Hey everybody….we are going to be releasing some of the instructional videos on BLIP.TV to give you a sample and to get the word out.  Check out Basics part 1 & 2 right now.  Help us and our supporters out by clicking on the ads (if you’re interested in what they’re saying).  If you like what you see…buy the episode from our store and take it with you on your iPod.

 

Limited Edition Collectors Item

If you decided to skip the DVD movement of the late 90’s and hold out for HD…but are still not ready to upgrade?  

We gottcha covered.  

Back in the day we had VHS Video Tapes made….and we still have a few left. Thought we’d put it out there to see if anybody needs these rare treasures!

For those of you not into Youtube or like a little higher quality video image….check out our Vimeo channel.

http://vimeo.com/westcoaststyle

We’ve been posting a bunch of stuff up there.  Keep an eye out for some exclusive videos only on the Vimeo channel.

Sunshine Coast montage from West Coast Style from Chris Bremer on Vimeo.

Well…now you do.  We started a YOUTUBE Channel about 8 months ago, but of course did nothing very big to promote it.  But we’ve gotten quite a few views on some of the videos.  Especially the ones with Ryan Leech.  You can subscribe to it here…

http://www.youtube.com/user/xtrememountainbiking

In the spirit of our last past on Being Prepared, we are embedding the Responding to Accidents video from our YOUTUBE feed…

Be prepared - carry an emergency First Aid Kit. First Aid kits are designed specifically for mountain bikers with contents selected and tested by paramedics who actively ride the trails.

First Aid training is highly recommended for all mountain bikers. Call your local first aid responder to sign-up for a first aid course in your area.

Suggested First-Aid Contents

Click here to learn more about what you should carry with you on the trail.

 

 

As a developing rider, get your basics dialed. If you can get these three basics to feel like second nature, you will develop your riding prowess quickly.

• Feel solid with maintaining your Neutral Position - placing equal weight over both the front and rear wheels, over all sorts of varying terrain, starting slowly and building up.
• Practice keeping your index finger on your brake lever at all times - you never know when you need your brakes.
• Look ahead to where you want to go.

      

Return To Skill Tips

When negotiating the rough stuff, here is another fundamental element will take you to the next level. As the bike gets bumped around side to side it wants to throw you off balance laterally.

• Open up those knees, and keep them away from the frame, almost “cowboy” style - This allows the bike to move laterally between the legs while keeping the upper body and head stable over the bike. There is an old wives tale that squeezing your knees together and holding the seat will stabilize you, but in fact, this couldn’t be further from the truth.

 

• The arms will also play a role by leaning the bike side to side as necessary (by extending one arm and bending the other).

 

• Remember to keep the front wheel steady and traveling in a moderately straight line (refrain from steering).

 

• The shoulders remain level and centered as the movement comes mostly from the arms.

     

 

If you want to ride with one finger braking, which is
recommended, brake set-up is very important. Below are three
adjustments that will make your one finger braking work for you.

 

• Move the brake lever inboard on the handlebars - This
  means sliding the brake lever on the handlebar towards the stem until
  your index finger rests on the outer part of the lever, just before the
  notch at the end. The outer edge of your hand should be at the end of
  the handlebar. This is the place where you will get the best power for
  minimum effort.
• The next adjustment is called “reach adjustment” and the
  placement of these reach adjusters may differ from brake to brake -
  The typical adjustment is a 1.5 or 2mm allen key slot that sits between
  the brake lever and where the brake attaches to the handlebar. (photo
  insert of shimano brake). By turning the adjuster one way or the other,
  you will notice your brake lever will move closer or further away from
  the handlebar. The best position for your lever is when your index
  finger is resting on the lever and your last knuckle sits directly over
  the lever. Upon pulling the lever, it will initiate braking ­ optimal
  point of threshold is when the index finger is flexed around 90
  degrees.
• The last adjustment is the angle of the brake lever, or up / down
  angle - You want the angle to be approximately 45 degrees to begin
  with and experiment slightly from there. It’s important to have a
  neutral wrist for most of your riding - if it is cocked either way, you
  are increasing your risk of injury. This is why lever angle is so important.

Hi Joan and crew

 

Thanks for your podcasts – they are fantastic! So helpful for the beginner that doesn’t have anyone to show her the basics. Please keep them coming !!

 

Cheers!
Posted on 10/17/06 by Jemma Coleman - Western Australia