FEEL MORE CONFIDENT ON YOUR BIKE INSTANTLY

[@jimbo4203]

I was legally blinded a few years ago and now not being able to see far enough down the trail has seriously slowed me down , but thank God I can still ride trail 😊

[@xrayzproductions]

bro you need a bike guide to read the trail before you, I watched blind rider doing it like that

[@jimbo4203]

@@xrayzproductions I just take it easy and have fun 😊

[@2steezykr]

I bet once you learn the trail fully you'll be sending it again

[@jimbo4203]

@@2steezykr right , I'll ride a section a few times and then I can go faster and jump a little

[@2steezykr]

@@jimbo4203 good on you don't let anything stop what you enjoy doing

[@alhypo]

Breaking the bad habit of leaning back while descending is a game changer. I went to a week long mtb camp last year and that is one of the major things they look at when dividing the students up into intermediate and advanced groups. Obviously there is a psychological barrier you have to break but definitely worth the effort.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Awesome! Glad to hear.

[@thedalillama]

I'm surprised. I lean back and no one beats me downhill. I pass people all the time, do not get passed, even by people that challenge me.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

Bike geometry has made this a faster learning curve. Just 8-10 years ago steering head angles for MTB were basically what XC bikes are currently, in the 68 to 72° zone. It doesn't take much of a dropping of the front wheel to suddenly have your body CG enough forward to send you over the bars.

[@kbd13-n9c]

@@exothermal.sprocketyep. I ride an old(13 year old I think) hard tail and this is what happened to me yesterday. Funky downhill transition. Front wheel slightly got caught up and OTB I went for the first time in 3 years. Landed chest first, knocked the wind out of me. Pretty bruised ribs and pec. It’s a 72 degree HTA. Been slowly getting parts for a full suspension I’ve been eyeing for. While. 65 degree HTA is going to be a lot different. My gravel bike has a much slack HTA than my MTB.

[@exothermal.sprocket]

@@kbd13-n9c I had a used 2015 Stumpjumper that I got some time in. Sold it recently. Was 69° HTA. Stable enough, but noticeably more twitchy than my nephew's 64.5° mountain bike. Now the Specialized Epic has more slack geo, depending on model. Those rib bruises are nasty. I hope you're doing better.

[@schlooonginator1227]

Been casually riding since the 90s but the drop thing has always spooked me. I mostly do rolls and have done drops, just got lucky because I was riding fast enough but actually intentionally doing them was an issue. I've seen plenty of videos explaining being low, more than too far back etc but the best explanation was yours showing how you effectively speed the bike up by pushing it through. That's probably the most clear explanation of the technique I have heard. Thanks.

[@DennyMenter]

I could not agree more with the "look ahead" point. I'm embarrassed how long it took me to figure this out. Skinny's that used to make me nervous are now easy.

[@petedog9581]

The natural instinct on steep slabs is to move away from danger and get too far back. Then, you lose your arms and legs bc they are not aligned over the suspension. You are just rolling through and hanging on for dear life. Great demo of how the legs and arms are the main suspension and the fork and shock are just assists. "Keep the weight on your feet and balanced" is as good as i have heard that explained.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

awesome! glad you liked it and thank you for adding to the conversation!

[@blakbanshee]

I lean forward and then center myself at the end.

[@Stripping_Bolts]

That tip about drops blew my mind lol i hopped over a maybe 4 inch drop my 2nd time riding my mtb and almost pooped my pants. The way you showed makes so much more sense

[@christiansmyth1466]

Wow. When rolling steep stuff I have always activated my dropper and shoved my body back and down as far as it would go, so that my butt is almost touching the rear tire. And I always have a little heart-attack moment when my butt is "bucked" up and I almost go OTB. But I keep doing it because "this is the way". Thanks for addressing this. It's probably a lot less scary using your method 🙂

[@ridelikekrum7707]

I do the same thing, excited to try the correct way!

[@tastytechaddictsmtb]

If your butt touches the back tyre on a drop it’ll end very very very badly

[@christiansmyth1466]

@@tastytechaddictsmtb AND IT HAS FROM TIME TO TIME !!

[@PeterSorn-v5s]

Super ideas listen to him I'm 68 years old and have a lot of riding off road is thee most fun.

[@useurhed]

This is EXCELLENT! Thank you. The tiny clip from 2:38 to 2:42 is the best demonstration of body position I've ever seen.

[@einundsiebenziger5488]

Putting the inside pedal up when turning is the most logical thing to do since it gives you more ground clearance than with the inside pedal down. And even on foot, balancing a narrow straight line is much easier when you look at the end of that line instead of down on your feet. Works the same on a highwire, so it naturally applies to riding a bike, too.

[@carlosandrade7439]

Hi, I'm new to MTB and this year, I purchase a 2023 Specialized Stumpjumper Evo comp alloy to learn how to ride in our Arizonan desert. This is my attempt at a healthier body and mind as well as a love for the outdoors. I've ridden for years on very mild terrain in the midwest with a hybrid bike so I consider myself very new to the new terrain and I have noticed that I get a bit scared on minor jumps. I am hoping to get out more often now that the weather is milder and after watching a few of your videos, I feel a bit more confident. Thanks for posting your knowledge and allowing new folks like myself to learn and adapt. My 10 year old want's to get into this as well so I am slowly building him a hardtail Rockhopper.

[@dansacco1964]

Thanks for the tips. I death grip into berms because its the only way to keep myself from braking in them. Definitely need more practice but concentrating on one smooth turn without corrections should help.

[@kuyagoldtv6321]

thanks a lot..what i need now is trail and a bike

[@Cliftyman]

I like that you said when the course is either "long enough or loose enough to warrant dropping a pedal" when mentioning dropping a foot when cornering. In NICA we train our riders to keep pedals level through turns. There are some situations where you'd need to drop a foot but most of the turns I feel like you get better traction when you're level. It's a lot easier to teach too.

[@SergejGrabun]

Number two and "the popping" of the drop are very very important tips

[@Emtbtoday]

Good refresher aswell for someone wanting to gat back into it like myself it's just choosing what bike I'm having abit of a time with just now, there's so many new makes from 20 years ago when I had my atx 2 and konas

[@sapinva]

Worst habits I see is people letting the bike toss them around instead of allowing the bike move underneath. The other one that makes me cringe is inappropriate use of the front brake. Easy way to fix them is removing the front brake, locking out the fork, and sending them down a stair set of doom 10x until their arms and legs soften up. I'm sometimes guilty of going to sleep on a trail and not looking more than 6 feet ahead.

[@Riceman-o1p]

Front brake is your friend! Just treat her gently.

[@verdi6092]

Using a step smaller size bike will help controlling the bike better.. imho..

[@sapinva]

@@verdi6092 That's true. Modern mountain bikes are absurdly hard to crash. You can instantly spot someone who grew up riding a BMX by their bike skills.

[@throbbinwoodofcoxley6830]

@@sapinvafor real. People always say I’m crazy for what I hit on a mountain bike at 44. I simply tell them that all my bikes as a kid were rigid bmx, a modern 29er hardtail feels like a Cadillac to me.

[@dirtlifeadventures]

I just learned the letting the bike rock underneath me and it's made such a difference

[@quinncolby]

I’m guilty of getting too far back but that actually helps my confidence 😂 I guess I will work on that one. Great video

[@th3090]

I’m doing that too and I don’t see that as a problem. That was the only way to avoid OTB in the 1990s.

[@qwasd0r]

Can confirm that I did all of this at some point, except for the wrong pedal in turns. Great video.

[@kerryman7150]

Thanks for the info, lots of great stuff. I find my best rides in the gnarly stuff is when I don't think too much, just react. Even better is when my finger slips off the brake levers and I don't them back on in time 😂. I also adjusted the position of my brake levers to be more parallel with my handlebars. Seems to help with my body position.

[@alexarmstrong1134]

Best video explanation of technique I’ve seen yet 👍 Thank you!

[@frank8278]

Excellent tips !!

[@fallbrkgrl]

Awesome tutorial! Love how you break things down. Full disclosure...I'm not a mountain biker, but I'm here to help support your channel after I found out that you help kids. Found you from the video you did on you van, which is beautiful by the way. Thank you for what you do! ❤️🌵☀️⛈️🌈☮️🐎🐕

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you! and shameless Can'd AId Plug....givebutter.com/Gravel-Revival-100

[@Nickporter17]

The lines on that bike frame are incredible 😍

[@robertrobertson7782]

Thanks Jeff we love ya Brother 🚵‍♀️⚒️💪

[@s2theb258]

Just learning, great video for us old timer first timers :) thank you

[@mikestivers8302]

looking through the turn is something i admit felt totally wrong - i always wanted to keep my eyes on my front wheel to see if i was going too low or too high.. once i started looking further into the burm and trusting that i was in the correct position - with some experience and more burm practice i have def improved stability and speed. that's one learned skill i think is prolly most important on this list.

[@michaels8607]

Jeff is a legend in the trials world..Like a human pogo stick..............

[@pan0rama546]

Nothing but best advice from Trail boss 💪 I noticed you've included familiar drop on Old Oak trail @Norbrook trails, very cool 👌

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

That place is FUN!

[@Porkfryedbrice]

Loved the drop how-to's...thank you

[@karenlynnrobson5984]

Looking forward outward on the trail v. at the trail in front was information that I needed. Thank you.

[@JonPrevost]

With the brakes, I think you missed the biggest, number 1 thing to do just after a bike check... get the lever angles correct. Ergo = comfort = less performance anxiety when $%*# happens. Side note, love the bike frame, is that steel? As a 6'4" rider, I ended up on a Cannondale Bad Habit 1. I wish it was steel but so far so good. That steel bike just looks bullet, and bomb, proof.

[@hamldna]

I need one of these classes. Just from this short video I do at least 3 of the 5. In my younger years of riding MTB (early to mid 20's) I was fearless. As times changed and not riding as much my confidence has dropped, A LOT. You know, it's the fear of dying that changes what and how you ride. Lol🤣

[@Mathieu_CHRC]

That is very relevant. Thanks.

[@rosskeenan9117]

Good video thanks all the best from scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

[@rhuynh]

This is a great video and covers a good list of things to fix atleast for me! Thanks!

[@Crumb_Trails]

I need some skills training but first I need conditioning. I'm wined on very short rides. Maybe in the spring I can look into skills training

[@seanspade]

Hi Jeff - I saw you ride at Motorama in 2000. I was there doing sport mod trials. Great to see youre still riding!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Rad! Those were good times!

[@benjierojas5504]

Great tips Jeff! Thanks!

[@uptopmikep7065]

Great tips video Jeff. Thanks. Have you done a video covering pedal timing when sessioning a rocky climb or through a rock garden to minimize pedal and crank catches? I'd love to see it.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Not yet. That’s a good tip

[@joshallen1335]

That's a really good one. I recently saw a video where someone mentioned "ratcheting" in passing, and it was honestly a game changer for me. It feels really odd, but much better than catching pedal, which I seem to do a lot more now that I ride a full sus bike.

[@microdeluxe2000]

"Today is gone be an awesome day" ... Lookalike to Sam Pilgrim ... But! Super Video and a great and correct Teaching! Really great. 5-Stars!

[@DavidLloyd-lf1gn]

Thank you for some useful tips. I will try them on my next ride .

[@jameswilson2815]

Don't need drops to have fun. Great video regardless. Mahalo.🤙

[@jakeweber9787]

Level pedals in corners is where to start.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Always level pedals, when you have the opportunity to, dropping your outside pedal will give you extra traction

[@SoniaDekker]

Thank you!!! I think I don’t look far enough ahead on the gnarly trails 😅

[@dcrump]

😭 I’m guilty of 5 of 5… thanks again.. the algorithm brought you to me 💪🥂

[@diogenes_finotti]

Great tips, Jeff. Thanks a lot! One more follower from 🇧🇷

[@JamesLG4]

Great video Jeff, thanks. I struggle with keeping my eyes up the trail, especially when the trail gets more technical. When I realize what I am doing and make myself look up the trail everything works better and I usually carry more trail speed. Do you think riding with other (maybe faster) riders helps with this? I always end up riding solo, I think that effects my habits of looking up the trail at a rider in front of me.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Honestly, riding with faster riders occasionally will push you to ride harder but If you're focusing on technique it's better to ride at 60-70% so you can feel comfortable and focus on the thing you're trying to do. Make sense?

[@JamesLG4]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss Makes sense. 👍🏻

[@jcreeker5581]

Thx for the video. Very helpful!

[@josea.7912]

Nice vid Jeff, very useful!

[@Peter-cx4ir]

Best channel on KZbin (even though I’m really good at bikes so I don’t need your advice)

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you!

[@olavomoyen3422]

loved the video! very intrested on your bike, whats the brand?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

REEB Cycles

[@karlosxzy]

Great video. Sensible tips.

[@Bjorntveitan]

i agree the hooping going down +1 boss

[@COACHMELVINBIKERIDE]

Very informative

[@debbiegrooman5800]

For some reason i feel safer doing a quick little pop off a drop, prior to getting the front wheel out and down. I know its wrong, darn it. The other day i did the Drift Drop at Trowbridge Forest in Thunder Bay. It was my biggest drop ever, im guessing 6 to 7 foot. (It was way over my husbands head as he rode under the dock.) I wish he could have seen what I did, but im sure, like usual, i gave it a little pop. I landed a little hard, but even and gave it a big ole, "YIP!"

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

It’s definitely a skill that’s useful to have in your toolbox but also spend some time working on both methods! Stoked you landed it!

[@debbiegrooman5800]

Me too! Lol!

[@simonsanchez5382]

thx, great Video 👍 Greetings from Germany

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

been riding for decades and learned all this by trial and error, we had no how to vids in the 80's. sure would have made things easier.

[@twowheelsforlife]

Man that roll in at 2:35 looks like a oklahoma trail. Is it?

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Yup!

[@Eric.V.]

Great content! Bike is looking pretty damn sick bro! 😎

[@brettzink]

great video Jeff

[@ShreddyTrek]

Thanks, very helpful 😊

[@EricRagot]

Cabin drop. I miss you. 😢

[@GarySixSixty]

very informative jeff…

[@ridingwithreggie]

Awesome informative video man!

[@DoubleAAdventures452]

See you in Sanford nc this month

[@Detroit-Jen]

Thanks for this video!

[@hillrunner2]

Great tips so helpful 😊

[@Mtbmaybe]

Should you keep ur finger on the brake when doing jumps?

[@ClintGriffin1]

Good stuff man!

[@HVYMETL]

Nice tips Jeff. Where is that trail at 5:30 on the video?

[@IsraelRodriguez-dx6pw]

I'm 47 haven't rode a bike in long time. Just got myself a 26 inch fat tire mountain bike.😮 Any suggestions.???

[@dynodyno6970]

I have thick hands, and had two surgeries on my left hand bc of a tendon repair in my left ring finger. That finger doesn’t have any strength, and most brake levers I can’t pull them in enough before they hit my fingers with just my index finger. So I need to use index finger and middle finger to pull the lever but then I’m only really grabbing the bar with my pinky bc my ring finger is useless. I need to figure a way to make my left brake need very little travel to engage fully.

[@mountainmunky]

Your balance is insane! Awesome video

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you!

[@jeffhayes1855]

He’s national champion of balance!

[@felixheinemann4786]

What bike is that? It looks sick! 😍

[@themarineman]

Hi, good video 👍. Can I ask what bike brand you are riding ?

[@steamedpiggy]

+1

[@nityamsharma532]

Hey man I had a question. If you corner left, should you keep the pedal towards the left or the right and vice-versa

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Switching your pedals is really tough. I would recommend riding with your pedals level and like the video says. If the turn requires it or there’s time drop your outside foot

[@9875Scotty]

Nicely done

[@TheeGabrielAndrew]

Lee likes bikes? Joy of bike, might ask the question... but it's it safe to land a drop with arms locked out when you're still learning? Why is there so many different opinions on how to do a drop safely? I like the , "roll and pray this time isn't the time go over the bars"

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

you never want to go full lockout, landing with straight-ish arms is ok but use them to absorb the energy as soon as you touch down.

[@TheeGabrielAndrew]

@@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss ❤️ that makes sense. The little millimeters of nuance and timing seem to be the key to MTB as I'm learning more and more. Thank you for this awesome channel! Not a boss yet, but might be a trail associate soon enough 😅

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

@@TheeGabrielAndrew Awesome, glad to hear it.

[@Scoobaman44]

Do you have eney tips for going round burms with confidence

[@mtb71]

Great tutorial

[@crizo23]

Great stuff Jeff. I had never heard the brake tip before. Instinctively I’ve always liked a finger on it

[@chrismade123]

wrong foot down is a funny one😂

[@MichaelVriens]

I wanne learn more from you in person😅

[@johnlopez4089]

All great tips👍👍🔥🔥

[@traveler2370]

If i was going into some chunky drops I and had my chin over the handlebars and bodyweight under the pedals, might i go over the handlebars?

[@thispod]

Nice tip on starting position on drops. I regularly hit pretty gnarly stuff but you made me realize it might be helpful to approach drops in a much more aggressive and deliberate stance than I'm used to. My bike is a bit on the big side for me and I often feel a little stretched, I've never considered this but the chin over bar is going to give me much more room to maneuver

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Awesome!

[@scott4886]

Excellent. TY!

[@garyharmon5386]

Great info

[@Skatemonster]

Hopefully in the next 5 years I have some money saved up for a new bike, been looking at the MARIN RIFT for 1,700$

[@nicholasschneider2056]

Thank you.

[@eddyfusely503]

Very nice video indeed

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

Thank you!

[@Fritz.pinuela]

Thanks for tips

[@danhart2411]

My biggest issue is drops and jumps I'm getting better I feel but still don't have the confidence to hit the big jumps and drops .

[@chewchew74]

I always been torn between size,,, Small or Medium.... His bike seems extra small on him, it that a big advantage to do tricks? I meant to get a small on XC bike but ended up getting a medium because sales guy insisted.. I am 5.7

[@ligmuhnugs]

I've always pushed my bike forward off drops. I thought I was just throwing my weight back.

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

It’s back relative to the bike but the bike actually moves forward

[@mariopejovic]

great video as always Jeff. does pushing front wheel down the roll works even for bikes with steeper forks angle, like XC bikes? or it works only for slacker bikes? btw, if you find the time, do a video for tips for taller riders. most tips comes from people who are shorter and lighters. you and I are about similar in built, so it would be great to hear your tips for taller, bigger, heavier riders. especially on brake set up. keep up with the great work!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

I've coached and done it on both bikes with success. Being tall like us is heelpful in this isntance, our arms and legs aree longer so wee can negotiate larger drops easier. Basically, aside from your chainring hitting, if the length of your arms is equal to or less than the drop you should be ok!

[@robindunn568]

Recognize the KVSP shots!

[@JeffLenoskyTrailBoss]

You know it!

[@MCUPW]

Are those 26" wheels?

[@wg2060]

Good stuff