Switchback Edge
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US $15.00
Mountain Bike Skills - How to Ride Steep Mountain Switchbacks
Steep switchbacks are an increasingly common occurrence on our trails.
Dictated by the steep terrain they're built on, switchbacks often seem pretty intimidating obstacles, with narrow exits and precipitous drops on one side. Although it's not usually too difficult to negotiate them slowly, carrying speed and staying in balance is often a real challenge. A lack of rider confidence is often the biggest mistake. So, these five steps will show you a few simple tips to use next time you're tackling one head-on.
THE APPROACH
This is the part you really want to get right. Keep your head up and have a look at the trail ahead. In our sequence, you can see the right hand turn looks quite far away. But by spotting it from a few metres back, you should be able to get yourself over to the outside of the trail, ready for the corner. This is the opposite side to what you might think! Most of your braking should be done now.
GETTING HIGH
Now that you are on the outside, you can start your switchback. To get up the bank easily, think of it as an off camber section. It's always easier to go up rather than along an off-camber, and by starting on the outside of the trail, you're in the perfect place to look left and head straight up. If the bank is steep, drop your outside (downhill) foot to get more pressure on the edge of the lyres.
LEAD FROM THE FRONT
Your front wheel will lead the way. A great tip at this point is to allow your front wheel to go higher or wider than the back. On steep switchbacks, your back wheel may not even leave the main line, but as long as the front is wide you'll be able to get around even the tightest of bends. Speed can also dictate this part. If you're coming in really slow, there won't be enough speed to get your whole bike onto the high line. So just let the front go for it and relax.
GETTING GRIPPY
Once your front wheel is sufficiently wide, look down into the corner, let go of the brakes and start transferring your weight on to the other leg. In this case, the weight goes from the right leg to the left. As the bike starts to accelerate off the bank, put more weight onto your outside pedal (don't brake!) to keep the grip coming. You'll probably find that the steeper and tighter the corner is, the further down your outside foot is.
LOOK TO THE FINISH
With the boost in speed you'll have, keep looking to the exit. The exit is the point where things often go wrong. Don't worry about the drop off the edge of the trail. Instead, focus your attention on where you want to end up. Just by looking where you want to go, and not over the edge, you’ll probably find that your confidence to stay off the brakes and keep all that speed you just made wi1l grow.
TOP TIP
Practice steep switchbacks with firmer suspension up front to build your confidence.
About the Author
World of Dirt is the place to come if you want riding tips, how to
articles, product reviews and training advice. Want to improve your riding and mountain bike knowledge? Of cause you do! For handy tips, advice and ideas sign up to our FREE NEWSLETTER at http://www.bdccycles.com/wod
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