Nothing is as extraordinary and fun as being able to manoeuvre your bike and perform tricks expertly. While riding out in the wild, it is common to encounter hurdles, such as logs, huge rocks, or protruding roots. Imagine how fun it would be to bunny hop the barriers instead of descending and carrying the bike over.
These mountain bike tricks will allow you to show off to your buddies, whether riding at the car park or out in the wilderness.
Fun tricks you can perform with your mountain bike
Learning how to perform tricks with trail bikes; it can be challenging but fun. These are some mountain bike tricks you can try the next time you are with your friends. But remember to wear your helmet, gloves, sunglasses, and elbow & knee pads to offer protection, as you will fall several times before you can nail the tricks.
1. Jumps
This is probably the most practised bike trick by cyclers. The jump only works if the ground is slightly elevated in some parts or there are some obstacles. When starting, ensure that you are comfortable with the jump you are about to make and use a reasonable speed that’s not too fast or too slow.
Centralise your weight, lower your chest, and add pressure and speed as you come near the bump. When you come to the mound, tighten your hand on the handlebars and move your weight back and forth. The front wheel will lift off the ground, forcing the back wheel to lift. When this happens, raise your legs as long as you are airborne and relax. Then, prepare for landing by bending your legs and ensuring that the front wheel is straight.
You can repeat this several times, and once you get a hand on it, you can increase elevation.
2. Manual
The manual bike tricks allow you to ride over small obstacles, including puddles, rocks, and roots, which are standard on riding trails. This is a common newbie trick and can even be performed by kids. The trick is all about rear wheel balance and confidence. This trick is best practised in an empty parking lot.
- You must slide your butt backward on the saddle and ensure it’s in line with the rear hub.
- Hold the handlebars with tight grips and pull your arms back.
- Using your hips and legs to maintain balance, shift your body weight backward while pulling the handlebars up and back. This ensures you are almost sitting on the rear tear while the front tire is raised.
- Remember to hold the brake to prevent you from toppling backward.
3. Track Stand
Cycling is a fun outdoor activity practised by many, and learning track stand tricks will give you a much-needed skill to join races. It allows you to excuse other riders to pass. And you can practise it anywhere as you need very little space. With a perfect track stand, you can stand while on your bike and wave at your friends.
You start by bringing your bike to a stop, levelling your pedals, and standing out of the saddle. It would be perfect for turning the front wheel and gently pressing the front pedal to maintain the angle and hold the brakes to avoid bike movement.
4. The Slide
This is the most basic trick and can be performed on soft, loose soil, especially on rainy days.
If you are coming to a corner and want to slide around, you need to lock the back wheel so that it slides by turning it the way you want. The essential tip for this trick is to hold the rear wheel brakes firmly and have a smooth slide.
5. Superman
This is one trick that’s hard to master. It would be best if you were super agile and fit to master pull this through. It may seem simple, but holding this position for two seconds is a miracle. However, if you practise yoga and are an expert cyclist with plenty of tricks, you can easily learn as it’s all about balance and core strength.
- Get on your bike, start pedalling, then take both your feet from the pedal.
- Get a good grip on your handles and push them up and forward. Ensure your arms and legs are straight and parallel to your bike.
- Hold the position for as long as possible, then place your feet back on the pedal.
6. Wheelie
The wheelie is a favourite trick among cyclists; the best part is you can do it anywhere. It’s best performed on a low gear, 2nd or 3rd. It’s one of the easiest tricks to act out; the best part is you have fewer chances of falling.
- First, you need to lower your saddle from its standard height.
- Start cycling slowly and lower your chest towards the handlebars.
- Then pull them up and backward while pedalling hard and pushing off in one motion to lift the front wheel.
- Once the front wheel is in the air, pull your body weight backward and maintain rear-wheel balance using your upper body, knees, and handlebars.
- And once you are ready, pedal hard while pulling your bikes up and backward.
7. The Nolegger
This is an easy trick and pretty old school. The trick requires you to pedal hard, hit your front brakes, lift your legs, spread them wide, and let your bike roll. It is pretty easy and fun; however, if you encounter a bump, you will be knocked off the bike with your head and mouth taking the impact. So, when practising this trick, it would be best to have a helmet and a mouth guard.
End note
Have you had your bike for several months and feel you are now ready to try some cool bike tricks? Although fun, be prepared to get some scratches as the learning and mastering will take time, and above all, ensure that you have protective wear, such as helmets, gloves, knee and elbow pads, and in some instances, a mouth guard. Give some of the mountain bike tricks in this article a try and share your experience.
Featured image: ermakovasve/Pixabay
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