iBikeRide.com

What is the neutral position and dynamic riding? The neutral position is the basic "attack" or riding position. Butt out of the saddle, eyes forward, feet level, arms relaxed.

(video credited to temasbg)

 Use this position any time you approach anything technical or a descent. Don't be crouched, stand up tall, but don't lock your joints.

• Think of your body as a spring. Let your arms and legs work with the suspension.
• Legs loose- don't hug the saddle with your thighs.
• If you just "sit" on your saddle and let the bike take the hits for you, a number of things happen. First, your ride is going to be rougher than if you get out of the saddle. Second, this will limit your skill growth for learning how to maneuver through technical terrain. Some folks think that having a FS bike excuses them from having to get out of the saddle, or use their body, but they are wrong.
• No matter what kind of suspension you have, you should focus on being dynamic, active, "one with the bike" instead of passive, or just sitting on the bike while pedaling.
• You should be able to move up and down, forwards and backwards, and side to side while riding your bike, especially out of the saddle.
• JimC said it best: "the saddle is not a butt rest!"

Author: Formica 

General disclaimer: this page is full of my OPINIONS. Some of my opinions are fact based, some are experience based, and some are just emotion based. Some stuff I learned from bike camps,some from friends and <eek> some things I learned off the internet!! This is what works for me. It may not work for you.

One of the reasons I'm doing this page is because of my learning style. I don't typically get things by osmosis, or even by watching someone. I need things explained, broken down and demonstrated. Then I like to practice the skill and and apply it. My goal is to get comfortable enough with a skill that I don't have to think about it anymore; the muscle memory and repetition kicks in. If this is not your learning style, then this page may not be for you. Thinking too much is bad, but some of us have to think and process to learn, and then disengage the thinking part as we get more comfortable with things. Thanks to everyone who has contributed, directly or indirectly.

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