Follow-Up: 102 A Solid Base

Stay Centred

The "chin over the stem" rule is about maintaining stability in all situations. By keeping your centre of mass positioned over the point directly in the centre of both wheels, you create even weight/pressure through both wheels for maximum traction and control as you move over different terrain.

Use Your Full Range of Vertical Movement

Hinging down close to the bars and dropping your hips backwards lowers your centre of mass and gives your arms and legs maximum distance to extend into dips and drops. Being more tall uses less energy but you're less stable. Focus on not staying static - make the most of ALL positions between these 2 points.

Let the Bike Move

This is bike-body separation. Allow angulation of the bike from the body by keeping space between your knees as part of your ready position. Corners and rough sections both benefit from this - allowing the bike to "skip" around while your centre of mass stays over the contact point of the wheels.

Eyes Scan Into the Future with a Purpose

Right in front of you is too late to do anything - this is the "now". Instead, let your eyes scan ahead into "the future". When scanning back down the trail, don't get all the way to the "now". Stay in "the future", continuously scanning from "near future" to "distant future". Focus on important action points.

Front Brake to Slow Down, Rear to Maintain Speed

Trust the front brake to stop quickly, let the rear brake prevent increasing speed around the corner until you feel confident, then let off both brakes. Modulate brake force independently to prevent skidding.

Your tyres and suspension work best when not braking - but allow yourself to lightly drag the back brake on downhill sections where acceleration would take away your confidence.