Rocks come in all shapes and sizes, but the fact remain that – if rocky terrain is ridden incorrectly – they can inflict damage to your bike and your body. Here are a few tips to enable you to refine your rocky terrain riding.

Do you constantly find yourself having to get off your bike and push it uphill while watching the rest of your friends easily cycle to the top? If that is the case, then this article is for you.

This is series of instructional videos courtesy of Bikeskills.com and Mtbskills.com.au that address key trail riding skills. Watch, learn and go out and practice your riding skills.

Know your drivetrain: Your pedal movement rotates the crank arms, which turn the chain rings, which drive the chain, which rotates the rear sprockets and ultimately the rear wheel and propel you forward. You have three chain rings on the front and 7-9 gears on the rear sprockets (depending on whether your bike has a 21, 24 or 29 speed drivetrain). Different combinations of the front chain rings and the rear sprocket gears will make it either easier or harder [...]

Picture source Basic technique: Sandy trails can vary in the thickness, type and consistency of sand. On trails with thicker sections of loose sand, you should focus on controlling your front wheel and throwing more of your weight on your rear wheel. It is important to keep your front end light so that it doesn’t dig into sand and keep your rear firmly planted to maintain traction. Use a low gear and keep your pedal movement consistent and maintain your [...]

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 [...]