RANGE OF MOTION

Getting closer to the bike is probably the most powerful change that any of us can make to our technique. Having more room to move means you can handle bigger imbalances if you slide on a root or rock, it means you can handle larger features on rougher terrain, and it gives you more room to drive your weight against features for better momentum and traction.

TRAIL BRAKE

On an easy, smooth, gravelly surface like you find at a trail centre or bike park, you can pretty much just drag your brakes anywhere and your traction will remain the same. As long as you’re gently squeezing your levers and not jamming them on, you have plenty of warning before the wheel finally locks and a slide occurs. If this does happen you can often just come off the brake and there will be enough room for you to regain control without crashing.

SLIPPING INTO BAD HABITS

Try dragging your brakes on a natural trail, though, and you’ll soon learn that things like roots and off-cambers get a lot worse with the brakes on. You’ll need to look for safer places to slow down so you can stay off the brakes and give yourself a better chance of staying in control over the unpredictable stuff.