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This question is spurred by Pedaling in attack position?
Lee,
Do you have any pro tips how to pump-manual while still pedalling? It’s OK to me if I want to do it on a table-top or with a small speed, but when the speed goes up and bumps get bigger I can’t keep up with the terrain…
Jakub
WITH VIDEO
Hey Lee,
I hope you don’t mind I’m emailing you. I am reading your Mastering Mountain Bike Skills book and just had a quick question. It’s actually quite simple and maybe a bit silly. Do you actually pedal in the Attack Position? Or is the attack position used when you are off the gas so to speak? The reason I ask is because in the attack position, your butt should be off the seat a bit. However, when reading the pedaling chapter it seemed best to have yourself firmly planted on the seat to generate maximum power (essentially using the seat to push off of). Anyways, let me know what you think.
Very much appreciated!
Scott
In Bike for Texas (and other) trails?, Scott asked about switching from a Stumpy 29 to a Camber 29 for the rocky trails in Austin, TX. I told him I enjoyed the Camber on his terrain, and that he should give one a try.
Well, he did.
Hi Lee — since reading your skills book I’ve been working on my pedal stroke on my commute. I’m in Chicago and I’m thinking of switching my single-speed to a fixed gear for more control in snow and ice. Any advice on how this will affect pedal stroke or what to focus on? Would using foot retention hamper pedaling improvement? Any other advice on working on braaap skills during the city commute (about 3.5 miles each way)?
Thanks!
Allen
I’m always impressed at how the same basic movement patterns seem to apply to all sports. Two of the most important dynamics for a mountain biker are 1) staying balanced on your feet and 2) driving powerfully from your hips.
Those skills are also important in the NFL. Today I had an All Pro linebacker on my pump track, and he killed it.
Thank goodness for pump tracks, and double-extra thank goodness for the pump track in my yard. So far this winter, I’ve been trying to mix up base intervals on the trainer and radness intervals on the pump track. That’s when I’m not shoveling snow off the track.
Check out this action. It might give you some ideas for your own training.
What’s up Lee!
Hope you’re having a good winter season and thanks for all the information you have been sharing.
I have been working on DH skills for some time now but I can’t figure out how the pros seem to bound over any obstacle like gazelles. My pump technique feels like it is improving but when I look at videos of myself I look like I’m glued to the ground instead of the spring-loaded/light-as-Gwin style I hope to achieve.
It was suggested by a friend that I work on learning bump jumps in addition to figuring out what’s going on with my pump technique. Since his technique looks just as crappy as mine I figured I’m better off asking you for advice. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Mahalo,
Keoni
Ned is a legend in our sport and — more importantly — a really nice guy. I’ve had the pleasure of chatting with him, interviewing him and even signing books to him. The Dirt Rag site has an interview with Ned. Here’s my favorite quote.
Hi Lee,
I’m lovin’ your new Teaching Mountain Bike Skills book. It goes over all the essentials in really thorough point by point detail. The section on the attack position is a thing of beauty.
I really like the points made about riding to always see and set yourself up for your next turn. I think this is an extremely effective way to use your vision on your bike and keep looking farther forward. I even have been implementing it while climbing, and it has improved my climbing and made me faster. By looking for the next corner you always have something in your mind to focus on, and forces you to keep your head up. My first few times doing this my eyes were literally sore by the end of the ride.
As a side note, when people refer to a style of dh riding as Moto-style, what exactly does that mean? How does it differ from mountain bike style?
Thanks,
MAX
As some of you know, I’m a huge fan of the LeMond Revolution trainer. It has a solid base and a realistic feel — and it’s the only trainer I’ve ridden that accurately simulates acceleration. Yesterday I did my first session with the accompanying Power Pilot computer.
More details to come, but for now:
Hey all, check out the latest addition to the library of braaap:
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By Lee McCormack, with the National Interscholastic Cycling Association
Safely and methodically teach your athletes (and yourself) how to ride all terrain with greater safety and confidence.
Teaching Mountain Bike Skills publishes the methods Lee has developed while teaching thousands of riders and hundreds of coaches how to ride better — and teach others how to ride better. This book is part of the curriculum Lee has created for NICA coaches. While most coaches refuse to publish their methods, Lee knows this is a great way to spread the love and get more people stoked on our awesome sport.
The essential core skills of mountain biking are explained in never-before-seen depth. All concepts are clearly explained and shown, and useful drills and troubleshooting cues are detailed. Practicing the kung fu in this book is like taking a clinic with Lee, at fraction of the price.
Coaches and their athletes will improve their skills — and they will learn a path to mastery that lets them improve for their rest of their riding lives.