Technique training for gravel bikers and cyclocross riders: Ride quickly and safely through the terrain
As soon as you turn off the tarmac track, you discover the almost unlimited possibilities of off-road riding - and the technical challenges. On a road racing bike, riding technique plays a rather subordinate role, but anyone who wants to ride cross-country on a Gravelbike or cyclocross bike wants to be safe and fast on the road, there are a few things to bear in mind.
Riding technique: Overcoming obstacles - the mini-hop for road cyclists
Experienced crossers are constantly in motion on the bike to shift their weight. With the right technique, smaller obstacles can be easily jumped over. But the right jumping technique takes time. Practice makes perfect. Smaller roots can be ridden over at right angles - or jumped over with the mini-hop
First shift your weight backwards and pull the handlebars upwards to get the front wheel in the air.
Then use the spring force of the tyres with a targeted impulse from your legs on the horizontal pedals and shift your weight forwards: the hips shoot forwards/upwards, the rear wheel is pulled upwards with the clipless pedals.
Experienced crossers - at the right speed - lift off the ground with the whole bike, land on both wheels at the same time and cushion the impact with their legs and arms. In the case of smaller obstacles and low speeds, you can simply pull the rear wheel along. As all the weight is transferred to the front wheel, the risk of a puncture is low.
TIP: Practise this riding technique on flat, wide paths with sufficient space. Foam blocks or cardboard boxes (e.g. from tubes) are suitable obstacles for practising.
Riding technique: cornering on a gravel bike
Switch to the inside lane far enough before the bend and use the rise in the centre as a berm like a banked bend on a cycling track. This way, you won't run the risk of being carried out of the bend. But also watch out for oncoming traffic on country lanes and forest tracks! Slow down if you cannot see a bend. Approach bends on the outside so that you can ride through them on the inside at the apex.
Especially recommended in tight bends on muddy ground or damp grass: Click out of the inner pedal before turning so that you can use your leg as a counterbalance or support if the bike starts to lurch or slip. Avoid overgrown meadows and look out for trails - that's where you'll find the most grip. Otherwise, slow down and allow for a slight drift. Approach the bend high enough so that the centrifugal force cannot carry you off the road.
Riding technique: Downhill - shift your weight
A compact body position allows you to maintain control on the descent. The centre of gravity is shifted slightly backwards just behind the bottom bracket, legs and arms are slightly bent (outstretched arms make steering more difficult!), your gaze is directed forwards. From this position, you can quickly shift your weight and adapt to the riding situation. The following applies on grassy surfaces: ideally, do not ride in the centre, where the paths are often rougher, but slightly to the side on the most extended part. But beware of ruts!
TIP: Ride in the lower handlebar grip. This gives you more control over the bike and allows greater braking power.
Riding technique: Riding uphill
Take enough momentum with you and shift gears in good time - preferably before the hill. As a general rule, shift your weight slightly to the rear so that the rear wheel does not spin due to the higher contact pressure. On very steep climbs, shift your weight forwards to prevent the front wheel from lifting off the ground. Try to pedal evenly and always stay in the saddle. Therefore: pedal in low gears, avoid pedalling in the cradle.
Surfing through sand on a crosser or gravel bike
Sand races are the supreme discipline in cross sport. Even the pros struggle on sand and deep gravel. Fortunately, you don't encounter this surface too often on relaxed cross-country rides. If you do come across a section with deep gravel, the most important thing is to stay calm and maintain the right riding technique.
Ride on paths with gravel or sand in a large gear and at high speed. The slower you are, the harder it is to keep your balance. Existing tyre tracks are a good guide, but do not force the bike in one direction. Better: keep your hands relaxed on the handlebars. Professionals call this technique of letting the bike determine your path "surfing".
Cross-country specialists grip the upper handlebars, while the lower handlebar grip provides more security for beginners. The body weight is shifted slightly to the rear so as not to exert additional pressure on the front wheel, which has to pave the way. The bike ploughs its way through the deep terrain without any active steering movement.
Driving through mud holes
Straight through is not only the fastest, but also the safest way. Semi-dry mud at the edge of the path forms uncontrollable ruts. It is therefore better to roll through the centre of the mud - even if it splashes. The motto: keep pedalling at all costs! Shift your weight to the rear wheel, stay in the saddle and concentrate on keeping the bike going and on track.
TIP: After riding through mud, remove any mud that may have collected on the brakes - otherwise the next mud pack will block the wheel completely!
