Master the Slide: How to Use Skids on MTB Trails (and Avoid Common Mistakes)

Skidding your back tire on mountain bike trails might seem reckless, but when done correctly, it’s a valuable skill that can help you navigate tight corners, control your speed on loose terrain, and even come to a stop in tricky situations.

However, mastering the skid requires finesse and an understanding of when (and when not) to use it. Remember, skidding is fun but it damages the trails. This guide equips you with the knowledge to skid with confidence and avoid common mistakes that could lead to a wipeout.

Why Skid? The Benefits of Mastering the Slide

Skidding is more than just a flashy move; it’s a valuable skill for any mountain biker. Here’s why you should master the art of the skid:

Conquer Tight Corners: Skidding allows you to control your rear wheel’s drift, making it easier to navigate sharp corners and switchbacks with precision. By mastering this technique, you can tackle tight turns more effectively. Personally, I often use a Scandinavian flick to get through tight corners faster and with more style. Check out our guide on how to do a Scandinavian flick on MTB here.

Slow Down on Loose Terrain: On loose surfaces like gravel or dirt, skidding can be a more effective way to slow down compared to braking, which can cause you to lose traction. Using the skid technique, you can maintain better control and stability when descending on loose or unstable terrain.

Save Yourself from a Wipeout: In situations where you enter a corner too fast or encounter unexpected obstacles, a controlled skid can help you regain control and avoid a crash. This skill acts as a safety mechanism, allowing you to adjust your speed and direction quickly to prevent accidents.

Mastering the skid technique enhances your mountain biking skills, giving you better control, agility, and confidence on the trails. Remember to practice responsibly, using skidding to improve your riding while minimizing trail damage. Enjoy the ride and keep pushing your limits!

Skid School: Mastering the Technique

Body Position:

Stand up on your pedals with your knees and elbows slightly bent. This allows you to absorb shocks and maintain balance.

Modulate Your Brakes:

The key to a controlled skid lies in applying the rear brake progressively. Don’t slam on the brakes; instead, gradually increase pressure until your rear wheel locks.

Feel the Slide:

As your rear wheel locks, you’ll feel the bike begin to drift. Maintain a light grip on the handlebars and allow the bike to slide predictably.

Feather the Brake when skidding:

Once the skid is initiated, don’t lock the brake completely. Locked back wheel tends to gain more speed while skidding down hill. Play with the pressure slightly to maintain control and modulate the slide as needed.

Steering Through the Skid:

Believe it or not, you can still steer while skidding! By shifting your weight slightly, you can influence the direction of the slide. Steer with your handlebars to control the direction of the skid will follow next. Keep your eyes focused on where you want to go. Ok

Release the Brake:

Gradually release the rear brake to end the skid and regain traction.

Re-center Your Weight:

Shift your weight back to a neutral position to continue riding smoothly.

Tips for Mastering the Skid

Start Slow: Begin practicing at lower speeds to get a feel for the skid. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Starting slow allows you to learn the mechanics of skidding in a controlled manner, reducing the risk of losing control.

Practice on Various Surfaces: Try skidding on different trail surfaces to understand how your bike reacts. Loose gravel and dirt are ideal for beginners. Different surfaces offer varying levels of traction, helping you adapt your technique to diverse trail conditions.

Use the Right Tire Pressure: Slightly lower tire pressure can improve traction and make skidding easier to control. Lower tire pressure increases the contact patch with the ground, enhancing grip and stability during skids.

Maintain a Relaxed Grip: Keep a firm but relaxed grip on the handlebars. Tensing up can make it harder to control the bike. A relaxed grip allows for smoother control and better responsiveness, which is crucial for managing skids effectively.

Common Skidding Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)

Locking Up the Front Brake:

• Mistake: Braking with the front wheel while skidding can cause you to lose control and potentially flip over the handlebars.
• Fix: Rely solely on the rear brake for skid control. Keep your front brake modulation smooth and avoid locking it up.

Skidding on Every Corner:

• Mistake: Using skidding as your go-to technique for every turn is not only inefficient but also causes unnecessary trail damage.
• Fix: Use skidding sparingly. Focus on proper body positioning and weight distribution for smooth cornering. On loose terrain, try “feathering” the brakes—applying short, light pulses—for better control.

Skidding into a Berm:

• Mistake: Skidding on a berm can cause you to lose momentum and speed, reducing the effectiveness of the berm.
• Fix: Lean into berms and allow your tires to grip the surface. Maintain a smooth, controlled line through the turn without skidding.

Too Much Speed:

• Mistake: Attempting to skid at high speeds, especially as a beginner, can lead to loss of control.
• Fix: Practice skidding at moderate speeds until you build confidence. Gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable with the technique.

By avoiding these common mistakes and practicing responsible skidding, you’ll not only enhance your control and agility on the trails but also help preserve them for other riders.

Bonus Tip: Fun Practice Makes Perfect!

If you want to do a super long skid, you want to shift your weight all over the front, get that back wheel light enough so it just skips along and skids forever. To stop, just put your weight all the way back, heels down and get that back wheel as much grip as possible.

Mastering the skid technique can add an exciting element to your mountain biking skills. It’s not just about looking cool on the trail; it’s also about gaining better control and improving your riding agility. I hope this guide has helped you enhance your skidding technique and overall riding confidence.

While skidding can be a valuable skill, it’s important to be a responsible rider and minimize trail damage. Skid sparingly and only when necessary for control. On loose terrain, consider “feathering” your brakes—applying short, light pulses—to maintain control without excessive skidding. Remember, smooth riding and proper body positioning are often the best ways to navigate technical sections while preserving the trails for everyone to enjoy.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your experiences with skidding on MTB trails. How long did it take you to master the technique? What tips and tricks have worked for you? Do you have any fun ways to practice skidding with friends? Leave a comment below and join the conversation!

Now, gear up and hit the trails to put your new skills to the test. Happy riding!