particularly low centre of gravity and full body tension ensure that the bike does not skid. Here you can see the lean angle of the bike and the angle between the bike and body axis. The outside foot is down and applies pressure to the pedal. Of course, you have to switch the pedal position to the other side for the next bend.
Tip: Read the trail! If you make clever use of the contours of the trail - for example notches, small berms or roots - they provide the tyres with additional grip when cornering.
How to | EMTB uphill riding technique - PART 1: BASICS
How to | EMTB trail riding technique - PART 2: DOWNHILL
PART 3: EXPERT (from 11 October)
