By Robert Smith – Over 10 Years of MTB Experience
Cornering is one of the most crucial skills in mountain biking. Whether you’re a beginner learning the ropes or an intermediate rider looking to refine your technique, proper cornering can make a massive difference in your control, confidence, and overall speed. I’ve spent over a decade riding and fine-tuning my skills, and I’m excited to share everything I’ve learned with you. This guide will not only help you improve but also keep us connected as you continue your MTB journey.
Why Proper Cornering Matters
Good cornering isn’t just about going faster—it’s about control, efficiency, and safety. When done correctly, it allows you to maintain speed, reduce fatigue, and ride smoother, whether you’re tackling flowy singletrack or technical switchbacks.
Breaking Down the Perfect Corner
To corner like a pro, you need to focus on five key elements:
1. Body Position: Stay Balanced and Ready
- Keep your elbows bent and your knees slightly flexed for better shock absorption.
- Stay centered over the bike, with your weight evenly distributed.
- Lower your chest toward the handlebars for a lower center of gravity.
- Always look where you want to go—not at obstacles!
For a visual demonstration, check out this video:
2. Braking: Slow Down Before, Not During
- Brake before entering the turn, not while in it.
- Use both brakes, but favor the rear slightly to avoid skidding.
- Release the brakes as you lean into the turn to maintain grip and momentum.
This video offers excellent insights into braking techniques:
3. Line Choice: Pick the Fastest and Safest Path
- The widest entry point allows for a smoother and faster exit.
- Look for the apex (the middle of the turn) and aim for a clean exit.
- Avoid sharp, jerky movements—smoothness is key.
Learn more about line choice in this tutorial:
4. Leaning: Let the Bike Tilt, Not Just Your Body
- Shift your weight slightly to the outside foot for better traction.
- Lean the bike into the turn while keeping your body more upright.
- Push down on the handlebars to keep traction on the front wheel.
This video explains leaning techniques effectively:
5. Exiting: Power Out of the Turn
- As you finish the turn, straighten the bike gradually.
- Apply power smoothly to accelerate without spinning the rear wheel.
- Scan ahead for the next section of the trail to maintain momentum.
For tips on exiting turns, watch this video:
Advanced Cornering Tips
- Bermed Turns: Let the banked turn do the work—lean into it and use speed to your advantage.
- Flat Corners: Lower your center of gravity and apply pressure to the outside pedal for extra grip.
- Loose or Muddy Turns: Be extra smooth with braking and weight shifts to avoid slipping.
This advanced tutorial covers various cornering techniques:
Advanced MTB Cornering Techniques: Body Position & Technical
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Looking down instead of ahead.
- Braking too hard in the middle of a turn.
- Not leaning the bike enough.
- Sitting too upright and not staying dynamic.
Identify and correct common mistakes with this guide:
Let’s Ride Together!
I hope this guide, along with the accompanying videos, helps you sharpen your cornering skills. If you have questions or want to connect for more MTB instruction, follow my journey, and let’s ride together! Drop a comment or reach out—I’d love to help you progress further.
See you on the trails! 🚵♂️