If you’re new to mountain biking, it’s likely that you’re still learning about the different types of terrain that you’ll encounter on the trails. One of the most common types of features that you’ll come across are berms. Berms are essentially banked turns that allow riders to maintain speed and control when turning on a downhill slope. While they may look easy to ride, approaching them with the wrong technique can be difficult and dangerous. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to ride berms like a pro, so that you can safely and confidently tackle any bermed turn on the mountain bike trails.
To begin with, we’ll examine the key skills required to ride berms successfully, including proper body position, weight distribution, and line selection. We’ll also explore how to approach berms at different speeds, and look at different types of berms that you may encounter, from tight and technical turns to sweeping banked corners. By the end of this article, you’ll have a solid understanding of how to ride berms with confidence and skill, making your next mountain biking adventure a more enjoyable and satisfying experience.
Understanding the Anatomy of a Berm
When it comes to mountain biking, berms are a valuable technique that every skilled rider must know. A berm is an elevated banked turn that is built into a trail to help redirect the rider. They are designed to give riders the ability to maintain their speed and control while rounding turns.
To expertly ride berms, it is critical to understand the anatomy of a berm. A standard berm is made up of three parts: the entry, apex, and exit. The entry point of the berm is where the rider approaches the banked turn. The apex is the highest point of the berm, and this is where the rider transitions from braking to accelerating. Finally, the exit is where the rider leaves the berm and continues on their ride. By understanding these three key points, riders can navigate berms with confidence and skill.
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Perfecting Your Body Position on a Berm
Perfecting Your Body Position on a Berm:
The right body position is crucial when it comes to riding berms on a mountain bike. You need to be centered and balanced on your bike to have the maximum control over it. As you approach a berm, make sure to shift your weight towards the outside pedal while keeping your body upright. This position will help you stay in control and allow you to lean your bike into the berm.
Your outside knee should be bent, and you need to keep your elbows out while leaning your bike. This will allow you to keep your body weight low and centered so that you can maintain traction throughout the berm. Make sure that your eyes are focused on the exit of the berm and not on what’s immediately in front of you. By keeping your eyes focused on the exit, you can anticipate the next trail feature coming up and adjust your body position accordingly. Getting your body position right is important to ride berms seamlessly and with confidence.
Mastering the Art of Speed Control
Mastering the art of speed control is essential to expertly riding berms on a mountain bike. One of the key factors to keep in mind is that the more speed you carry into a berm, the more challenging it is to control your bike, which can lead to a loss of control, and ultimately, a crash. Therefore, it is crucial to keep your speed in check and maintain a controlled pace, especially when approaching a sharp turn.
Another tip to perfect speed control is to position your weight accordingly throughout the turn. As you enter the berm, lean your bike into the turn and keep your weight over the back wheel. This will help maintain a balanced center of gravity and create more traction on the front wheel, allowing for greater control. By mastering these techniques for speed control, you’ll be able to confidently navigate berms with ease and take your mountain biking skills to the next level.
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Tips for Riding Berms at Different Angles
Tips for Riding Berms at Different Angles:
Berms come in various shapes and sizes, and each one requires specific techniques to ride them successfully. When it comes to riding berms at different angles, there are a few tips that can help you navigate them with ease. Firstly, adjust your body position according to the angle of the berm. When the berm is steep, lean your weight towards the outer side of the berm, keep your hips level and your outside foot forward. Conversely, when the berm is flat, lean towards the inner side of the berm, with your hips tilted in the same direction as your bike.
Another important factor to consider when riding berms at different angles is speed. It’s crucial to maintain a consistent speed that allows you to smoothly flow through the berm without losing control. If you enter the berm too slow, you’ll struggle to stay upright; if you enter too quickly, you may overshoot the berm. Adjusting your entry speed will depend on each berm’s shape, angle, and your skill level. By following these tips, you’ll be able to ride berms at different angles confidently and feel in control of your bike.
Dealing with Common Berm Riding Mistakes
Riding mountain bike berms is not an easy feat. As much as it is fun, it requires some level of skill to ride around them without crashing. Common mistakes that most riders make while riding berms include slowing down too much or too little, taking the wrong line, or braking unnecessarily. These mistakes can cause riders to lose momentum and make it difficult to maintain speed around the berm.
One way to avoid these common mistakes is to practice proper techniques. Riders should keep their elbows and knees out, look ahead, and lean the bike. It’s also important to commit to the turn and trust the bike’s traction. With these techniques in mind, riders should be able to correct any mistakes and improve their berm riding skills. By staying alert and using proper technique, riders can successfully navigate around berms and enjoy the thrill of mountain biking.
Importance of Choosing the Right Tires for Berm Riding
When it comes to riding berms on a mountain bike, the importance of choosing the right tires cannot be overstated. The tires you use will dictate the level of grip you have on the berm, which in turn will determine how fast and how confidently you can take the turn.
For best results, it’s recommended that you choose tires with a softer compound. Soft tires are more malleable, which means they can conform to the shape of the berm better, providing better traction. Additionally, tires with larger knobs or tread pattern can also be beneficial for berms. They can dig into the surface, providing even more grip. However, just make sure the pattern isn’t too aggressive, or else it can lead to a slower ride due to increased rolling resistance. Overall, if you’re looking to master berms on your mountain bike, be sure to give your tire selection some serious thought.
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Advancing Your Skills on Advanced Berms
Once you have mastered the basics of riding berms, it’s time to move onto the advanced terrain. Advanced berms require more precision and a higher level of skill than their simpler counterparts. To begin with, you will need to approach them with a controlled and well-executed speed that allows you to maintain your balance as you navigate them.
Next, look ahead on the berm and aim for the exit, keeping your weight on your outside leg and angling your bike as you traverse the corner. Utilize your body position, use your hips to initiate your turns and keep your head up so that your eyes remain focused on the exit. With practice, you can learn to maintain your speed and momentum through these advanced berms, making your rides even more exhilarating.
Final Words
Riding berms on a mountain bike is a thrilling and exhilarating experience. However, it can also be challenging and intimidating for beginners. By following the tips and techniques mentioned above, novice riders can improve their skills and gain confidence while riding on berms.
The key to mastering berms is to practice regularly and build up your skills gradually. With patience, persistence, and a positive attitude, you can become a skilled and confident mountain biker who can tackle any berm with ease. So, get out there and start riding those berms!