In the past, it was mainly the cranks that were too long that got in the way of roots and rocks when pedalling. Today it is the extreme Trails with very steep inclineswhich can in principle be climbed with modern e-MTBs, but where the risk of pedal contact increases with the technical difficulty.
Ultimately, pedal clipping can only be avoided with a sophisticated riding technique. The most effective recipe is, of course, to ride with as much foresight as possible and learn to read the terrain. Deep ruts from forestry work, for example, are a trap that many bikers fall into. Even more treacherous are hanging root trails or angular rocks, which also ruin the material. The best thing to do is to locate obstacles with clipping potential in advance and ride around them. If that doesn't work, there are of course a few riding technique tricks.
Tapping - small moves for smaller obstacles
Admittedly: The tipping technique doesn't look particularly elegant. However, it is easy to use and works very effectively over smaller obstacles. It's basically about not exposing the crank and pedals to the risk of contact with the enemy in the first place.
As you always ride standing up when pedalling, you should set the saddle a little lower for more freedom of movement.
With momentum over larger obstacles
The only thing that helps with higher obstacles is dynamism - with a powerful motor, as much momentum as possible and courageous physical effort. Whether it's root carpets, rough gravel passages or rock steps - this is the most elegant method of overcoming obstacles. As soon as you realise that the next passage is not feasible using the tipple technique, determination is required. In most cases, you only have a short distance to go to gain momentum.
If the surface is grippy, you can also get out of the saddle for even more power. similar to steep ramps. Shortly before the obstacle, stop pedalling, set the cranks horizontally and use the momentum to roll over it.
How to | EMTB uphill riding technique - PART 1: BASICS
PART 2: TRAIL (from 16 August)
PART 3: EXPERT (from 11 October)
