How to Conquer Cornering in Mountain Biking: 5 Steps to Confidence and Control

dkmarnold08
Jul 22
2 min read

Unlock smoother, faster turns on every trail

Cornering is where mountain biking gets fun—and a little technical. Nail it, and you'll flow through trails with speed and control. Struggle with it, and you’ll feel like you're constantly fighting your bike. Whether you're tackling tight switchbacks, bermed flow trails, or loose downhill corners, these five steps will help you master your turns and ride with confidence.

1. Look Through the Turn

Your bike goes where your eyes go. This isn't just a cliché—it’s science. By looking ahead to the exit of the corner (not your front wheel or the trail right in front of you), you naturally guide your body and bike into the right line.

✅ Trail Tip: In a tight switchback, look over your shoulder into the turn as early as possible. Your body will begin to follow naturally.

2. Brake Before You Turn

This is the #1 cornering mistake: braking while turning. On loose terrain, that’s a recipe for washing out. Instead, scrub speed before the corner. That way, your tires maintain grip, and you stay balanced through the apex.

✅ Trail Tip: Brake in a straight line before entering the turn. Once you’re leaning, stay off the brakes unless absolutely necessary.

3. Pick the Right Line

Trail corners aren’t always perfect arcs, so line choice is critical. A good cornering line usually:

Enters wide
Cuts in toward the inside apex
Exits wide (but within the trail boundaries)

This helps you carry more speed and avoid surprises like roots or loose gravel.

✅ Trail Tip: In flat turns, avoid the very inside—it’s often the loosest. Look for grippy ground where your tires can bite in.

4. Position Your Body for Balance and Traction

Body positioning is everything. As you lean the bike, shift your weight low and to the outside pedal (which should be down). Keep your chest low, elbows out, and hips slightly back to maintain stability.

✅ Trail Tip: Let the bike lean beneath you while you stay balanced above it. This improves traction and keeps your tires in better contact with the ground.

5. Pump and Accelerate Out

As you reach the exit of the turn and the trail starts to straighten, gently add power with your pedals. If there's a berm, pump through it like a mini jump for free speed. If it's flat or loose, be smoother and more deliberate.

❌ Don’t: Sprint out of a corner while still leaned over—this can cause your rear wheel to spin out.

Bonus: Practice, Then Practice Some More

Find a safe corner—bermed or flat—and practice repeating it. Play with line choices, body positioning, and entry speeds. Each time you do, you’ll build muscle memory and flow.

Final Thoughts

Cornering in mountain biking is a mix of timing, technique, and confidence. With these five steps in your toolkit—look, brake, line, position, and accelerate—you’ll start hitting corners faster, smoother, and with way more fun.