Mastering the Scandinavian Flick on MTB

The Scandinavian Flick, also known as a pendulum turn or inertia drift, is a technique borrowed from rally car driving that can be adapted for mountain biking to navigate tight corners and switchbacks with style and precision.

This advanced maneuver involves a quick flick of the bike to one side before rapidly changing direction to the other, helping you maintain speed and control through challenging turns.

What Is a Scandinavian Flick?

The Scandinavian Flick technique involves initially steering the bike in the opposite direction of the corner before swiftly swinging it back into the turn. This maneuver creates a pendulum effect, leveraging the bike’s inertia to pivot around tight corners while maintaining control and speed.

It’s not just practical—it’s exhilarating! The Scandinavian Flick comes in handy on switchbacks, especially on corners with high grip or banking. By skillfully pushing the back wheel into the corner, you can harness its momentum to whip around the other way, enabling you to navigate tricky turns with finesse and speed while looking extremely cool.

Why the Scandi Flick? The Thrill of Control

• Conquer Tight Corners: The Scandi Flick helps you navigate those super tight switchbacks or unexpected turns and plenty of grip where traditional cornering might not cut it.

• Save Yourself from a Wipeout: In a pinch, a controlled Scandi Flick can help you regain control and avoid a crash if you enter a corner too hot.

• Look Like a Pro: Let’s be honest, executing a flawless Scandi Flick is a guaranteed showstopper, leaving your riding buddies in awe of your skills.

Step-by-Step Guide to the Scandinavian Flick

Approach the Turn

• Speed and Position: Approach the turn at a moderate speed. Keep your body centered over the bike, knees slightly bent, and your weight evenly distributed.
• Prepare Mentally: Visualize the maneuver and plan your movements in advance. Confidence is key to executing the flick smoothly.

Initiate the Flick

• Pre-Turn Setup: Just before reaching the corner, quickly flick the bike in the opposite direction of the turn. For a right-hand turn, flick the bike to the left, and vice versa.
• Weight Shift: As you flick the bike, shift your weight slightly to the side you’re flicking towards. This will help initiate the pendulum effect.

Transition to the Turn

• Quick Reversal: Immediately after the initial flick, rapidly turn the handlebars and shift your weight back towards the direction of the turn. This quick transition is crucial for maintaining control.
• Lean and Commit: Lean your body into the turn and commit to the direction change. Keep your eyes focused on the exit of the turn to guide your line.

Navigate the Turn

• Maintain Control: Use your body weight and bike handling skills to maintain balance and control through the turn. Stay relaxed and fluid to allow the bike to pivot smoothly.
• Pedal Through: Once you’re through the apex of the turn, pedal to maintain momentum and drive out of the corner.

Tips for a Successful Scandinavian Flick

• Start Slow: Begin practicing the Scandinavian Flick at lower speeds to build confidence and control. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.
• Use Your Hips: Your hips play a vital role in guiding the bike through the flick. Focus on using your hips to initiate and control the pendulum motion, ensuring smooth and precise movements.
• Stay Relaxed: Tension can hinder your ability to control the bike. Keep your body relaxed and fluid throughout the maneuver to maintain better balance and control.
• Visualize the Line: Before attempting the flick, visualize the entire movement and line through the turn. This mental preparation can enhance your execution and help you anticipate the bike’s movements.
• Practice on Safe Terrain: Find a safe, open area with gentle turns to practice the Scandinavian Flick before trying it on more challenging trails. Always choose your practice location carefully. Skidding on other people’s trails can cause damage and is often frowned upon, so be mindful and respectful of the trail conditions.

Common Mistakes in Scandi Flick and How to Fix Them

Overcommitting the Flick

• Mistake: Flicking the bike too aggressively, leading to loss of control.
• Fix: Focus on a smooth, controlled flick. Gradually build up the intensity as you become more comfortable with the maneuver.

Poor Weight Distribution

• Mistake: Not shifting your weight correctly, causing imbalance and instability.
• Fix: Practice shifting your weight in sync with the flick and turn. Use your hips to guide the bike’s movement, ensuring a balanced and stable ride.

Late Transition [h3]

• Mistake: Delaying the transition from the initial flick to the turn, resulting in a sluggish response.
• Fix: Work on timing the transition quickly and smoothly. Practice the maneuver in slow motion to perfect the timing and ensure a seamless transition.

Stiff Body Position

• Mistake: Keeping your body too stiff, which reduces your ability to control the bike.
• Fix: Stay relaxed and fluid. Focus on maintaining a flexible body position to absorb and react to the bike’s movements effectively.

Looking Down

• Mistake: Focusing on the front wheel instead of the exit of the turn.
• Fix: Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. This helps maintain a stable body position and better balance throughout the flick.

Coming in Too Slow

• Mistake: Approaching the maneuver too slowly, which prevents the rear wheel from skidding properly.
• Fix: Enter with enough speed to allow the rear wheel to break loose and slide. This speed helps maintain momentum through the flick.

Hopping When Initiating the Skid

• Mistake: Hopping the back wheel while initiating the skid, which can cause you to stop abruptly and lose balance.
• Fix: Keep the rear wheel grounded during the skid. Focus on sliding the wheel smoothly without lifting it off the ground.

Initiating the Scandi Flick Too Late

• Mistake: Starting the skid too late, leading to potential collisions with obstacles like trees.
• Fix: Initiate the flick early enough to complete the maneuver before encountering any obstacles. This timing ensures a safe and controlled turn.

By addressing these common mistakes and following the fixes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the Scandinavian Flick.

The Scandinavian Flick is an exhilarating and dynamic technique that can significantly elevate your mountain biking skills, enabling you to tackle tight corners with speed and precision.

To get started, find a safe, open area with loose terrain. This will provide enough space to experiment and perfect your technique without any obstacles. Begin at a slow speed and gradually increase the difficulty as you become more comfortable with the maneuver. Patience is key; mastering the Scandinavian Flick takes time and practice, so don’t get discouraged if you don’t perfect it right away.

By following the proper steps, incorporating helpful tips, and avoiding common mistakes, you’ll be well on your way to mastering this impressive maneuver. Embrace the challenge and enjoy the journey. With dedication and consistent practice, you’ll soon be navigating tight corners like a pro, adding an exciting new skill to your mountain biking repertoire.

We want to hear from you! Have you tried the Scandinavian Flick on your MTB? Share your experiences, tips, and any challenges you faced while learning this technique. How long did it take you to get the hang of it? Join the conversation by leaving a comment below, and let’s learn and improve together!

Now get out there, find a safe spot to practice, and start perfecting your Scandinavian Flick. Happy riding!