Honestly, this series has helped me more than anything else ever in my time as a rider. The Ep about not leaning back has transformed my riding and especially jumping in the time since it was released. I was always fast, and now I’m controlled.
So glad to see this advice. So many people (including MTB coaches) give the generic advice to "drop your heels" and never give the full context. Thanks!
Definetely one of the top MTB teaching channels on YT. I am watching every episode! Clear explanations, very good video analysis and Simon spots every little detail. That's what makes a good coach for me. I am a skiing instructor myself and I have witnessed loads of people that ride really, really well, but can't explain a thing or spot what somebody else is doing wrong.
You and Roxy (a German Mtb coach) are the only ones (I am aware of) who are physically explaining the effects and consequences about dropping heels... which means I trust you more than 99% of mtb coach that aren't providing "scientific" or "physics" reasons to use that technic. Your content is really top quality. Thank you very much. I wish I have a mtb coach like you close to my place !
Thanks Matthieu! I'll have to check Roxy's stuff out. There are too many 'always do this' videos out there. The bike and the body are dynamic and always moving, so we should be attentive to our movements in order to get the best performance and to stay safe on the bike. Thanks for tuning in! -Simon
Watching Simon, I believe ive said this before, from the very first fluidride video way back in 2010 (DVD!) just an amazing instructor! way he explains it, his demonstration, his awesome student. truly enjoyeable and educational to watch
I started off riding XC/Flat trail riding, but quickly got into steeper, technical riding once I discovered that, but used to suffer from balance on that stuff. Used to ride with my cleats slammed basically all the way forward, then read somewhere about moving them back a bit behind the ball and once I did that, balance on the steep stuff was no longer an issue as could now easily get weight on my heals/drop them and wasn't riding on my toes anymore (good for seated pedaling, bad for pretty much anything else on an MTB).
Excellent! Great to see the stop action close ups on the descent and the close zoom on the feet. Turns we’re mentioned at the end...would be nice to see foot position during turns too, esp toe drop situations. And Linea did heel drop without increased hinge, weight back or arm stretch...very difficult esp during emergency stops on pavement when commuting.
I’ve been watching these videos for awhile. Tried out some of these ideas on a couple great flow trails in Squamish today....I have never had a bigger improvement in my riding. I could finally drop into the corners confidently, and lean the bike way over. Thanks so much for this series. It’s like you saw me riding, thought “that dude is too deep in his heels and can’t really keep his weight in the right place”, then made this video.
Another insightful lesson - thanks! It occurred to me this adds to why you should not brake while in a turn. If your knee is over your toes in a turn and you brake, you'll be easily pitched forward. I feel this all the time. Now I can correct it.
Hi Rob! We'd love to help you! If you're in the Pacific Northwest or ever want to travel out to come ride, we have tons of adult group classes or private instruction that will certainly help you grow as a rider, check them out at fluidride.com. We also offer remote instruction, so if you have a jump close to you that you want to work on, you can send us a 30 second clip of you riding it and we'll return your video with personalized coaching within 2 weeks! You can check that out through fluidride.com/remoteinstruction. - Coach Kagen
Was just asking this very question to myself yesterday, so thanks guys (and Universe :) This series has helped me no end and keeps me stoked to ride too. Aloha!
Aloha, AJ! That's perfect timing, we're stoked to hear how this series has helped you keep the stoke burning! Keep the rubber side down. 🤘🏼 - Coach Kagen
My question is this: For a newer rider, even though you said there is no set-and-forget, this is probably going to be a bit overwhelming to introduce, so what would be a good way to set them up for success later on without instilling bad habits/ Do you think I should have them focus on just keeping a flat pedal, or heel-back?
It is! Tough lady for sure. She is more confident than ever. We actually rode through where she was injured yesterday and did some practice there. -Simon
Hi Linnea and Simon! Love your videos, so so helpful! thanks for making them and putting them out! I have a question... Linnea, how tall are you? What bike are you on and what size is it? I'm 5'2"ish and am between a small and XS.... so just curious ! thanks, Andrea
Hi Andrea - thanks for watching the videos! I'm 5'3 1/2 and I ride a small frame. BUT it depends so much on the type of bike and what your goals are. I was actually just chatting with Jason about this... he rides a medium for playful, fun riding and a large to race on! There are so many factors depending on the bike brand and the travel. I wish I could be of more help! One thing I will say though is that make sure your bars aren't too wide. I cut mine down to 730 and am much happier (they were 760 for a while). Hit us up with any questions! -Linnea
@@Fluidride Hi Linnea! Ya, my bars are down to 725 and it feels really good! I would describe myself as an "all rounder" no racing, and I do like to climb. I've always been on an XS and I do think that the bikes I have owned have fit. Now I'm thinking about a 29er and am having a hard time getting my brain around the longer reaches.... compromises! Thanks for putting yourself out there, and the great content! Andrea
This channel is amazing for paying attention to technique. I watch Kyle &April's channel tool but gotta say between the two, Simon is an incredible teacher. And to see pro racers like Linnea and April rip through jumps and berms is incredibly inspiring.
I have a question about pedals. I see flats are used in Simon & Linnea's videos as well as Kyle & April. Are the lessons geared toward flats or do skills covered in Simon's videos translate to clips? (I just switched from to clips and am getting used to that "stuck" feeling. I'm wondering if I should stay with flats in order to get the most out of these lessons.) Thank you.
Thank you so much Julie! Simon really is an awesome teacher for all level riders and he absolutely loves what he does. All of our lessons can be done on either flats or clips, the techniques we teach and apply are the same. You will see our coaches riding flat pedals most of the time though, a few of us are flat pedal riders for life! - Coach Kagen
Damn you’re messing with my head. I have no idea what my heels are doing in a berm turn. I think staying level or even dropping a little. At least before the apex of the turn. I will have to examine myself next time out and make sure my knees are driving forward. Thanks as always.
Hey Pete. I hear you. Using video can help. Some riders really benefit from sorting out there 'base'. When you ride, don't think about it too much, but if you want to stop and video yourself and practice a bit, it can be a game changer. -Simon
That will push you onto your front foot on descents and put too much weight in your arms chest and shoulders and create instability. Getting that back heal to root will really help your descending. Thanks for reaching out Colin. -Simon
It has a super flat landing. It's a roll, not a drop. Would be a super hard landing to drop it. Hard to tell on film how flat (almost uphill) the landing is.
Linnea is so little, you could've lifted her with that chain, swung her around and tossed her like an Olympic hammer throw champion. Not sure how this would apply to anything, though .
We still do everything we have always done. Only YT was new for us:). We still do tons of in person instruction in Seattle, and have our tours in Baja in the winter and the French Alps in the summer. We are also the official school of The Summit at Snoqualmie, near Seattle for chairlift riding. We'll likely do more on YT at some point, but honestly has never been our focus. We do have a ton more videos on our online school as well. I'm sure we'll be back here at some point. Check us out online at fluidride.com or our online school at fluidrideonline.com. Thanks for checking in! -Simon
It took me a year to find, but man oh man, what a great channel this is.
Thanks for the awesome feedback, Ian! -Linnea
Honestly, this series has helped me more than anything else ever in my time as a rider. The Ep about not leaning back has transformed my riding and especially jumping in the time since it was released.
I was always fast, and now I’m controlled.
I would have to whole heartedly agree
Well said, this is next level mtb teaching!
Same here... apart from the fast bit.
Agreed, me too
His classes are great if you are ever in Washington. Reasonably priced and the instruction was awesome.
I’m 40 and new to mountain biking - I’ll be watching every video you have. The technical explanations are perfect.
Welcome to a world of challenge and fun! We look forward to supporting you learning as you continue this adventure. -Simon
So glad to see this advice. So many people (including MTB coaches) give the generic advice to "drop your heels" and never give the full context. Thanks!
Definetely one of the top MTB teaching channels on YT. I am watching every episode! Clear explanations, very good video analysis and Simon spots every little detail. That's what makes a good coach for me. I am a skiing instructor myself and I have witnessed loads of people that ride really, really well, but can't explain a thing or spot what somebody else is doing wrong.
Wow, thank you so much B.W., your comment is very appreciated! - Coach Kagen
So important. I never realized I do this but spot on!!
You and Roxy (a German Mtb coach) are the only ones (I am aware of) who are physically explaining the effects and consequences about dropping heels... which means I trust you more than 99% of mtb coach that aren't providing "scientific" or "physics" reasons to use that technic. Your content is really top quality. Thank you very much. I wish I have a mtb coach like you close to my place !
Thanks Matthieu! I'll have to check Roxy's stuff out. There are too many 'always do this' videos out there. The bike and the body are dynamic and always moving, so we should be attentive to our movements in order to get the best performance and to stay safe on the bike. Thanks for tuning in! -Simon
This channel is honestly a hidden gem for me I love how well it’s explained. Would love to see more trail/POV footage, love this channel
Be sure to check out the last few minutes of Steep Faced Berms episode where Linnea shreds hard. More POV on the way! -Simon
Watching Simon, I believe ive said this before, from the very first fluidride video way back in 2010 (DVD!) just an amazing instructor! way he explains it, his demonstration, his awesome student. truly enjoyeable and educational to watch
"Now that we got this starty parted..." LOL nice!
Love the detail!!! You guys do such a great job of explaining and showing. Really helps to put this together on the trail. Thank you!!!
“Now that we got the sarty parted” 😂
I came here for this comment :)
These are the best and most helpful MTB instructional videos I've ever seen
Thanks so much for the kind feedback, Nik. We're really happy these videos are resonating with you! -Linnea
I started off riding XC/Flat trail riding, but quickly got into steeper, technical riding once I discovered that, but used to suffer from balance on that stuff. Used to ride with my cleats slammed basically all the way forward, then read somewhere about moving them back a bit behind the ball and once I did that, balance on the steep stuff was no longer an issue as could now easily get weight on my heals/drop them and wasn't riding on my toes anymore (good for seated pedaling, bad for pretty much anything else on an MTB).
Superb marerial! Subscribed!
The best of the best instruction series!
Thank you so much TK! We're glad you're learning from and enjoying our videos! - Coach Kagen
Excellent! Great to see the stop action close ups on the descent and the close zoom on the feet. Turns we’re mentioned at the end...would be nice to see foot position during turns too, esp toe drop situations. And Linea did heel drop without increased hinge, weight back or arm stretch...very difficult esp during emergency stops on pavement when commuting.
I’ve been watching these videos for awhile. Tried out some of these ideas on a couple great flow trails in Squamish today....I have never had a bigger improvement in my riding. I could finally drop into the corners confidently, and lean the bike way over. Thanks so much for this series. It’s like you saw me riding, thought “that dude is too deep in his heels and can’t really keep his weight in the right place”, then made this video.
That's so great to hear Brett! We're glad that our coaching really hits home with you.
-Kagen, Fluidride Coach
Another insightful lesson - thanks!
It occurred to me this adds to why you should not brake while in a turn. If your knee is over your toes in a turn and you brake, you'll be easily pitched forward. I feel this all the time. Now I can correct it.
This series is fantastic ! Breaking some bad habits . Thanks so much !
Glad you're enjoying the series John! Thanks so much for watching! 🥳 - Coach Kagen
So wish I could get this kind of trainning
Hi Rob! We'd love to help you! If you're in the Pacific Northwest or ever want to travel out to come ride, we have tons of adult group classes or private instruction that will certainly help you grow as a rider, check them out at fluidride.com. We also offer remote instruction, so if you have a jump close to you that you want to work on, you can send us a 30 second clip of you riding it and we'll return your video with personalized coaching within 2 weeks! You can check that out through fluidride.com/remoteinstruction. - Coach Kagen
Was just asking this very question to myself yesterday, so thanks guys (and Universe :) This series has helped me no end and keeps me stoked to ride too. Aloha!
Aloha, AJ! That's perfect timing, we're stoked to hear how this series has helped you keep the stoke burning! Keep the rubber side down. 🤘🏼 - Coach Kagen
My question is this:
For a newer rider, even though you said there is no set-and-forget, this is probably going to be a bit overwhelming to introduce, so what would be a good way to set them up for success later on without instilling bad habits/ Do you think I should have them focus on just keeping a flat pedal, or heel-back?
Me too in Scotland😂I enjoy the explanations and practice.
This video and tips on my riding style helps me a lot on how to improve my riding style..
Fluidride you rock🤘🤘🤘
Glad to hear it Jun Jun, thank you!! Keep the rubber side down :) - Coach Kagen
Thank you been watching all the vid and tips and coaching on riding bike ..so stoke again being old riding bikes again
@@papajunjunstv990 Thanks for riding along with us! -Simon
Thank U guys for such good and clear explanations, especially for replays with vector lines! Wish U to stay inspired!
is all of this after he collar bone injury? I would be so freaked out. Props to her, she looks confident AF.
It is! Tough lady for sure. She is more confident than ever. We actually rode through where she was injured yesterday and did some practice there. -Simon
Looking fast in those burms! 💪🏻 Beautiful location, looks great on the big screen 👍🏻
Hi Linnea and Simon! Love your videos, so so helpful! thanks for making them and putting them out!
I have a question... Linnea, how tall are you? What bike are you on and what size is it? I'm 5'2"ish and am between a small and XS.... so just curious ! thanks, Andrea
Hi Andrea - thanks for watching the videos! I'm 5'3 1/2 and I ride a small frame. BUT it depends so much on the type of bike and what your goals are. I was actually just chatting with Jason about this... he rides a medium for playful, fun riding and a large to race on! There are so many factors depending on the bike brand and the travel. I wish I could be of more help! One thing I will say though is that make sure your bars aren't too wide. I cut mine down to 730 and am much happier (they were 760 for a while). Hit us up with any questions! -Linnea
@@Fluidride Hi Linnea! Ya, my bars are down to 725 and it feels really good! I would describe myself as an "all rounder" no racing, and I do like to climb. I've always been on an XS and I do think that the bikes I have owned have fit. Now I'm thinking about a 29er and am having a hard time getting my brain around the longer reaches.... compromises!
Thanks for putting yourself out there, and the great content! Andrea
This channel is amazing for paying attention to technique. I watch Kyle &April's channel tool but gotta say between the two, Simon is an incredible teacher. And to see pro racers like Linnea and April rip through jumps and berms is incredibly inspiring.
I have a question about pedals. I see flats are used in Simon & Linnea's videos as well as Kyle & April. Are the lessons geared toward flats or do skills covered in Simon's videos translate to clips? (I just switched from to clips and am getting used to that "stuck" feeling. I'm wondering if I should stay with flats in order to get the most out of these lessons.) Thank you.
Thank you so much Julie! Simon really is an awesome teacher for all level riders and he absolutely loves what he does. All of our lessons can be done on either flats or clips, the techniques we teach and apply are the same. You will see our coaches riding flat pedals most of the time though, a few of us are flat pedal riders for life! - Coach Kagen
Where can I get a lesson in person
Is there any way to add subtitles to the video? It will be much easier for understanding
Damn you’re messing with my head. I have no idea what my heels are doing in a berm turn. I think staying level or even dropping a little. At least before the apex of the turn. I will have to examine myself next time out and make sure my knees are driving forward. Thanks as always.
Hey Pete. I hear you. Using video can help. Some riders really benefit from sorting out there 'base'. When you ride, don't think about it too much, but if you want to stop and video yourself and practice a bit, it can be a game changer. -Simon
What’s the affect of descending front heel drop but rear leaning forward...instability? I feel like I do that a bit...
That will push you onto your front foot on descents and put too much weight in your arms chest and shoulders and create instability. Getting that back heal to root will really help your descending. Thanks for reaching out Colin. -Simon
@@Fluidride Thanks so much. Loving the detailed discussions of your videos.
Simon with the medicina bracelet! Aho!
Simon is Yoda
Which pedals does Linea have on her bike?
I believe she is rocking the Burgtec Penthouse MK5 Flat pedals in Toxic Barbie! - Coach Kagen
Look at that sweet evil bike!
That big root drop looked sketchy as hell, thought she was going otb, could have done with a bit of pump and dropped it instead of trying to roll it.
It has a super flat landing. It's a roll, not a drop. Would be a super hard landing to drop it. Hard to tell on film how flat (almost uphill) the landing is.
“Starty parted.”
I see that my evil brain has infiltrated your speech patterns as well!
Linnea is so little, you could've lifted her with that chain, swung her around and tossed her like an Olympic hammer throw champion. Not sure how this would apply to anything, though .
What happened to the channel?
We still do everything we have always done. Only YT was new for us:). We still do tons of in person instruction in Seattle, and have our tours in Baja in the winter and the French Alps in the summer. We are also the official school of The Summit at Snoqualmie, near Seattle for chairlift riding. We'll likely do more on YT at some point, but honestly has never been our focus. We do have a ton more videos on our online school as well. I'm sure we'll be back here at some point. Check us out online at fluidride.com or our online school at fluidrideonline.com. Thanks for checking in! -Simon
@@Fluidride Thank you very much for the information, glad to hear all is well. I will be sure to move on over to the website.