How to: EMTB uphill riding technique #4 - "Chance" cornering technique

Markus Greber

· 14.06.2022

How to: EMTB uphill riding technique #4 - "Chance" cornering technique

Photo: Markus Greber

Scratching curves made easy

With the EMTB riding technique for bends from the master of the uphill flow, Stefan Schlie, you'll be able to take the bend in no time. Always important: look ahead and pedal hard.

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The trails are not always straight - fortunately. There are sometimes more, sometimes less tight bends. In order not to lose the uphill flow, this simple cornering technique helps, especially on gravel and on trails that are not too tight. You can pedal at full speed and don't need any pedal management (hence the random curve).

This riding technique is mainly about keeping your balance when cornering. That's why pedalling evenly is key - preferably against the slight resistance of the brakes.

Basically, you stay in the saddle throughout the manoeuvre to keep constant pressure on the rear wheel. The <a href="https://www.bike-magazin.de/emtb/service_wissen/how-to-emtb-uphill-fahrtechnik-2022-video-02-grundtechnik" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow">support level</a> is a matter of taste: lower levels are easier to modulate, but require more leg power. Shift down to a relatively easy gear before the bend.

Photo: Markus Greber Basically, you stay in the saddle throughout the manoeuvre to keep constant pressure on the rear wheel. The support level is a matter of taste: lower levels are easier to modulate, but require more leg power. Shift down to a relatively easy gear before the bend.

The highlight: At the same time, you switch to the outermost line of the trail, which you don't leave as the curve progresses. In this way, you utilise the widest radius and have to turn the handlebars the least.

Photo: Markus Greber The highlight: At the same time, you switch to the outermost line of the trail, which you don't leave as the curve progresses. In this way, you utilise the widest radius and have to turn the handlebars the least.

During the entire manoeuvre, your eyes scan the terrain to avoid or be prepared for minor obstacles. Maybe there's a step after the bend that you can't see before - or even hikers?

Photo: Markus Greber During the entire manoeuvre, your eyes scan the terrain to avoid or be prepared for minor obstacles. Maybe there's a step after the bend that you can't see before - or even hikers?

The apex of the bend is particularly critical for balance, because this is where you are at your slowest and the handlebars are turned in a lot. This is why you should aim far forwards towards the end of the bend. This stabilises you and the bike automatically follows your gaze.

Photo: Markus Greber The apex of the bend is particularly critical for balance, because this is where you are at your slowest and the handlebars are turned in a lot. This is why you should aim far forwards towards the end of the bend. This stabilises you and the bike automatically follows your gaze.

The manoeuvre ends at the exit of the bend on the outermost line. Now accelerate briefly and then you are ready to take the opposite bend.

Photo: Markus Greber The manoeuvre ends at the exit of the bend on the outermost line. Now accelerate briefly and then you are ready to take the opposite bend.

Tip: Which side feels better? Both sides of the bend don't always work equally well. Concentrate particularly on the less good side - the other is already working.

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

PART 3: EXPERT (from 11 October)

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PART 2: TRAIL (from 16 August)

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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How to: EMTB uphill riding technique #4 - "Chance" cornering technique

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

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