In our first cornering
article (Part 1), we took a general look at positioning yourself for
success in corners. Cornering is a deep topic and it requires patience,
dedication and commitment to excel at it. Hopefully you'll be able to have
some fun with the insight and discover for some keys to more successful
cornering.
In Part 2, we're going to really open a topic that can be contested to no
end; foot position in corners. Many people asked why we didn't include it
on Part 1 but we felt that it was already lengthy enough and it can get
confusing. The brain can only handle so much before we must go out and practice
for ourselves. We were also asked why we didn't get into 'cutties' and other
advanced techniques. Although fun, these have a limited use.
To briefly review Part 1, we looked at identifying the corner and trail ahead, setting up for the corner, leaning your bike and we introduced looking ahead on the trail using the 3rd eye. As Part 1 mentioned, no two corners are exactly the same, so exceptions are the rule. We must understand this and approach each corner differently to have the best results.
Let's also carry on with our moderate to high speed corner from Part 1 as
our example. A corner that requires some leaning of the bike, rather than
having to steer it for slow speed turn. You've set your speed for the
corner, chosen your line and you are ready to commit. Now what about your
feet? Do you keep them level or do you drop the outside foot?
To answer this question, we must look at the corner and make this decision for ourselves. What type of corner is it? Flat? Bermed? Off-Camber?
Ultimately, at Endless Biking, we mostly teach to corner with pedals level because it is straight forward, easy to set up for and we see more success from focusing on good hip and body position, leaning the bike and looking where you want to go. Your feet are simply another tool that we can use for each corner. Sure, we teach people how to corner with the outside foot down for certain applications but generally speaking we like to keep them level.
We are aware that there is a strong case for an outside foot down, generally speaking. It certainly has it's place in but have you ever seen someone struggling to switch it up on the trail? If you are always dropping the outside foot, you must always make that move to switch for every corner.
There are some great instances where an outside foot down is the right
move. Look at some of the World Cup DH racers and some of the corners that
they negotiate - Some of the ruts are so deep and they lean their bikes
so much that they would simply clip the inside pedal on the ground if they
didn't drop the outside foot. Another example would be to gain additional
traction for an off-camber section where all of your other techniques aren't
working for you. In some 'hair-raising' corners you'll see riders pull the
inside foot off the pedal to use as a rudder for safety ( In a race where
it's being laid on the line).
A couple of reasons why we might not want to corner with the outside foot down is you can actually counteract the lean of the bike. You'll have to switch it up for every corner and sometimes be challenged to keep enough weight over the front wheel for traction.
Looking at level pedals, there are some real practical benefits. It is easy
to set up in a hurry, balanced weight distribution, easier to open your
hips as well as making it easier to pump the bike through the corner. Pumping
the bike when you have a level platform with your pedals is so much easier
and most of the corners you'll ride can be pumped in sequence and do not
require dropping the outside foot (ie. series of berms)
Having good traction on both wheels allows for more confident and successful cornering. Regardless of your riding level, keeping weight over the front tire is key to success. It can be helpful to make a conscious effort to weight your forward foot to make sure the front tire gets the traction you'll need. You'll find great success in staying nice and low through the apex of a corner and keeping your weight balanced.
As an experiment, think about which foot can help you get the best traction over both of your wheels. If you corner with your outside foot forward, you'll not only be able to keep weight over the front wheel but also be able to get on the gas as soon as you are through the apex of the corner. This will also help you open your hips and point your torso (3rd eye!) in the direction you need.
We've included a couple of images of some solid form and some technique that is a little rough on the edges. We have selected these images randomly as examples of different styles for you to see. We hope you can learn from them as well as our perspective on corners. Remember, all corners are different and require different techniques at different times.
Great form! Great body position, looking ahead, nice and low...
Photo: Fax Racing Shox
Hips point one way, shoulders point another, inside foot down?
At EB we like to think of these as tools in our tool box. Have some fun with
it and see what works for you. Slow it down, figure out your technique and
once you get it dialled, speed it up from there.
Endless Biking is proud to be supported by Scott Bikes (available at Obsession: Bikes), Shimano, Fox Racing Shox, Kenda Tires, Dakine and Ryders Eyewear .
Endless Biking will be at The
North Shore Ripper on Saturday May 12th. We hope to see you there.
For contact information, visit endlessbiking.com
or call: 604.836.2517.
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