BASIC CORNERING TECHNIQUE

If you want to become a well-rounded mountain biker, you can't just open the throttle on those straightaways, you need to be able to take the turns with confidence and control.  As you start to learn proper cornering form you will not only notice increases in you speed but in the enjoyment of your ride as well.

Here is some basic cornering technique that you can practice on the road in your neighborhood or at a parking lot.

Step 1 : Do not use your front brake in a corner. You should complete all of your braking before entering the      corner.     

Step 2 : Keep your body vertical. Tilt the bike, not your body while cornering so that you can intuitively counter steer if your front tire loses grip. 

Step 3 : Assume a low attack position to lower your center of gravity and evenly weight your front and rear tires.

Step 4 : Focus your weight on your outside foot, not your handlebars,

Step 5 : Keep a light touch on your bars and drop your heels to further lower your center of gravity.

Step 6 : Rotate your hips so that your belly button points where you want to go and remember to look through the turn rather than focusing on your front wheel.