If you’re new to mountain biking and have been involved in a few near misses, or you’ve come off your bike on a jump but can’t figure out why this article is going to help you. We take a look at some of the most common reasons for coming off the bike and what you can do to avoid them.
Turning on a jump
Suppose you’re attempting to do a jump; you need to keep your bike straight at all times. You should aim to keep your bike straight and distribute your weight evenly on both sides of the bike, so the handlebars don’t twist or turn in mid-air. Turning your bike approaching a jump, mid-air or when you land can result in instability, and at this point, you’re more likely to come off the bike rather than land correctly. One way to figure out if you’re turning on a jump is to film yourself; this way, you can monitor what's going on and correct it next time.
Not enough speed
Speed helps propel you forward so you can make tricky jumps without catching the ground wrong and coming off. Some beginner riders will attempt a jump but then become scared and put the brakes on; slowing down can be more dangerous and result in falling off your bike.
Incorrectly configured suspension
The SAG is the measurement of how much your suspension moves when you put your weight on the bike. Most manufacturers recommend around 25% - 30% SAG, but this can change depending on your bike and preferences. If the SAG on your bike suspension isn’t set up correctly, it can result in a fall or crash. If you have too much SAG, your suspension might bottom out over large jumps, making it harder to jump, resulting in you coming off your bike more frequently. Too little SAG and your bike won’t be able to grip and respond to the conditions as well; you might also come off or injure yourself if the suspension is set too hard. You should test your SAG every so often to make sure everything is set up correctly and minimize your chances of a crash.
Wear appropriate clothing
When mountain biking, certain pieces of clothing can help you avoid a crash. Mountain biking gloves can improve your grip and prevent you from coming off the bike. The best mountain bike gloves to keep you safe will be well fitted and have cushioning as well as a good level of grip. Goggles can also prevent you from coming off your bike; if sun or dirt gets into your eyes, it can cause you to collide and end up on the ground. Opt for a good pair of goggles to prevent this issue. Also, avoid any clothing that could become trapped in your bike mechanism while riding.
Stick to your skill level
Mountain biking is like any sport, you need to practice and develop your confidence and skills before progressing. A common mistake that bikers make is to tackle jumps and trails that are way above their skill level. Skipping slow progression and taking on the hardest trail without the right skill level will inevitably lead to an accident. Build up your skill level slowly to avoid injuries or a crash.
Rest and recover
If you’ve been in an accident where you’ve sustained injuries and aren’t fully recovered, you should avoid getting back on the bike. Your body needs time to rest and recover before you rechallenge yourself. If you do end up getting on your bike before you’ve fully recovered, you’re more likely to sustain another injury or make the injuries you already have worse. Your first ride back on your bike after an injury should be slow and steady until you’ve regained your confidence.
These are just a few tips for avoiding falling off or crashing while riding your mountain bike. For more tips and advice, follow experienced riders online and take note of what they’re saying and how they’re riding. Observing more experienced riders on your trail will also teach you a lot. It's helpful to let them go ahead of you so that you can follow their lead and ride line.