12 Tips on how to Downhill Mountain Bike

Searching for some advice on how to downhill mountain bike. Read our Top tips on how to take your riding to the next level. 

How to Downhill Mountain Bike

Going downhill on a mountain bike is regarded as the Formula one of mountain biking.  Its one of the most exciting disciplines and requires a good level of technique, experience and fitness.  We will now look at some techniques used to perfect going downhill.

Downhill Discipline

Mountain biking enthusiasts started throwing themselves down hill in the 70’s on modified cruisers called Klunkers.  By the 1990s, dual forks and suspension designs allowed the real distinction of downhill mountain biking.

The first UCI mountain bike world championships took place in 1990 in Colorado, the second one took place in Italy. Fast forward, to more than thirty years and downhill racing has changed in many ways.

The bikes, techniques and tracks.  One thing that has not changed is the adrenalin rush you get on a downhill track.   The How to Downhill Mountain bike article will now look some techniques that will help you hone your downhill mountain biking. Check out our mountain bike guide.

Mountain Biking Set Up

Setting up the Mountain Bike for downhill riding to your own personal preference. The size, suspension, tyre pressure, shifters and brakes need to be tailored to your size and weight.

If it’s your first time setting up your MTB for a downhill ride. Get advice from a more experienced rider or take part in a bike set up course.

Getting a good balance depends on number of factors. A well set up bike can make a massive difference to a rider’s performance. Setting up a mountain bike

Perfecting Downhill Body Position

There are a variety of disciplines within mountain biking that require specialised bikes, accessories and clothing.

In downhill mountain biking, the rider travels downhill with a variety of obstacles, jumps, roots and berms.  For the majority of the time, the rider will stand on their pedals and are often out of their saddle.

Having a good body position depends on a few factors. Starting with the position of the feet on the pedals. 

The majority of downhill rider either choose downhill racing clipped in pedals or clipless. In addition, to specialised shoes and pedals. 

To maximise pedalling efficiency; the cleats are moved to the centre of the feet. Allowing the rider to have a good balance while travelling downhill and reducing the pressure on their ankles. 

An added benefit to this position is to maximise ergonomics for bike pumping. Transferring your body weight on to the pedal to increase speed. To continue our article on How to Downhill Mountain bike we look at the best type of shoes. Pros and cons of mountain bikes.

Shoes

There are shoes designed specifically for the pedals. They normally have a flat design, with small pins that help you have a better grip, improve traction and have better control over the bike.

Keeping the heels low and relaxing the ankles will allow you to take advantage of a centre of gravity and allow you to transfer your weight over the cranks and the wheels.

Knees

To have the perfect posture, the knees should be bent and a shoulder width apart.  Allowing the legs to easily stretch or bend and act as an added suspension.  By putting weight over both wheels, allowing you maintain a central body position and maximising traction.

The pelvis should be kept behind, or slightly above the saddle when you’re not tackling an exceptional big incline or jump.

The torso should be titled forward, with the head over the handlebars. Arms are bent with elbows wide opened, while you’re looking straight ahead.

Shorts

Downhill riding causes the body to never be static. The intense pedalling, weight shifts and repeatedly going in and out of the saddle causes shocks not to always be absorbed.  Wearing a specifically designed pair of shorts for downhill riding will help reduce friction.  Normally, the saddle is titled upwards to reduce interference and is safer in the event of a bump or a scrap.

For the brief moments you’re in the saddle, the position of the pelvis is slightly backwards. A decent pair of cycling shorts will take the posture into account with the ischial area. Without hindering your freedom of movement.  Purchasing quick drying and good quality chamois fabrics will help improve comfort and maximise performance.  Next in the article on How to Downhill Mountain bike we look at looking ahead.

Looking Ahead

The number one rule for mountain biking is to keep your eyes focused on the line. Mountain biking down difficult terrain comes with experience. Getting into a good habit of looking three to six meters ahead helps tackle difficult terrain.  If you can’t handle the terrain, you must slow down. Mountain biking techniques and tips

Pedals

The pedals need to be level while riding downhill, with the cranks at six and nine o clock.  Allowing you to have a better stance when pumping the bike.

Downhill mountain bikers need to be ready and active, anticipate obstacles and absorb shocks and bumps.

The rider needs to pivot there weight on the bottom bracket  when they move up, down, right or left. Focusing on imaginary vertical line from the core. Help creating a rider MTB system that is stable and dynamic.

Braking

After the sight, weight distribution and position are correct. The next one on the checklist is the braking.

Braking needs to be done with one finger, the hands need to have a tight grip around the handle bars.  Therefore, the brake levers need to be correctly positioned.

Getting into a good habit of checking the brakes on a regular basis and making sure there is no wear and tear. Learning how your brakes reacts at different speeds, terrain and weather conditions.

Braking should be done with precision, feeding the brakes on and off.  Using the front brake over straight sections, steep gradients and before a corner. By weighing the front wheel to improve grip; can help slow you down.