NATURAL ABILITY PART 2 STEEP

Autumn is here. The trails are wetter, roots and rocks seem to be everywhere, and the ground that once provided grip and stability is now slippery and inconsistent. With all this movement on the trail, it’s time to focus on riding with clean technique.

This issue, we’ll look at how to smooth out complicated bits of trail, how to balance the effects of gravity with how much grip is available, and how to make the control you have on hectic trails feel more consistent and predictable.

SUSPENSION SET-UP

Setting your bike’s suspension is always a compromise. If it’s firmer it will move less and pedal really well, but runs the risk of feeling harsh on choppy terrain. If it’s soft it will feel plush over small bumps but bottom out hard when you brake on steeper trails. There are a few tricks to setting your bike up to feel balanced, though.

FORKS ON STEEP TRAILS

Steep trails are