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Trials
may seem as though it has little or no benefit to a cross
country bike rider or racer. However, it is quite the opposite.
Many of the basaic skills of trials are directly applicable
to XC riding and can prove to be incredibly useful. Let's
take a look at some of the ways trials can help you be a
more successful rider out on the singletrack trails.
The core skill of trials is balance,
and good balance can pay off in spades for the XC rider.
Good balance will let you tackle those tricky sections of
trail without having to put a foot down. It will let you
negotiate a super-tight switchback more confidently. You
can ride along narrow objects more easily. It will let you
descend steep grades with more control and finesse. In short,
all of cycling revolves around balance, and trials is just
the ultimate expression of that. Practice your trackstands
and little hops and you will gain a huge advantage when
out on the trail.
Probably the second most important
trials aspect is the concept of shifting your weight. Many
moves in trials are based around the rider moving his/her
body forward or backward on the bike (relative to it's center)
to lighten a wheel. Lean forward and the rear wheel will
become light. Lean back and the front wheel will lighten.
This basic concept has direct and extremely valuable applications
on the trail. How many times have you seen a rider approach
a small log in the trail and have to stop, or flail about
with no control whatsoever to get over that obstacle? Perhaps
this happens to you? The solution is so simple, and with
just a small amount of practice can make your rides smooth
and effortless.
With a quick sequence of weight
shifts you can make it over that little log as if it wasn't
even there. As you approach it at a comfortable speed, lean
your weight back and give a small pull with the arms. This
will lighten the front end and bring the wheel slightly
off the ground. If you did it right, your wheel will gently
roll over the obstacle. Then, as your bikes center gets
over the obstacle, you will do the reverse process. Lean
forward a bit and pull up and in with your lower body, and
the rear wheel will lighten. Now, you are clear of the object
and shouldn't have lost much speed at all.
Trials also teaches a rider about
brake control, which comes into handy in many circumstances
when out riding. Particularly on decents, proper braking
can make all the difference between smoothly keeping your
speed up and your steering acurate, or getting out of control
and wiping out when you hit that big rock you couldn't avoid.
In short, trials will make you a better rider in many ways.
Even if you never learn to hop on your rear wheel, the basic
skills of trials riding will allow you to conquer any section
of trail without fear.
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