Why the Fundamentals Matter—No Matter Your Riding Level
When riders come to me for coaching, we usually begin by revisiting the fundamentals. It doesn’t matter whether you’re brand new to mountain biking or have been riding technical trails for years—foundational skills are often the key to unlocking better technique, smoother flow, and greater confidence on the bike.
The good news? Most of these fundamentals are relatively easy to adjust. And once you’ve got them dialed, they become powerful cues for learning and refining more advanced techniques.
The Core Fundamentals We Work On
Here are the key building blocks I focus on most with riders:
1. Stance
A centred & relaxed position on the bike. Its important that you have a grounded & flexible foot position. With around a 70/30 split between the weight in your hands and the weight in your feet.
2. Range of Movement
Using your full range of movement in your arms & legs. You’ll need this range of movement to use pumping & absorbing effectively on the trail.
3. Pressure Control
You need to be able to apply pressure through both wheels, evenly. This is important for cornering & jumping techniques
4. Weight Shift
You need to be able to shifting your weight from front to back and vice versa, at the right time. This is important for cornering, drops & braking techniques.
Fundamentals for Advanced Riders
For riders who’ve had previous coaching, these skills might already feel natural. But that doesn’t mean they’re done with them. In fact, they become a shared language we can use to break down and simplify more complex riding techniques. They act as anchor points—helping you stay consistent as you push into faster, steeper, or more technical terrain.
Take straightening your legs through a corner, for example. On its own, it’s a basic move. But when you add speed or hit a steeper entry, it becomes a finely-tuned balancing act. You need to manage grip, body position, pressure, and timing—all while staying relaxed and in control. That’s where the fundamentals become highly nuanced.
Common Mistakes We See
Even experienced riders run into issues with the basics. Here are some of the most common problems I identify in coaching sessions:
- Stance
Not staying grounded on the pedals, often resulting in stiff posture or gripping with the feet. - Range of Movement
Limited movement or poor weight distribution, sometimes affected by bike setup or stance. - Pressure Control
Struggling to apply pressure through the back wheel—usually due to being too far back. Or gripping/pulling on the bike rather than pushing into the bike. - Weight Shift
Shifting weight backward at the wrong time, especially when the trail drops away—this reduces control and traction.
The Foundation for Every Trail
Fundamentals give you something to fall back on when the trail gets tricky. When things get steep, loose, or fast, you don’t want to be guessing. You want to respond with intention—and that only happens when your foundation is solid.
So whether you’re taking your first skills session or working to master high-speed descents, don’t overlook the basics. They’re not just for beginners—they’re the platform every great rider builds on.