MASTER YOUR TECHNIQUE

EXPERT TIPS ON CORNERING & CLIMBING (AND DESCENDING) THAT MAKE YOU A FASTER RIDER, WHETHER YOU'RE ON A ROAD BIKE OR A MOUNTAIN BIKE.

- BY BRIAN DALEK

WHEN IT COMES TO RIDING FASTER, it's easy to think the smartest way to get there is to ride hard all the time by doing endless speed sessions. That will help; but it will only get you so far, if you don't have the basics dialled in with your riding technique.

Because what's the benefit in gaining speed if you have to slow down on every sharp turn? Or if every technical mountain-bike descent brings you dread? Or you're left in the dust on the group gravel ride at the base of the first significant hill?

KEY CORNERING TECHNIQUES

Cornering isn't just turning - it's an important skill requiring good use of body position, braking control, line choice and terrain awareness, whether you're riding on the road or the trail. The more you practise, the more confident you'll be. Mastering this skill will make each ride more enjoyable, and safer overall.

BRAKE BEFORE THE TURN