THE MODERN SKILLSET

Typically when you go out riding with a group of friends you all meet up at the bottom of a descent and exchange stories of how you “only just stayed on” through that last technical section. These shared experiences are great fun and are a huge part of why we all ride socially. Inevitably the conversation will turn to technique though, especially if there are a couple of more experienced riders in the group. Although better riders can get down a hill quicker, they might not necessarily be giving the best advice as to how to improve.

This month we’re going to look at some of the tips that used to be more common a few years ago and compare them with more up-to-date advice that is better suited to modern bikes. We’ll look at why our technique has changed over the years, and what it’s allowed us to do as a result. Most importantly, we’ll give you some good reference points to be better equipped to give useful advice in the future.

THE COACH ANDY BARLOW

Before joining Dirt School Andy liked to win things – races like the Scottish XC Champs and the Scottish Downhill Champs. Since 2009,