Realistically speaking, mountain bikers spend a lot of time on gravel tracks. Whether on the approach to the trail, on long rides in the Alps or on fast forest tracks – loose ground presents different challenges to tarmac or forest floor. Deep gravel in particular can quickly become a technical challenge on descents. However, with a relaxed posture, well-judged braking manoeuvres, the right line choice and suitable tyre pressure, you can master this with confidence. What matters most is not so much courage as a calm, forward-thinking riding style. If you train regularly on gravel, you’ll quickly develop a better feel for grip and balance. We’ll share the most important riding technique tips for riding safely on gravel.
Conclusion
Statistically speaking, by far the majority of mountain bike accidents occur on gravel tracks. Whilst cyclists are usually focused and in an active riding position on the trail, many nasty falls happen on gravel. With a bit of practice, however, mountain bikers need not be afraid of deep gravel either. - Jan Timmermann, BIKE editor
Stay relaxed – let the bike do the work
The most important rule on gravel is: tensing up doesn’t help. Keeping your upper body relaxed and your arms and legs slightly bent allows the mountain bike to absorb bumps on its own. If you cling stiffly to the handlebars, every bump in the ground is transmitted directly to your body, whilst at the same time reducing your control over the bike. You should always keep your eyes fixed a few metres ahead on your intended line. If you look directly at the front wheel, you’ll usually react too late to bends, large stones or ruts.
On loose gravel, it is crucial to maintain a central position over the bike. Your body weight should be evenly distributed between the front and rear wheels. Standing too far back may take the weight off the front wheel, but it reduces steering precision. Conversely, too much weight on the front wheel increases the risk of the tyre slipping on loose ground. On steep descents, your weight may shift slightly further back – but without fully extending your arms. The bike must still be able to move freely beneath the rider. As well as riding technique, tyre pressure has a significant influence on handling. Slightly lower tyre pressure increases the tyre’s contact patch and improves grip and comfort.
Braking with finesse
High speeds can easily build up on fast gravel descents. Rather than braking frantically, you should adjust your speed well in advance. A low riding position with slightly bent arms and legs helps to absorb impacts. Keep your body weight centred over the bike, shifting it back only slightly on very steep sections. The calmer the rider remains, the more stable the mountain bike will be on loose terrain. Confident braking is therefore essential for feeling safe on gravel descents.
In fact, most falls on gravel are caused by incorrect braking. Wheels that lock up immediately lose lateral control and increase the braking distance. It is better to apply both brakes in a controlled manner. The front brake provides most of the braking power, but should be applied with particular care on loose ground. The rear brake stabilises the bike, but is no substitute for controlled deceleration via the front brake. Good braking technique is a fine art of mountain biking and requires active weight transfer during the deceleration process. To feel confident when braking on gravel, regular practice helps – for example, using how-to videos. When cornering, the rule is: it’s better to brake beforehand, let the bike roll through the bend and only accelerate again as you exit the bend.
Negotiating bends safely, choosing the right line
Speaking of bends: gravel offers significantly less grip than firm forest ground. That’s why it’s worth mastering a proper cornering technique. The outer pedal is at the bottom and weight is applied to it. This ensures stability and lowers the centre of gravity. The inner pedal remains at the top so that it doesn’t touch the ground. The mountain bike is tilted slightly into the bend, whilst the upper body remains as steady as possible and relatively upright. This technique ensures that the tyres retain as much grip as possible. Correct timing can be practised and will soon become second nature.
Not every gravel track is the same, either. You’ll often find a track with much better grip alongside loose gravel or coarse stones. Choosing your line carefully saves energy and improves safety. Look out for well-trodden tracks, areas with less loose gravel and keep a safe distance from deep ruts. Sections with particularly loose scree should be ridden in as straight a line as possible. Especially on fast descents, it pays to look well ahead.
Uphill: Traction rather than power
Loose gravel climbs require a delicate touch. Applying too much force to the pedals – particularly on powerful e-mountain bikes – can quickly cause the rear wheel to spin. It’s better to pedal at a steady pace with a slightly higher cadence. At the same time, you should lean your upper body slightly forwards so that the front wheel stays in contact with the ground and doesn’t lift. Shifting to a lower gear early on allows you to pedal more smoothly and improve traction.
How about you lot: have you ever had a fall on gravel? What helps you overcome your fear of gravel? Let us know in the comments!
Jan Timmermann
Editor