Basic trail riding techniques: Riding position

A good riding position is one that provides optimum balance and bike control. Get on the bike and start pedaling around.

  • Your torso should be neither too outstretched to the front (as if you are reaching for something), nor too upright.
  • There should be a slight bend in your elbows.
  • Your grip on the handlebars should be strong enough for adequate control, but not too strong so as to fatigue your forearms.
  • Keep your body relaxed and your knees and elbows loose. At the lowest point of the crank movement, your leg should only be slightly bent (adjust your saddle height accordingly, preferably to be level with the handlebars).
  • Keep your head up and look ahead of you, not at the front tire (or the back tire of the rider ahead of you) or to the sides. Your bike has a tendency of going where you are looking.
  • Pedal to an easy rolling speed, then stand and coast. The crank arms should be at the 3 and 6 O’clock positions (parallel to the ground), your knees slightly bent and body loose and ready to absorb bumps.