Why Speed Isn't Always the Solution on the Trails
Recently, we posted a post on our social channels asking, 'What's the WORST piece of mountain bike advice you've been given? We then posted the top five worst suggested pieces of advice as a poll on our Instagram Stories asking if the advice was true or false to use. Some of you were on the right track, and others weren't. They weren't trick questions, though - the answers were all false because they're techniques that aren't correct due to the decrease in rider safety and understanding about what we're doing on our bikes. These posts received a lot of engagement, so we'd love to dive deeper to help you understand why these pieces of advice aren't great to share or use.
"Just go faster to clear something."
Speed can be a helpful tool on the trails until it's not. Just 'increasing' your speed is not the answer to clearing something.
Sure, many features (e.g., gap jumps) require a certain minimum speed to clear safely. But I'm talking about why simply increasing the speed is not the answer for most situations.
With increased speed comes greater forces working against us on the bike. For example, pressure or pushback from the transition of a jump or the apex of a corner. With greater speeds comes a higher demand for a stronger foundation and strength on the bike to manage the increase in pressure. An unskilled or inexperienced rider may not be capable, comfortable, or strong enough to handle increased forces and pressure.
With increased speed comes more opportunities to lose control of the bike—for example, a chunky or technical section of trail. You'll get bucked around and lose your line of choice, forcing you into a reactive mode rather than proactively riding it and maintaining control. My mantra is 'slow is smooth. Smooth is fast.'
It also increases the opportunity to overshoot a feature's landing. I'm sure you can all imagine the consequences of this. The bike and body find their limit with the increased compression when landing, and the chances of yard-sale skyrocket.
Too many riders rely on speed to get through obstacles and sections of the trail instead of building the proper skills and techniques first. Remove the speed, and can you still maintain balance? Trackstands are a great tool for developing balance on the bike and eliminating the demand for speed to balance.
Next time you think you should go faster to conquer something, take a step back and reassess. Do you have the required fundamental skills, bike handling skills, experience, and strength to ride it safely? Remember, speed is our friend until it isn't.
If you're struggling with riding features and obstacles that require more speed, book a Private Lesson to build or refine the fundamentals involved. The result will increase your confidence and safety on the bike, allowing you to progress to greater speeds.
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