Watch: How to Ride Tight Switchback Turns [Mountain Bike Skills]

The proper technique for switchback turns on a mountain bike may seem counterintuitive: set up on the inside of the turn to give yourself the most room to get around the outside. Watch to see how it works.

One of the scariest parts of mountain biking for new riders is often tight, downhill switchbacks. While most riders can make a simple flat turn on the road, these tight-radius turns on the trail can be tricky to master. The proper technique for these turns offers a counterintuitive solution: setting up on the inside of the turn to give yourself the most room to get around the outside. Confused? Don’t worry, we’ll break it down step-by-step and get you cornering like a pro.