How to tackle Steep Turns

Being able to corner on your mountain bike is one thing but particularly steep switchbacks require a technique all of their own. Here’s how to tackle those tight and steep turns.
Step 1. Whenever you are out on the trail, it pays to look ahead-this tip will assist in almost any situation. You have to get over any fear of what is directly under you as it is already too late to avoid it. At low speeds you will need to look at least three or four metres in front-the faster you go the further you need to look up the trail. By looking ahead you will see the corner coming, pick the best line and avoid any major obstacles. This way you won’t be faced with any last second surprises. As you approach the corner, slow down accordingly. Steeper and tighter corners will need to be tackled at lower speeds-almost at a standstill in some cases. Brake evenly, retain control, avoid skidding and eye up your line through the corner.

Step 2. On a fast flowing corner you would lean the bike over, place your outside pedal down and put your weight on the outside foot. Low speed corners are very different-steep slow corners require you to keep your bike upright and really turn the front wheel. Your pedals will generally be level and you should be up off the saddle so that you can shift your weight back as required. The idea is to keep your weight centred between the wheels-the steeper the entrance to the corner the more you will need to get your weight towards the back of the bike.

Step 3. Go to a skills camp or ask someone how to corner and they’ll probably tell you, ‘don’t touch your front brakes in a turn.’ This is all well and good on a gentle grade but on a grade but on a steep incline with no brakes you will accelerate out of control and spear off into the bush! Steep corners require controlled use of both front and rear brakes with a heavy emphasis on ‘control’. The steeper the grade, the more front wheel turned and your front brake you will need to use. The combined effect of having your front wheel and your front brake on while gravity is trying to suck you down will all be trying to throw you over the bars. To counter this you need to get your weight back-the more you use your front brake, the more you will need to shift your weight back.

Step 4. As you continue through the corner you need to balance the use of your front brake against the need to maintain forward motion. If you go too slowly you can stall on an obstacle (like a tree root) and this could send you over the bars. Controlled use of your brakes means feather them rather tan just pull them on hard. Don’t let your wheels stop turning and be ready to let go of your brakes if something tries to stall you-feather the brakes and keep those wheels turning! Keep your weight balanced an look towards the exit of the corner.

Step 5. Once you are almost out of the corner you can ease off on the brakes and let gravity pull you through. This will help you roll over any obstacles that may lie in you r path and help you to retain your balance upon exiting the corner. Obviously if the trail continues to drop steeply you will need to keep a check on your speed. As with any skill, start basic and work your way up. Start on a tight low speed corner that is not too steep –this will allow you to practice your low speed balance and control with out jumping in at the deep end too soon. Practicing brake control on a steep grade will also assist with your confidence-remember the aim is to go slow without skidding.