Another big problem I had with tipping over on tight switch backs was getting fixated on the trail right in front of me. Because it's a tight turn you don't have that natural tendency to keep your eyes up and look forward. I found that by looking deeper around the corner with your head up a little more and not fixating on the ground my switch back game improved massively and fixed my balance even at slow speed. Head up and look where you wanna go really applies to everything in mtb I found. Great technique tips as always!
Great tips as always. I also find the preturn into wide 90 turn positions you well for choosing an exit line ie staying wide, cutting in or somewhere inbetween which let's you react to any obstacles, roots rocks etc that you can't see till half way around the corner!
Good old Movin On switchbacks... Simon, you taught me there and then I've instructed like 50 kids classes with that corner and now my own kid uses it all summer long for her classes.
Why is everything always so well lit, tidy and still? Is this a real forest? A stage? Y’all riding in front of a movie green screen? I’m waiting for a unicorn to prance by. 😂
3 cheers for climbing!!! Love the channel and pointers you give helping me learn to ride my modern bike (especially since I ride similar terrain north of you all). Started on rigid 26” and have resisted the evolution, but learning to love it with your help.
Been riding MTB since the birth of the sport in the 80’s. Recently went from XC bikes to trail bike. The longer bike definitely presents a challenge on tight switch backs. Thank you for this video! Going out now to hit my tight 28 turn switch back climb. Going to use your technique.
Great tips! Every switchback is different and I find that balance and letting the bike lean to steer are crucial elements is making such climbs easily. A lot depends on how fast your cardio can get you to pedal. If you're going really slow, it's a different game.
Never thought through it, but that is the way I approach those. It was always easier to push the bike into the turn, full gas, than trying to finesse the middle of the track. Look for the obstacles, pick your line and power up. If your line won't support your power, change your line TO support your power.
I have experienced doing this at my local trail centre. I kinda get freaked out because the front-end goes light as it uses the bank (sort of like over-steering in a car) so the video is great as it helps me understand - and feel cool about - what is happening.
a lot of riders lean TOO MUCH for a slow speed switchback. Leaning is used to support you at speed, the slower you are going the less leaning you can do. Riders can actually use speed to adjust the lean instead of steering, if they are falling to the outside slow down, if they are falling to the inside speed up. This also works when descending to maintain balance.
Another big problem I had with tipping over on tight switch backs was getting fixated on the trail right in front of me. Because it's a tight turn you don't have that natural tendency to keep your eyes up and look forward. I found that by looking deeper around the corner with your head up a little more and not fixating on the ground my switch back game improved massively and fixed my balance even at slow speed. Head up and look where you wanna go really applies to everything in mtb I found.
Great technique tips as always!
Great tips as always. I also find the preturn into wide 90 turn positions you well for choosing an exit line ie staying wide, cutting in or somewhere inbetween which let's you react to any obstacles, roots rocks etc that you can't see till half way around the corner!
Good old Movin On switchbacks... Simon, you taught me there and then I've instructed like 50 kids classes with that corner and now my own kid uses it all summer long for her classes.
Why is everything always so well lit, tidy and still? Is this a real forest? A stage? Y’all riding in front of a movie green screen? I’m waiting for a unicorn to prance by. 😂
3 cheers for climbing!!!
Love the channel and pointers you give helping me learn to ride my modern bike (especially since I ride similar terrain north of you all). Started on rigid 26” and have resisted the evolution, but learning to love it with your help.
Been riding MTB since the birth of the sport in the 80’s. Recently went from XC bikes to trail bike. The longer bike definitely presents a challenge on tight switch backs. Thank you for this video! Going out now to hit my tight 28 turn switch back climb. Going to use your technique.
Impressive! I've only been at it since the late 90's.
Great tips! Every switchback is different and I find that balance and letting the bike lean to steer are crucial elements is making such climbs easily. A lot depends on how fast your cardio can get you to pedal. If you're going really slow, it's a different game.
Never thought through it, but that is the way I approach those. It was always easier to push the bike into the turn, full gas, than trying to finesse the middle of the track. Look for the obstacles, pick your line and power up. If your line won't support your power, change your line TO support your power.
Cool. Never thought of approaching climbs like this!!
I have experienced doing this at my local trail centre. I kinda get freaked out because the front-end goes light as it uses the bank (sort of like over-steering in a car) so the video is great as it helps me understand - and feel cool about - what is happening.
Nice to know my accidental use of the berms was actually fundamentally sound.
a lot of riders lean TOO MUCH for a slow speed switchback. Leaning is used to support you at speed, the slower you are going the less leaning you can do. Riders can actually use speed to adjust the lean instead of steering, if they are falling to the outside slow down, if they are falling to the inside speed up. This also works when descending to maintain balance.
Concrete blocks ("pavers") on a MTB trail?? WTF? Never seen the like!