Gravel biking is an activity that has taken the cycling world by storm. It provides cyclists with an opportunity to explore off-road routes in a new and exciting way. As per Steven Rindner, gravel biking is basically a discipline that largely involves riding a drop-bar bike on unpaved roads and trails. It fits somewhere between road cycling and mountain biking.
Steven Rindner Talks About Basic Bike Handling Skills Needed for Gravel Biking
Gravel biking can be an excellent way to explore nature and escape traffic, while also improving fitness levels. However, before going on their first-ever gravel adventure, one has to hone a few basic bike-handling skills. This includes braking and cornering.
Rather than suddenly applying the brakes, gravel cyclists should gradually apply pressure to each brake until they feel the tires beginning to slow down. This careful approach helps avoid common mistakes. Using too much front brake can cause the front tire to slide, or pitch the cyclist forward over the handlebars. On the other hand, pulling too hard on the rear brake will usually just cause the back tire to skid. Even though this is less risky than front brake errors, it does little to actually slow the bike down, and it can also damage the trail surface. To build confidence and control, cyclists must practice braking as firmly as possible without triggering such problems. Repeating this exercise on a variety of surfaces would allow the cyclists to better understand how grip changes depending on terrain. For instance, gravel, mud, or loose soil provides less traction than hard-packed dirt or pavement. Knowing how much grip exists in different conditions prepares a rider for real-world trails where surfaces often change unexpectedly.
As per Steven Rindner, once a cyclist is comfortable with braking while riding a gravel bike, they must practice letting go of the brakes during descents. Constantly dragging the brakes can make a gravel ride jerky and unstable. On the other hand, controlled releases lead to smoother movement and better flow down the trail. However, if a cyclist is unsure about the right speed for a descent or a corner, slowing down is always the safer choice.
Cornering is another essential skill for gravel riding. Cyclists should always look in the direction they want to go, because the bike naturally follows where the eyes are focused. It also gives the cyclists more time to spot obstacles, such as rocks or tree roots, that might be hidden along the curve. As soon as the exit point of the corner becomes visible, the cyclist must steer smoothly towards it while keeping their gaze focused further down the trail. Looking at obstacles like trees or steep drop-offs should be avoided, as this attention often guides the bike directly toward those hazards. For better stability, the cyclist should push the outside pedal downward and transfer body weight into it. This increases grip, making it easier to lean into the turn with control.
By mastering both braking and cornering techniques, cyclists would be able to develop the balance, awareness, and confidence needed to handle trails safely and efficiently.
