To get the best out of your mountain biking, work on these basic MTB skills and techniques.
MTB is a very dynamic sport, so it should come as no surprise that there is a wide range of techniques and skills involved. To discover more about the basic skills and techniques of mountain biking, read on. To learn more about one of the world’s best MTB destinations, check out Mountain biking in Scotland.
Basic mountain bike skills
Absolute basic mountain bike skills include posture, gear selection, weighting/unweighting, braking and also cornering.
🥇POISED ‘ready position‘
⏱️ WELL-TIMED gear changes
⚖️WEIGHT SHIFTS on difficult or steep terrain
⚓ONE FINGER braking (key mountain bike skill)
🛤️KEEPING GRIP in corners (another crucial mountain bike skill)
Non bike-handling MTB skills
The basic bike skills above are fundamental, so they feature in the MTB ability levels I use when guiding clients. Fitness and stamina are also super important when planning an MTB ride. The ability to navigate and deal with emergencies is particularly valuable on remote journeys.
Beginners-only MTB techniques?
These basic skills are in fact used by all MTB riders, from beginners to experts. Keep developing these abilities on different types of bike and terrain, and you will quickly progress in your mountain biking. Even the famously talented riders like Danny MacAskill use these basic skills – it’s just that they have practised them more!
💭 MTB involves more than just physical ability! Good riders also learn how to judge risk, face challenges and plan ahead…
More essential mountain bike techniques
Many riders would say these next ones are core skills too (check out the tips for beginners and experts to practise)…
Climbing
Pick the right gear and a good line.
💡BEGINNERS: climb in the saddle.
💡EXPERTS: clean techy climbs
Track stand
Track stands aren’t just a roadie skill, this one also works for mountain bikes on techy trails.
💡BEGINNERS: balance on the spot.
💡EXPERTS: side hops!
Front / rear wheel lift
This MTB skill is the foundation for many others, such as manuals, wheelies, bunnyhops and jumping.
💡BEGINNERS: lift 1 wheel over a small stick.
💡EXPERTS: stoppies, nose-manuals and hopping
Jumping
For many, jumping is one of the key mountain biking skills, but start small!
💡BEGINNERS: get 1 or 2 wheels airborne.
💡EXPERTS: add tricks!
MTB repair and maintenance skills
As well as bike handling, basic repair skills will certainly keep you riding, for example, fixing a flat tyre, adjusting gears or repairing a snapped chain. Modern bikes are really complex, so you may need specific maintenance skills for MTB components such as:
- Carbon-fibre frames
- Suspension
- Dropper post
- Wireless gears
- Hydraulic brakes
- Electric motor
- Tubeless wheels
Mountain biking is a great way to relax, stay fit, build confidence and develop loads of physical and mental skills. To get more out of your biking, check out my guided MTB days in Scotland (see below).
Leading and coaching near Aviemore and beyond
Mountain biking develops a really wide set of mental and physical skills. However, basic bike handling skills include gear changing, pedalling, cornering, body movement, braking, weighting and unweighting. Some core techniques include climbing, descending, track stands, jumping and the front/rear wheel lift.