Compared to the usual bike ride, it does present a bit of danger. This is why it is vital to understand the essential skills and techniques prior to visiting mountain bike dirt trails.



It is recommended to get as much practice as possible by going to local bike parks and routes - even arond your local housing estate. An added bonus would be if you can find a bit of land with elevated ground and hills.

Become Comfortable With Your Pedals

Practice moving your foot from the pedal initially while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Then, move on to releasing and

replacing your foot as you are pedaling around for a bit. Those with toe clip plus clipless type foot pedals will want to spend extra time practicing.

Sit And Spin For Position

Basically sit on your bike and pedal around. You should make sure to have your arms slightly bent. It is important to adapt your seat height thus your leg is 70 to

90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal. You must try to have your body in a relaxed position to avoid your elbows or knees getting locked.

Changing Gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will allow you to go faster, while the lower gears are lighter to pedal and will also assists you climb hills. Always change your gears before you attempt a hill or elevated ground.

Coasting

Spend some time coasting while standing upright on your pedals and avoid sitting down . Keep your arms slightly bent and avoid any locking of the knees. Now, try experimenting with moving your body towards the rear part of the bike.

Pedal While Standing

You will now feel more comfortable standing up on the bike whilst pedaling . Now try to lift yourself up off the seat as you stand and move the pedals. Best to only do this in higher gears on flat ground then again in lower gears on elevated hill or ground.

Dropping Down A Curb

Find a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Try at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Do this enough at different speeds so that it feels comfortable.

Try to get the hang of these skills and techniques by practising them with your mountain bike as muh as possible. .