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mountain biking and biketrial skillsGetting started
If you are a complete beginner, then you should learn the pedal kicks on some flat surface before you try to pedal hop over some dodgy gap. It's all about pedal control, braking power and balance.

trials riding video
How it should look like on the flat.

It takes a while to control the rear brakes and release the back wheel just for the pedal kick, then block it straight away to avoid a crash on your back. Start on a flat ground, lift the front wheel by just kicking firmly once in your driving pedal (leaning back) and pull the rear brakes when you reach a standing position. From that position on the rear wheel, let the front wheel drop a little bit by leaning forwards, and before it touches the ground, release briefly the brakes and give another kick in your driving pedal (then brakes full on again). Of course, each time, you need to re-adjust your pedal position so that you are ready to kick with your good foot. ..Just practice...and practice and practice, until you can do at least two or three pedal kicks in a row.


More tips
Once you get there, try to be more precise with your kicks. Find some marks on the ground, and try to control where you start, and where you stop. You'll notice that if you lean forward just before the pedal kick, you'll be able to reach the next stop further. Lowering the front wheel before the pedal kick gives you more power and also compensates for the front wheel lift you get from the kick, preventing stupid crashes on your back. You can also boost your pedal kick with the bouncing effect of the rear tire (low pressure). Then you can launch these pedal kicks one step down from a kerb and then up that same kerb to feel the move. For the upward move, you need to pull up further on the bars after the pedal kick. Make sure you control your stops before moving to bigger gaps.


mountain biking and biketrial skills
Bounce up with the flex of your calfs.

trials riding video
Try small steps down before doing big gaps.
















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