Play with the trail: 7 MTB riding technique manoeuvres with Korbi Engstler

Not all trail riding is the same: We all have that one friend that you love to chase - because he plays with the trail instead of just bluntly racing down it at speed.

Korbi Engstler from the Allgäu is just such a man. He reads the trail like no other and discovers a whole host of features that you can play with creatively.

Here, Korbi shows you seven MTB riding technique manoeuvres that you too can use on your trail rides according to the motto: "Play with the trail!".

1. entry luck

Getting onto the trail in style? This is how it works.

With sensitivity, please!

Start too slowly (medium gear). The strong foot is on top. Initiate the wheelie impulse just before entering the trail. To do this, go from front to back, at the top. Support your arms. A powerful (half) turn of the cranks helps as an initial kick-off.

Diving gear

Your centre of gravity now shifts from the back to the front. Your hips swing towards the stem. The result: you dive into the trail. You can tilt the handlebars for more style.

2. jump search

So-called transfers sweeten the trail descents - but you need an eye for them.

You have to read the trail. Look for small jump edges and slopes as landing hills. Because you can only land reasonably smoothly on slopes. Once you have trained your eye to find such edges and slopes, you want to jump from one edge to the next - just like on the pump track. The be-all and end-all for this is a powerful bunny hop, because that's what you need to jump from A to B. Important: The jump must not be too short and steep, otherwise it will kick.

3. nose poke

The "Nose-Tap" demonstrates body control and a good sense of timing. Oh yes, it's fun too, of course.

Sight the target

The manoeuvre works at any speed - at the beginning you should try it at low speed. Sight the obstacle as you approach it. This could be a stone, a tree stump or a mound of earth - it doesn't matter.

Impulse

Now it's all about timing. Start with a bunny hop. This means: release the tension by shifting your centre of gravity from low to high at the back. The result: the front wheel lifts off. Your eyes continue to focus on the stone.

Quick eye

Now you just have to hit it. This requires a lightning-fast reaction. The rear takes off and you actively push the front towards the stone before it whizzes past you.

Nudge hit!

The front tyre only touches the stone for a fraction of a second, because you are already pushing off again. This is the only way to get back on track. One movement: Stubs!

Push away

The push-off is successful. Both wheels are in the air and fly back into the lane. Ideally, land with both wheels at the same time. You can practise this manoeuvre anywhere - even in the car park. Basically, you don't even need an elevation to practise the manoeuvre.

4. stylistic confidence

The manoeuvre is called Euro-Tabletop and gives you lots of style and fun.

The secret of the Euro-Tabletop is a powerful bunny hop. Because you can only rock your bike to the side like this with an air stand. Therefore: Firstly, work on your bunny hop. Once you've got the movement and timing down, you'll have the height you need.

Step 2: The twist in the air. The arms lead the movement, the legs do the work by pushing the outer knee against the frame. This all has to happen at lightning speed, especially with mini-drops like this one - because the landing approaches in an instant and the bike has to be straightened out in time.

5. tail swing

The idea: to play off the main line. In this case, on a slope where you want to let the tail swing.

Above a certain speed, the manoeuvre only works without the brakes. The back-to-back-to-front movement must then work dynamically to get the tail in the air.

High

Approach the slope with enough momentum. The body's centre of gravity is at the back so that you can come forwards impulsively for the turning point. Important: Look for a spot with good grip where you will place the front wheel.

A lot at once

Position the front wheel, apply the front brake in a controlled manner and move forwards dynamically at the same time. The steering angle and a swing of the hips not only make the rear light, but also swivels to the side. Checkers do this without brakes - as does Korbi, by the way.

On the track

While the rear is still swivelling, release the front brake and steer the bike back onto the main line. Important: During the entire action, your gaze guides the movement. Arms and legs are bent in order to be able to react to bumps.

6. love of curves

Manuals always work! Especially to make bland bends more fun.

Tension ...

Ride into the bend with a lot of pressure on the front wheel. This will give you enough tension that you can release immediately. Only initiate the manual impulse (stretching backwards, upwards) after the apex of the bend. The idea: manual out of the bend.

... unloaded

The stretching is done, the front wheel becomes light. In contrast to a normal manual, you have to take a bend here. The arms (handlebars) guide this movement, while the hips and knees provide support. One finger is always on the brake.

... and around

How long you can ride on the rear wheel depends on your balance. The top priority with the manual: Always keep your arms straight. There is one exception for cornering manuals, see inside arm. This is the only way to make the turn work.

7. edge slider

BMXers and skateboarders do it on railings and the edges of buildings - mountain bikers on the edges of the ground.

Rear down, front up. Why? Because it's fun and requires balance. Instead of simply riding along the gully, you steer your front onto the top line and steer in your direction of travel. The result: the rear wants to follow, but gets stuck on the edge of the ground and slides along the edge.

The body's centre of gravity is in the middle and you balance with the handlebar movement. If you want to end the slide, steer the front back into the channel. Yes, erosion can be an issue here, so pay attention to where you apply the manoeuvre.

You may also be interested in these articles:

• The must-do manoeuvre for Alpine trails - explained by Tom Öhler
• The 7 most important manoeuvres when mountain biking
• Never dismount again during the bunny hop - all variants