Downhill Techniques for More Control and Speed in Mountain Biking

If you’ve ever watched a seasoned mountain biker bomb down a trail with grace and speed, you know there’s more to downhill riding than simply pointing your bike downhill and hoping for the best. Downhill mountain biking is a blend of skill, balance, and technique—and mastering a few core techniques can help you ride faster and with greater control.

Whether you're racing enduro or just trying to keep up with your crew on steep descents, here are key downhill techniques that will level up your ride.

1. Master Your Body Position

Why it matters: Your body acts as your suspension and balance center. A solid position helps absorb impact and keeps your bike agile under you.

What to do:

• Stay low and centered over the bike.

• Keep your elbows and knees bent—ready to act like suspension.

• Shift your hips back slightly on steeper terrain but avoid hanging off the back entirely.

• Keep your head up and eyes scanning 10–15 feet ahead.

Pro Tip: Practice a neutral "attack position" on flat terrain first, so it becomes second nature when things get fast and rough.

2. Look Where You Want to Go

This might sound obvious, but it’s one of the most underrated techniques. Your bike tends to go where your eyes go. If you fixate on a rock or root, you're more likely to hit it.

What to do:

• Look ahead, not down.

• Scan the trail and pick your lines early.

• Use your peripheral vision to stay aware of obstacles while keeping focus on your exit.

3. Brake Smart, Not Hard

Braking is not about stopping—it’s about controlling your speed.

What to do:

• Brake before corners or obstacles, not during them.

• Modulate your brakes—don’t grab a handful and skid.

• Use more rear brake on steep descents but maintain some front brake for balanced slowing.

• Stay off the brakes in loose, rocky sections if possible—let your bike roll.

Pro Tip: Practice threshold braking (braking just before your wheels lock up) to understand the limits of your tires' grip.

4. Corner with Confidence

Cornering downhill can be intimidating, but it’s also where you can gain serious speed and flow.

What to do:

• Set up wide, look through the turn, and lean the bike—not your body—into the corner.

• Keep your outside foot down and weight through your pedals.

• Apply slight pressure on the inside handlebar to steer.

5. Use Your Suspension

Modern mountain bikes have incredibly capable suspension. Use it!

What to do:

• Stay relaxed to allow your suspension to work.

• Don’t fight the bike—let it move beneath you.

• Learn how your suspension reacts by experimenting with different lines and speeds.

Pro Tip: Set your suspension sag and rebound properly. A poorly tuned setup can make even the best technique feel sketchy.

6. Commit to the Line

Hesitation is the enemy of smooth downhill riding. Once you’ve picked a line, trust your skills and bike.

What to do:

• Ride with intent—speed can often make a trail easier as momentum carries you through rough sections.

• Avoid last-minute changes unless absolutely necessary.

7. Practice, Practice, Practice

Downhill riding is a learned skill. The more you ride technical descents, the better you’ll get.

What to do:

• Start with trails that challenge you but are within your skill range.

• Repeat sections and analyze what you could do better.

• Ride with faster or more experienced riders to push your limits (safely).

Final Thoughts

Speed and control aren’t opposing forces—they work together. When you ride with proper technique, control becomes instinctual, and speed follows naturally. Downhill mountain biking is one of the most exhilarating aspects of the sport, and with these techniques, you’ll be shredding with confidence in no time.

So get out there, drop the seatpost, and ride that descent like you own it. The trail is calling.

Coach Levi loves helping riders build their downhill skills, so book a lesson today!

Book Here!