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For Women Mountain Bike Tips

Mountain Bike Tips: Riding Positions

June 5, 2015

In this video, Johan­na Wein­trager, our Lead Guide and Pro­fes­sion­al Moun­tain Bike Instruc­tor from British Colum­bia, takes us through moun­tain bike skills required for suc­cess­ful climb­ing and descend­ing. Johan­na demon­strates when to use the “Fore” and “Aft” body posi­tions while moun­tain bik­ing. Try Johanna’s tips and tricks on your next ride and watch your skill lev­el sky­rock­et!   Stay tuned for more episodes.

FORE POSITION (FORWARD)

In the Fore posi­tion, more weight is dis­trib­uted to the tire, there­fore giv­ing more trac­tion to the front of the bike. The Fore posi­tion is most com­mon­ly used while climb­ing. Using this tech­nique will min­i­mize your front wheel spin­ning out while climb­ing (often on damp terrain).

BODY POSITION TIPS:

  • Chest down over handlebars
  • Elbows out
  • Knees and hips slight­ly forward

AFT POSITION (AFTER OR BACK)

In the Aft posi­tion, more weight is dis­trib­uted to the back tire, there­fore light­en­ing up the front wheel allow­ing it to flow over obsta­cles. The Aft posi­tion is most com­mon­ly used while descend­ing. Using this posi­tion will min­i­mize the dread­ed “endo”!

BODY POSITION TIPS:

  • Arms extend­ed
  • Chest over seat
  • Hips back and/or behind seat (depend­ing on steepness)

Have any more moun­tain bike tips you want Johan­na to share? Let us know in the com­ments below!