How to Track Stand on a Mountain Bike

Standing your bike in one spot gives you time enough to make a quick course decision, or allows the stoplight to change from red to green.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bike Helmets
• Bike Shin Guards
• Biking Gloves
• Mountain Bike Shoes
• Mountain Bikes

1. Stand on your bike.

2. Spin the cranks to horizontal.

3. Turn your handlebars 45 degrees to whichever side feels most comfortable.

4. Adjust your weight so that your chest is far over the handlebars.

5. Twist your body parallel to the turned handlebars.

6. Keep your legs outstretched and solid on the pedals, but not too stiff. The front foot should hold pressure on the forward pedal.

7. Stick your hip out to the opposite side of the turned handlebars.

8. Stay loose ' avoid any stiff or cramped position.

9. Set the brakes with one finger.

10. Make slight adjustments to keep balance.

Tips & Warnings

• "I look at a point five feet ahead where it's calm and focus on something not distracting," says renowned mountain biker Hans Rey.
• You can lean a part of the bike against something to practice, like the front tire against a tree. Or have a friend hold you until you get the positioning down correctly.
• Correct your balance early and continually.
• Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous activity that can result in serious injury or death. We recommend that you seek proper training and equipment before attempting this activity.

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on 11/22/2005 I can stand still and balance by putting my foot on the front wheel when turned 90 degrees. This way you can even let go of the handlebars.

on 11/22/2005 1) As you come to a stop, make sure all of your weight is balanced evenly.
2) When you come to a stop, do it slowly and without jerkiness. Lean heavily on your handlebars so that you have all your control on the front tire (which you can use for balance).
3) Different methods of staying up:
-Twist the front tire from left to right, depending on the way in which the bike starts leaning.
-Use your forks (if you have any) to hop the front tire around.

I find that it is best to stare at your front tire when attempting track-standing, because the front tire gives away every little move that might upset your balance.

on 11/22/2005 If you can do a kangaroo hop, and a track stand, try to do a track stand, then a kangaroo hop and land back in a track stand. Once you've mastered this, try to do multiple kangaroo hops. Expert move - hop sideways. It takes serious skills and is only for professionals, such as myself.

on 11/22/2005 Try to make your adjustments exaggerated to begin with. This makes it a lot easier. Then, later, try to make them smaller.

on 11/22/2005 When I do a stand, I find it a lot less difficult if the bike is facing slightly uphill or against a tiny mound. It makes it a lot easier to roll forward and back, which helps with the stand. Give it a go.