How to: EMTB uphill riding technique #1 - Bike set-up

Markus Greber

· 14.06.2022

How to: EMTB uphill riding technique #1 - Bike set-up

Photo: Markus Greber

Before riding: Set up your E-MTB

Cockpit, saddle, suspension, tyre pressure - before the first ride, the e-mountainbike needs to be adjusted to your body weight, riding style and terrain. If you work meticulously here, you will have more fun on the trail afterwards. We show you the most important tips.

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Cockpit adjustment

All operating elements, such as the gear shift, support level switch and brake lever, require individual settings. Start with the brake lever. Adjust it towards the centre of the handlebars so that your index finger rests on the outermost end of the lever. If you brake with just one finger, you will have the best grip on the handlebars.

Photo: Markus Greber Brake lever adjustment: With modern brakes and levers, one finger is all you need to brake.

The lateral angle of the brake lever is also important. Adjust it so that you do not have to bend or twist your wrist. Ideally, the lever should be an extension of your outstretched arm. If the position is correct, align the gear lever, mode switch and seat post remote accordingly.

Photo: Markus Greber The outstretched arm and brake lever form a line, the wrist is neither bent nor twisted.

Adjusting the chassis

Nothing makes a bigger difference than the behaviour of the suspension fork and shock. Does the bike buck on roots or does it fly gently over them? To achieve the optimum, the suspension must be adapted to the weight of the rider, including luggage. To do this, first set the negative suspension travel (SAG). The SAG is the part of the suspension travel by which the suspension dips when you sit on it. First, slide the rubber rings on the fork and damper all the way down.

Photo: Markus Greber Find a place to lean against, pull the brakes and carefully get on the bike.

The rubber rings indicate the SAG after mounting. This should be between 20 and 30 per cent of the total suspension travel. The air pressure is then adjusted at the front and rear using the shock pump.

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The damping (rebound speed) is regulated via small adjustment screws on the spring elements. The damping works correctly when the wheels follow the unevenness of the ground. Only trial and error will help here.

Photo: Markus Greber The rubber ring on the suspension fork shows the negative suspension travel. Push it all the way down first!

The rebound speed is set via the so-called rebound damping - usually using red screws on the spring element. Blue levers or screws usually determine the compression speed (compression damping).

Photo: Markus Greber The rebound speed is set via the so-called rebound damping - usually using red screws on the spring element. Blue levers or screws usually determine the compression speed (compression damping).

With the shock pump, the pressure in the air chambers can be adjusted to the weight of the body + luggage. There is a little room for personal preference: do you want the bike to stick to the trail or rock a little more comfortably? Just try it out.

Photo: Markus Greber With the shock pump, the pressure in the air chambers can be adjusted to the weight of the body + luggage. There is a little room for personal preference: do you want the bike to stick to the trail or rock a little more comfortably? Just try it out.

Adjust saddle

The saddle height and position are decisive parameters. Even small changes can lead to big improvements in seating comfort and riding characteristics. If you sit too high, for example, your pelvis tilts back and forth, the sit bones are alternately under a lot of strain and it ends up hurting here and there.

Adjust the saddle height so that your legs are not fully extended when the Vario seat post is fully extended and your heel (!) is on the pedal.

Photo: Markus Greber Adjust the saddle height so that your legs are not fully extended when the Vario seat post is fully extended and your heel (!) is on the pedal.

Rule of thumb for the saddle position: the further forwards you mount the saddle, the better you can cope with steep climbs. A slightly lowered saddle nose also helps when climbing and avoids unpleasant pressure points. This all depends on your individual body anatomy and training condition. The same applies here: experiment.

Photo: Markus Greber A slightly downward sloping saddle helps when climbing and avoids pressure points.

Adjust tyre pressure

The air pressure in the tyres is crucial for traction and comfort. The lower the pressure, the better the tread can grip the ground. Too little, however, means susceptibility to punctures. Thick, heavy tyres tolerate lower air pressures than lightweight tyres.

The following applies to off-road tyre pressure: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Experiment with values between 1.3 and 1.8 bar, depending on the tyres and terrain.

Photo: Markus Greber The following applies to off-road tyre pressure: as little as possible, as much as necessary. Experiment with values between 1.3 and 1.8 bar, depending on the tyres and terrain.

You can get a feel for the correct air pressure by simply squeezing the tyre. If the carcass flexes too much, you should re-inflate. The subjective feeling when (cornering) also plays a role.

Spongy feeling when cornering? If the tyre pressure is too low, driving stability and safety suffer and the susceptibility to punctures increases.

Photo: Markus Greber Spongy feeling when cornering? If the tyre pressure is too low, driving stability and safety suffer and the susceptibility to punctures increases.

How to: EMTB uphill riding technique - PART 1: BASICS

PART 2: TRAIL (from 16 August)

PART 3: EXPERT (from 11 October)

Stefan Schlie has been our uphill flow expert since EMTB Magazine was founded. The new three-part riding technique series with how-to videos explains the handling of the E-MTB from the basics to the moves of the pros.

Photo: Markus Greber Stefan Schlie has been our uphill flow expert since EMTB Magazine was founded. The new three-part riding technique series with how-to videos explains the handling of the E-MTB from the basics to the moves of the pros.

Photo: EMTB Magazin EMTB 03/2022 - now on sale. You can obtain the new EMTB conveniently in the subscription, in our online shop and as an app edition for Apple and Android .

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