So you're about to crash your MTB-Now what?

We covered some of these items a long time ago, but I thought it was time for a refresher. From actually bailing off your mountain bike, to saving some potentially dicey situations, today we'll talk about everything from full loss of braking power to nosedives.
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[@YH-rd4kt]

Thank you! I was about to crash on my MTB. I was managed to google this video and avoid getting hurt. 5/5. Totaly recomand this for friends.

[@KptnHaddock_]

Same thing happened to me! And people were calling me a dork for having a phone mount on my bars... Who's laughing now?

[@MichaelRei99]

The best part is you can rewind and get a do over!

[@bermchasin]

i needed this months ago, b4 I went full on OTB

[@MTBinKY]

So Seth was right - time really does slow down during a crash!

[@jordanbentley]

Lucky, I got an ad and broke my collarbone

[@PorterMTB]

I wanna make sure Seth gets full credit for the fact that he started this video by grabbing a fistful of front brake at speed to go over the bars on purpose, that's commitment. Well done 👊

[@Corb13]

Fr

[@Trailblaza322]

He needs all the credit for sure! Im glad he made it out unscathed also, thats skill.

[@markonikolic1386]

I went kinda otb a few times so far and every time I managed to jump over the bars with my feet. It's easier than it looks. Still not easy enough to do it on purpose

[@TheButlerNZ]

did the exact same thing 20y ago.. wearing strap clips (got good at pulling my feet backward out of the straps so was showing someone that it could b done... Lucky for me it was on grass and I pulled it off without a hitch... I'm planning to do it for a vid sometime.. but at 55 I'm going to make sure it's on grass again.

[@ericsharp5079]

I don’t even know if my brain would let me do that knowing I was bailing on purpose!

[@adamlake9507]

We all love Seth so much we’re all just gonna ignore the whole the pickle stem bit? I’m okay with it

[@misterhaan]

i noticed the cut right after the bite

[@SugmaDLigmaNutz]

He definitely enjoys the stems of pickles the most.

[@86mccrumj]

I immediately went to the comments section to see how far I'd have to scroll before seeing someone mention this.

[@thomasreese2816]

You mean that isn't the pickle? Someone should tell the nice people at Subway

[@johniceland5027]

I too like eating pickle stems. They're so nice and chewy, like celery.

[@brycebonilla4288]

The thing about crashing is it usually goes so fast that the ONLY thing that is going to save you is muscle memory. So the more you crash, the better you'll eventually get at it.

[@TheButlerNZ]

Just don't put your arms straight.. and close your fists!

[@jacksonpalmer8955]

That’s why I’m so good at crashing!

[@abeolsonmtb]

Sitting here with my broken thumb figuring out what I should have done

[@Justkeepshredding]

I’m sitting here with my broken arm thinking what I should have done! Oh yeah try not to go up a berm into a tree. Duh

[@DavidMaruca_]

Land on bum not thumb

[@alexisonbike3652]

That happened to me 2 years ago still can't figure out how my front tire washed on a blue that I do all the time :( hope you get back on the horse better than ever soon

[@jeffstreck]

​@@JustkeepshreddingDo you mind not stealing my party tricks?

[@skelett_auf_raedern]

I've got a broken ring finger and same...

[@jasoncbrooks74]

Muscle memory in these situations is going to pay off. Practicing to fall or crash as safely as possible is such a great lesson.

[@LorenzoDeprado]

skateboarding! that what taught me how to fall.

[@anonymoususerinterface]

@@LorenzoDeprado lol

[@TheButlerNZ]

I suggest everyone do what I did and whip out to the yard and get in a quick 40+ years of trail bike riding (motorbikes)... Learned an excellent trick (in main comments)

[@bradyhartt]

@@LorenzoDeprado nothing teaches to how to avoid injury like skateboarding does

[@0_ManMade_0]

@@LorenzoDeprado Yep... It seems that I fell so many times when I was a kid and teen that I now instinctually know to tuck an roll. I recently went over the bars and somehow caught the bike by the top tube as it was flipping over me... talk about a flow state.

[@malbyx]

i learned this the hard way practicing martial arts (Judo). when doing a front jump -> roll, do not land on your hands, it's not hard to break a wrist. learn to go over a shoulder instead. when done properly you can effectively stop from low to mid speed falls in one harmless roll.

[@MikeTheYokel]

Yeah, did ju jitsu for years which also involved a lot of practice on how to fall/roll/land and redirect force. Useful to know

[@mscudde2]

Decades of experience condensed into 10 mins, making riders safer and enjoying their rides (even when times turn tough). Seth, you are awesome!

[@TheKubux]

From personal experience, take a breather 2-5min after any more severe crash. I've wiped out on one downhill, which, to our surprise, ended with a stream flowing across concrete in a blind turn (no traction) and hit hard on the concrete. That wasn't so bad, it was just a few scrapes and bruises. I got back on the bike and started the next segment of downhill, only to lose concentration for a second and swerve off the path down a natural ditch next to the course. The bike was almost a lost cause, and I was lucky to walk away only with a constant reminder of my neck making weird sounds from time to time.

[@superyamagucci]

Ha ha the Surprise Ending! I went round a similar corner, thinking "this is the fastest I've ever bee/" then woke up bleeding against a closed steel gate. Good times indeed.

[@LoreTunderin]

This is entirely dependent on the situation, but you can also use the sole of your shoe against the back of your front tire as a brake. Lean back and press the flat of your foot into the tire and gradually increase pressure to slow yourself down. Growing up in the 90s in a place that wasn't financially well off, a lot of kids didn't have working brakes on their bikes and would do this instead.

[@kjracz15]

It definitely works well on "smoother" tires, but it's a little bit tricky and even dangerous to do that on knobby tires.

[@Josukegaming]

I guess that could work, but I feel like you also have a good chance of getting your foot sucked into your tire and losing balance, then twisting the handlebars and breaking your leg :/

[@BermPeakExpress]

Growing up in the 90's on a BMX bike with no brakes, I can confirm this works

[@telefonkirtys]

Nah I'll pass, friend did that one once. Leg was ok'ish just sprain and a bruise. But I newer before seen anyone faceplant faster on a bike. Broke a tooth, road rash and worse he had braces at the time. They broke while brace wire punktured his cheek and inside cheek got minced by metal braces.

[@frits8986]

@@telefonkirtyscool

[@MEIGS___1]

this video was a true life saver. i hit the biggest jump of my life and was about to crash, but luckily i found this video in time. Ended up not being not so bad, thanks for the help!

[@myth446]

I'm currently suffering from a bike crash 2 broken ribs and a soft tissue injury of my shoulder. I have "traumatic amnesia" from the crash and don't exactly know that happened I wish there was a video like this a few weeks ago and maybe I wouldn't have been injured so badly. Thanks for always supporting the community. Come for a super long drive to Winnipeg, Manitoba we have a NICE free public park (bison butte) here with lines that are challenging and interesting. Your viewer from the land where we can only bike hard 4 months of the year (Vancouver doesn't count)

[@TheButlerNZ]

I didn't really know what concussion was until that day I woke up sitting upright in a field somewhere... thinking it looked like Levin (NZ)... and I thought I had been on a (motorbike trail ride) there a week before... and I can't remember finishing that ride... and a voice behind said "What's your name, what's your age"...

[@myusername570]

Better yet, travel to good ol thunder bay for our terrific trail system and make a Canadian road trip out of it!

[@JohnDeere165HydroOfficial]

Whenever I want to be an MTB KZbinr, I look at this dedication (him literally crashing multiple times for a video) and I realize I could never. Massive props to your work Seth. This video is a testament to that.

[@alexford5214]

This whole video would have been useful to my wife yesterday, on our first trip to Bentonville. She does use many of these techniques already, purely out of fear of falling/ crashing. More instinctual rather than taught. Her issue was a berm that was slippery and the tail slid out from her. She’s all good and is nursing her scrapes. That over the handle bar trick is something I wish I’d have known years ago. I seem to always be thrown forward. Great video as always.

[@TheButlerNZ]

Something not often mentioned... that I learnt from skateboarding in the 7'0's, Riding pushbikes in the 80's into trail bikes tight up to 2020 including YZ250's.... ...and DH Mountain Biking from 2000 but properly (well mediocre if you watch my vids) from my 50's circa 2018... HOW TO LAND FACE FIRST WITH THE LEAST AMOUNT OF DAMAGE. It began with Skateboarding... where a stone only 6mm (1/4") could see you superman into the tarmac.... right through to flat out full throttle offs on a 2 poke motorcross bike... I found keeping your elbows out and fists closed in front of your chin like a pose for a boxing match... When you land (And I even practiced this this just running on a grass field and leaping head first forward to the ground)... you land in a sort of 'elbows out' bench press... thumbs slightly up (about 45deg, not palms down). This allows you to slow down your impact in a bench press landing, keeping your face from the ground... If it looks lie your going to tumble... from this position you can lift an elbow, lowering that wrist (Like you were going to punch yourself in the groin...) and roll over that forearm, shoulder and back... (This I practiced too... you can run flat out... leap forward, roll over the outside of an arm, across your back and butt, and end up back on your feet). This has failed me twice... Once at 40, Highsided my YZ full throttle top gear in a paddock when I hit whoops.. but I was flicked about 8ft into the air and was probably doing about 100kph so a KO followed by TKO and a popped shoulder was probably getting off lightly... and the 2nd was on my way down on an impromptu double that I completed... but the YZ didn't.. and slthough my reactions are fairly good for (then 46yo) I didn't get my arms back from the bike departing my knees... and rolled a wrist on a peck before it fot in place at about shoulder level (broke my radius apparently (after a month I finally got it checked out.. I had fairly well set itself by then)) Anyhooze... Watch any faceplant video of (even seasoned riders) and they often open hand straight arm land on a crash... I use my lower side palm and forearm for a landing and still have my teeth (well I lost a cap through the full face helmet on the KO but like I said... it was a decent unpoweed flight.. Not that anyone will read this or give me a thumb for my effort... but seriously, from a 40+year seasoned trail bike rider.... Close your fists, Use your forearm springs!

[@be1100]

Pro tip for crashing against another vehicle (including cars): In order to minimize the impact, try to steer your momentum into the same direction as the other vehicle's momentum. For example, if a car in opposing traffic stupidly makes a left turn in front of you, try to steer right so that your wheels are facing the same direction as the car's wheels.

[@TheButlerNZ]

I prefer to ride like I am totally invisible.. thus preparing for all vehicles to turn in front of me... even when the driver is looking at me... and waving hello...

[@TheAtarashiiKaze]

I just want to say how much I appreciate Seth going through all of the scenarios, and taking the lumps so beginners like myself have a chance to avoid them! Thanks buddy!

[@sasquatchhimself]

Also, if you are leaned too far back in the air (or "tail diving", as Seth calls it), squeezing your brakes in the air can help tilt the bike forward. The wheels' rotational energy gets transferred into the bike and the bike tilts forward. Just make sure NOT to squeeze the brakes if you are nose diving!!!

[@SnootchieBootchies27]

As a general rule, it's also usually best to only pull the back brake. If your front wheel is turned at all, it can throw you off even worse

[@BlueGoose2]

this is true even on a 26er, I've done it before.. totally saved my but.. on accident lol

[@grotto5416]

Trail runner here. Tucking and rolling after uncontrolled landing can be a LIFE SAVER. It saved me multiple times from really gnarly falls and after some time it became so instinctive that when I fall I just roll and use the momentum to get back up and keep going. I'm not the best at descending so you can trust me as the worse you are at descending the better you are at falling :)

[@averst69]

Please remember that if you step OFF the bike going uphill don't do it on the valley-side of the trail :-| I have seen guys fall down a steep section like that (they were very luck to only have a bruised ankle) . Please use the uphill section of the trail to step off

[@Naituf]

Yeah, happened to me couple of times. Not because I was stupid enough to pick that downwards part of the trail, but it was just unlucky coincidence - either my center of gravity was pointing that way, or the bike just slipped into that direction and here you go. Once I flew really ugly steep valley and I was so glad I met a tree on my way down and I was able to catch it and hold myself while my body turned horizontally in the air during the stop. I ended up with a hand bruised decently, but saved my bones that day. 😂 But yeah, if I had the chance, I'd definitely used the other side of the trail. 😂

[@rorylawson8037]

Larger the wheel or the faster it is moving the more effective this is

[@greghavener9373]

Thanks Seth! I am a new subscriber and vet mountain biker/CC racer getting back into MTB with my grandsons. You have helped rekindle the fire!

[@speekha]

You gotta admire Seth's commitment for provoking a proper OTB (without even gloves or elbow pads) for the sake of this video. When I go OTB, my palms, and even elbows quite often get grazed, to say the least.

[@j.l.5966]

Absolute madman! Ate the pickle stem first!!!

[@kinn1647]

As a kid i rode MX MTB and BMX, now just car and MTB. Best advice i saw 20 years ago enduro video in south America. The guide was showing amateurs to skid the front wheel at about 10 mph and lean back. Yes I’ve had a rear line pop, Hayes Sole hydro, not fun.

[@FishSticks6]

I’ll remember this for the next time I’m on the ground thinking about what I should’ve done

[@MarioGoatse]

True. You almost never have a chance to be thinking about what a video told you to do in this situation. 9/10 you’re going to be doing whatever your natural instincts tell you. “Oh SH$T” and you have reacted before you even know it.

[@explorenaked]

I usually think about what I shouldn't have done. "I shouldn't have gone down that double black with this Wal-Mart bike". Shoulda, woulda, coulda.

[@blaze1148]

...try and remember this before you are on the ground.

[@zethjugos1250]

coming from a bmx background, crashin is something i learned to do which is essential in mtb riding...it allows me have more confidence in trying features and specially jumps

[@LorenzoDeprado]

I simply do not mentally process my crashes. I am on the bike, uh oh!, now I am on the ground with a scrape. Like teleportation into a world of pain.

[@rekrapish]

I think its safe to say that Seth has really come to be an Ozark Trail rider.

[@dannykmack]

This is the best MTB video ever - some of these things are second nature to me, some were completely new. Thanks!

[@flowstateofmind]

How about braking in the air or hitting the pedals to spin the back wheel to change the balance? Does that really work? And how do you remind yourself of it?

[@ajiyakin]

This is actually my first go-to when it comes to whatever sport I join to. I always learn how to "fall/crash" first, this allow me to minimize the possibility of getting worst injury and it actually help me to develop the right reflect when it just about to happen.

[@A8volley]

Congrats 1m🎉🎉

[@collinwiedel]

Really good advice here. An excellent beginner guide that I wish I had when I started to help crash fear.

[@Wumbo_the_Mumbo]

My man really ate the pickle stem? Are you okay Seth?

[@thevoid59]

Sitting here wishing I had watched this a month ago before I broke my elbow

[@mikeburgh3956]

I just started mtb'ing about 6mo ago & you taught me soooooo much!!! Thank You Seth. Appreciate you ❤️

[@TheButlerNZ]

Best advice I can give to a new player... Go find a gravel road, nice and open... Seat set a little lower than usual, ride slow... jam on the front brakes and put a foot down... Now do it again... actually a LOT.... and try to get to where you can jam on the front, then release the brakes... and still be on the bike... Now see how long tou can ride with the front locked up (I've gone 2-3m and ridden out of it)... All this will train your brain on what you can do wit the front brakes.. as they are GOD... (rear brakes are near pointless unless your really bad... or really good...) learning how to 'feel' the front tyre through your brake lever I would rate right up there with learning how to balance! (oh and try and keep your elbows out, nearly at wrist height... and even level with your wrists when hitting the rough stuff... (Just stand there and try it, and have someone wobble the front back and forth.. then try with straight arms... your shoulders will throw your body all over the place straight arm... If only someone had told me this 40+ years ago I would have been a WAY better motorbike/MTB rider.

[@vinylmodsmanitoba]

Last I checked mechanical brakes dont build pressure if you press them a lot. Hydraulic brakes sure, but not mechanical xD

[@imajez1]

As someone who spent years teaching folk how to fall safely [in a throwing Martial Art], I always cringe when I see cyclists talking about falling from bikes. But for once there was some really useful information here. Though learning how to 'tuck and roll' safely as well as landing to side or rear when you go down fast takes committed ongoing practice. On mats - with good instruction. The main thing you learn is to protect your head and not to put hands out. i.e. unlearn natural instincts. These falling skills are the most important thing I've ever learnt and I was lucky that my main martial art was extremely good at falling practice, not come across another anywhere near as good. These falling skills have saved me many hospital visits despite doing a variety of activities that involves being smashed into the ground deliberately or as by accident. Also made things like skiing where falling over is inevitable, much easier to learn because I had no fear about hitting ground.

[@firbolg]

Last year, while commuting in my hometown of Geneva, Switzerland, I lost all braking power on my mechanical disc brakes on a rainy day going down quite a big hill and I needed a new pair of underpants after that. And after a scooter (motorcycle) totalled that bike, I got hydraulic brakes for my new one and I've been loving it. On my first time out with it, I tore off the pedal from the crank and hit my "jewels" against the frame while going up a steep hill. I was not happy.

[@calebshort2169]

I just want you to know I appreciate you for making this video. Especially knowing at our age how sore you were the next day.

[@jankabockholt3266]

Just a few days late^^ I just had a gnarly crash on Sunday, where I jumped into a steep rocky section of trail, followed by a nasty tight corner. Missed the line by the slightest bit, couldn´t correct it and wrapped myself face first around a thick tree behind the corner... broken nose and concussion... Now I need some quality YT content to distract me from not being able to ride my bike for at least 5 weeks 😞 You made a good start Seth^^

[@jacobclark3371]

I really wish I had seen this a few days ago because it would have saved my face. I went OTB on a step up, but instead of bailing I landed upside down in the ready position. I dragged my face a few meters, ruined my expensive sunglass, mangled my teeth, and smashed my knee. One thing I would add to Seth's video is that if you have not had the pleasure of bailing on a jump, wear a full face; half shells are great for trails, but if you're jumping a double black jump line, wear a full face.

[@thediffguy]

I just love your videos, thanks Seth for teaching and entertaining me 😊 every week with new stuff .And I crashed yesterday so if this video was posted I think I wouldn't hurt my self this much because I can't even walk for longer than a mile😢.

[@Bigbossonmotherbase]

same bro

[@MotoRiderTube]

Seth isn't learning, he's teaching. You are learning.

[@thediffguy]

​@@MotoRiderTubehahahahah very very true 🤣😅

[@slipperyson2929]

Brake failure happed to me one time on a jump trail. My brakes stopped working and I couldn't manage my speed. I ended up up clearing the landing by quite a lot and crash landed on a tree stump, it was not a fun trip to the ER. This video probably would have saved me if i had know these things, very important.

[@izosimovarseny]

Seth! The pumping technique helps not only on bikes. I'm gonna tell u a little story, i was riding with my family in a car ihe mountains and at one pount my front left brake pad just explode. I felt a little kick in the steering wheel, my brake pedal fell off to the metall. I was ready to use a handbrake, yet it was still on a decline, thus dangerous. A few pumps (felt like a hundred in 3 seconds lol) made my brakes functional again (rest 3 pistons pushed the pads and front left piston directly to the brake disk. Your video will definitely help bikers and drivers out there. Thanks

[@owensnicholas]

I was climbing a muddy, steep trail once when I lost traction and stopped dead. My instinct is to unclip my left foot, but it was then that I found out one of the cleat bolts had come out, so I couldn’t. I ended up ditching to the right, stuck to the bike on this muddy hill and had to remove my foot with the shoe still attached to the bike. If you feel more float then you’re used to, check those cleats.

[@Mostlyharmless1985]

For tucking and rolling, the finer points of falling fancy are to bring your elbows in line with your chest and try to cover your face with your hands lightly balled into fists, if you got time to actually put your hands to your face rest your hands on your forehead and let your forearms cover your face and chest. bring your chin to your chest. keep your feet and knees together if at all possible so that the weight of impact is always on both of your legs instead of one leg. After you hit let your body roll with the impact naturally and try to stop your roll by using the momentum of your fall to put your feet into the direction of the fall. Hopefully, if everything goes right from going wrong, you'll have protected your legs and arms from getting broken and kept your head from impacting the ground while protecting your face from getting smacked. NEVER EVER TRY TO CATCH YOUR FALL WITH YOUR ARMS OR HANDS. YOU WILL JUST BREAK YOUR ARM. Your body will take the impact a lot better than your arms will.

[@stevedesantolo6794]

I sure hope that over time I am able to have more presence of mind to "fall" uphill. I was on the Flume Trail in Tahoe, and lost momentum on an uphill rock step, and didn't get my seat down fast enough. I couldn't get a foot down due to off camber narrow trail and over the edge I went. I did separate from my bike, but I hit everything else on the way down the hill. Thankfully it was loam like material and i stopped tumbling before a downed tree would have forced me to stop. This video was very helpful and I will incorporate the tips as shown.

[@Icehso140]

After a broken collarbone, jammed and sprained right thumb joint, multiple bumps, bruises, cuts and scrapes, and testing out the protection of a full-faced helmet...I found this video most helpful. Thanks Seth. LOL

[@Jacksparrow4986]

Dude thanks for this video. I'm riding fairly risk averse but don't mind extra preparedness. Can confirm the foliage trick can work - saved me from hitting a river on a family trip. With my feet I even managed to save my bike and luggage from drowning till my mum got to me and helped me up again.

[@Verbot819]

I have a small scar on my forehead from a recent downhill crash, glad I'm watching this to avoid future incidents

[@InvertedProphet]

I have been riding for 18 months now. Mainly gravel and light trail. I got an old giant that I knew had a very worn crankset. One day I was really putting some power down springing and the chain skipped on 2 very worn teeth and the cranks jumped straight to the bottom of the stroke. I got launched into the bars, Bent the right shifter with my right groin, went over the bars. Tumbled and smashed my head on the ground. Damn I am glad for helmets. Wear your helmets people. The bruising was brutal especially on the right side. Learned a lot that day about not ignoring bike maintenance.

[@The_RC_Dude]

The brake pump and the crank land were new to me, and unfortunately i feel like those will come in clutch!

[@ntaphse]

When I was a bmx kid I used my mom’s butter knives as tire levers. Thanks for the trip down memory lane Seth!

[@eetugraphy]

i have experienced full loss of breaks. it was my feet that stopped my bike from crashing to a car.

[@AgentJayZ]

Landing with feet on the cranks. I never knew that, but I'm gonna practice that, and it's gonna save me one day, I just know it. Thank you Seth!

[@dewindoethdwl2798]

I’ve said for years that what often causes a prang to go bad is hanging onto the bike for too long. Better to eject the moment you realise it’s gone Pete Tong. Practice like frog-leaping the bars from an endo is time well spent. The other is learning to step clear or jump off the back and leave the bike to its destiny. Obviously, improving riding skills is going to help. Best of luck!

[@kwaktak]

Thank you, Seth. This is about the time of year when I usually hurt myself. I get overconfident and invariable screw up. While I got a good laugh - and a few new usernames for social media - from the terms "lawn dart" and "rag doll" and "tuck and roll" I'm thinking it's probably best if I take up walking on the trails and doing some scouting beforehand.

[@someone0599]

Watching this as im halfway off the handlebars. Thanks for the tips.

[@Zakkhan22]

Man i love how Seth makes bicycle videos man when I see his videos I don’t know why I feel excited ❤❤❤ PERSONALLY Seth don’t ever stop making bicycle videos it’s awesome your my favourite. You are the first person that makes interesting videos You are the best creator keep creating awesome videos ❤❤🎉😊

[@stirfrybry1]

I was DH racing on Cannondale super vee that we shoved a double stroke length shock (we had to modify the tabs) and turned into an 8 inch travel rear with a Risse upside down fork with 6 inches up front. It had a 13 inch bottom bracket height. When I got my Frank The Welder Motorhead frame and ripped down the same trails on my first run, I clipped a pedal and got thrown so fast I was instantly grinding my new helemt in the rock garden. I don't know how I didn't get hurt. Just naturally ready to crash. Be ready for it is my advice

[@kevinw6282]

For those of us that ride clipped in, there is an additional measure of forethought and complexity to making that instinctive, immediate bail from the bike successful. I have not yet fully mastered it and at times, still wonder if riding clipless is worth the risk should things really go sideways.

[@sapinva]

For those that ride clipped in, you deserve whatever you get :)

[@DualDesertEagle]

I remember my first weeks of Dirt Jumping back when I had my cheap ebay Dirt Jumper. I had just advanced to the medium table line and spent the whole evening before on it when after the first few rides of the day my right crank suddenly snapped upon landing. Apart from a slight scratch on the inside of my lower leg where the sharp edge of the remaining bit of the crank arm had made contact with my leg I managed to land safely on just my left leg and stop the bike without crashing. Part of me must've seen it coming tho, just before that exact ride I was like "I wonder how much longer this thing is gonna hold up!" And lo and behold, the above situation happened.

[@tylershaw4880]

This video is very good and it all will work but I have two problems with it. If you hit front tire first on BMX you can lean back and your want to pull your arms up but also allow your arms to be able to pump once you tires on the ground on a mountain bike you want to go back some but don’t be in line with your tire and push as hard as you can with your legs and if you land to where your about to loop out bring your legs up some and push your front tire down as hard as you can.

[@failfurby]

Thank you for reminding me how risky and dangerous this sport can be. Watching videos of successful and experienced riders all the time blurs your perspective.

[@matteomuniz2433]

"You lose points but you don't die". Pretty solid argument!

[@joshuambean]

My favourite crash ever, was this one time I was going around a big berm, and my front tire suddenly caught and turned 90 degrees in a split second, sending me flying forward over the handlebars, but somehow I did a perfect somersault out of it and landed on my feet without a scratch or bruise. It was actually kind of fun.

[@TheButlerNZ]

Welcome to the world of MTB... if no one saw it, it didn't happen... That's why I only do stupid things when someone's there to laugh at me

[@14DAVEYO]

The fact he intentionally crashed his bike and went over the handlebars for a video demonstration is exactly why this channel is awesome

[@douggraves2823]

I think something worth adding is considering how you might bail when doing a run up on a new obstacle i.e. noting that there are rocks on the left side so bail to the right.

[@cosmicbackwoods]

coming from skateboarding has helped my mtb bails

[@meadowlark8197]

Thanks for sharing this knowledge Buddy ! You already made a similar Video a few years ago and it inspired me to actually get a cheap mtb to practice the OTB ejection seat thing. I really want to learn this skill 😅

[@alhypo]

It's worth mentioning that if you're riding along an exposure, be sure to always bail away from the exposure. Same goes for stopping and putting a foot down. Always put your foot down away from the exposure even if you normally use the other foot for that.

[@callaway5148]

Nose high in a jump, my instinct is to tap my brakes. That'll rotate your nose down and usually totally save it.

[@milowilson5482]

I am going to save an injury this week . Thanks for the bike chucking lessons!!

[@EthanD-f2o]

I’m more experienced skateboarding and really know how to fall! But falling on a mtb is a whole different deal, another great vid Seth. Per usual.

[@iron4010]

WE NEED MORE COOKING WITH SETH THE VIDS ARE SO GOOD AND SO ENTERTAINING AND THEY HELP ME WHEN I AM EATING.

[@teabagNBG]

that first over the bar jump was impressing :D

[@brandonreimer184]

One thing you forgot Seth. When crashing at high speed the obje time is to make the skid or roll or however you are landing take as long as possible from initial contact to stop. The more time it takes the less energy any 1 part of your body will experience.

[@jani724]

I went to the mega caverns in Kentucky, was jumping the progression line when mid air my cleat popped out 😂, proceeded to slam my goods into the top tube, then get bucked over the bars. No injuries but a tad of pride. Cheers everyone

[@HeyyItsNick]

The first one about the brakes got me good 16 years ago, I was on wet terrain and hit a patch of leaves in a corner that I needed to slow down for hit the brakes they didn't work, went into a skid and just couldn't stop at all slid right off the trail and went right into a tree.

[@wi7482]

Congrats on 1 mil Seth 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@TheBcoolGuy]

That's a good reason to have strong triceps and pecs as a bike rider. I'm sure I have more than enough, but it isn't nothing to do a full range-of-motion dip so quickly. Especially if you're fairly heavy like me. I'm a well-muscled, typically 187-206 lb guy.

[@kubeek]

what if you lose the front wheel when braking into a turn? Time didn´t slow down, I was on the ground instantly and instead of collar bone broke some upper part of arm bone

[@teeropita3208]

Those 5dev cranks in your revel are sick!!🔥

[@andrewsiasparks]

If you're tail heavy you can tap your rear brake and it levels you out. Practice it on a step up

[@TheButlerNZ]

I take it your talking "in the air"... On a motorbike, hitting the brakes (either/both) locks the wheel so the rotational force is ported to the frame, rotating the bike nose down... Hitting the throttle accelerates the rear, lifting the nose (watch pro riders nose diving and often you'll hear them go full throttle attempting to save it)... I hit a big jump on the YZ years back... blipped the throttle mid (level) flight and nearly landed on my back if I hadn't tapped the front brake in time... (Landing with a non rotating front can be a little dicey but as long as the front brake isn't still on... (not that we have throttles on MTB (unless your a lazy EMTBer)

[@Ferrari255GTO]

0:25 i have. I was going down a hill slowly just waiting for my dad, as i was showing him the trail while he was on foot. Then, all out of a sudden the brake lever stops resisting back and it goes limp. The caliper took a piss and i was left to use my rear brake in order to stop. At first i was completely baffled about it, but the realization kinda poped up slowly as i got off the bike, and indeed, the pads, rotor, and left fork leg were completely soaked in mineral oil.

[@matt_vince]

That crank save method.... going to have to practice that one!

[@sstrazzi]

I feel like there's a very common and painful injury you forgot to mention in the pedal slipping segment

[@sebastianjost]

Smashing the pedal into your shin is usually hard to avoid once you're set up for it because it happens so fast. If you slip off the pedal to the front, keep your foot in the front but out of your front wheel. A split second later when the other foot has dropped down, you can move the slipped foot back. If you slip off the pedal towards the back, I don't see how you can avoid some shin injury.

[@BermPeakExpress]

I wish I had advice for when a pedal is about to smack you in the shin, but so far I've got nothing

[@z383tpi]

Magnet on your pedals, steel strip on your shoes, and magnets again, but for your shins. 🤯 The steel strip is for traction, while the two magnets repel each other just before contact. (patent pending) 👀

[@Durwood71]

Mountain bike hickeys.

[@JulianKent]

Socks with shin guards

[@StefanDrake]

I've experienced full breaking power loss and it nearly costed me an eye if i didn't moved my head to the left in that split second... all i got its a scratch on my face and a slam into a tree Good news: im fine Bad news: the tree slam broke my break levers and i had to get new one's -460 bucks out of my wallet cuz i changed them both

[@Sachiel235]

I have a dominant falling side. I've found you often have a choice which side of your body hits the ground and for me I choose to fall on the right side. For that reason I put my phone in my left pocket so that I don't smash it. Another thing is if I'm wearing gloves, I "ski" on my shoes while leaning back and dragging a hand. This makes it less likely that I slam my hip or another part of my body into a rock or something.

[@Advcrazy]

70kph down a chumcky gravel road on a new down country bike I’d just finished building. Both brake levers collapsed into the bars. Holy sh!t that was scary. Tried pumping, tried not braking hoping they’d cool enough. Lucky I just managed to slow enough to make the 90degree corner at the bottom instead of flying off the 4m drop into scrub and rocks below! Yes I’d used old brake fluid. A 1L bottle had literally been opened once to change the fluid in on brake maybe a year before. Lesson learned!

[@lucas_bryz]

Just fractured my metacarpal in a mtb crash, this video is useful to prevent serious injuries such as my own!

[@michaelajlawlor]

Never thought about putting your feet on the cranks! Great tips. Thanks, Seth!

[@evanforst7272]

Got a hole in my brake cable from the stoppers on my dual crown moving and pinching the hose. Super spooky and upgraded to braided lines since

[@stantheman5163]

I´ve crashed countless times, but the worst pain suffered was from crashing at a near standstill on an uphill climb because I landed on a sharp rock which hit my ribcage. I basically just tipped over but the terrain was so too steep to do much and it took me by surprise. Just a story of warning that you don´t have to be going fast to hurt yourself badly.

[@JoshCGorry]

One time on a ride down the local trail, I had an entire crank and pedal fall off my bike. Luckily my breaks were still working so I managed to stop. I later learned from a bike mechanic that a screw had broken and that caused it to fail

[@usaidkhan9782]

needed this video two months back. broke my wrist falling off my bike lol

[@xenon5493]

You know, with a lot of the tips Seth gave about bailing out on dirt jumps, you have to just learn by experience unfortunately. We've all had that one bad wreck that just gets you that "muscle memory" that Seth talked about. Mine was trying to full send a bike with old geometry and 26" wheels down a blue jump line. Confidence got the best of me and I did a full nose dive. I have no idea how I didn't break anything but I broke my helmet and it knocked the wind out of me so hard. I had learned the feeling of going over the handlebars many times throughout my life, but that one wreck really made me understand the hard lessons of how important air control is. You can make a huge difference by just moving your body in the air just a bit. And that margin of error is very small on a 26" wheel. It moves too much as it moves over the terrain.

[@baloghlcb]

Man I don't know why, but I started dying laughing when you said "your taint is all sorts of messed up". 😂

[@FaKlef]

Nice! Im suspended in the air rn, its nice gravity actually let me stop to watch this, thank you, now im not gonna get hurt ;)