How To Ride A MTB Over Rocks

Rocks are one of the most exciting and variable challenges when it comes to riding across MTB terrain. Rocks are exciting, they are a feature of most trails - but their variation means that there is so much practice to do on them. Rocks on a trail can mean anything, from a solitary stone right across to outcrops of rocks and tables of rocks, such as granite. Rocks can also be incredibly intimidating when you see them out on the trails, and riding over them can be a pretty big challenge - leaving you feeling very shaken up! Riding over rocks is not only a test of your grit & confidence when out on the trails, but also your physical ability to negotiate them.

Setting Up MTB For Rocks

Setting up your mountain bike for use on trails with rocky sections is not too difficult. The starting point is to give all moving parts and bearings on your bike a thorough check over - riding rocks can place masses of stress on your bike and its components, so it’s well worthwhile taking some time to check the bike over.

The next thing to consider when optimising your MTB for rocks is tyre choice & tyre pressure choice. A wide profile tyre gives more control, and can be run with a lower tyre pressure with less risk of pinch punctures. A narrower tyre, which has a lower volume, runs a greater risk of punctures on rocks. Tubeless tyres here offer a clear advantage. It’s important not to run tyre pressures too low - which risks damage to rims and wheels.

Drivetrain is also another high stress area which can suffer when riding rocks. Chain guides are a good investment for anyone riding rocks, as are clutch mechs, which all help chains stay in place.

If your MTB does not have a dropper seatpost, it’s worth investing in one. The bigger the rock you ride over, the greater the impact on the bike and the greater the clearance you will need between your body and your saddle. A saddle which is set too high, makes riding over rocks incredibly difficult.

Brake lever position can also be changed to improve rock climbing performance. Angling brake levers up is advantageous, as when riding it encourages the rider to push mass down through the bike, assisting stability and improving handling.

Ensure that mountain bike bar grips have plenty of life left in them, allowing you to avoid death gripping the bars over tricky terrain.

MTB Pedals On Rocky Trails

The pedals are two incredibly important contact points with the bike. If you are using clipless pedals, ensure that the cleats are well maintained. It’s not a good idea to put feet down when riding over rocks, with a high chance of a sprained ankle.

Similarly when using a flat pedal, inspect the pins to ensure that they provide grip - and also wear a flat soled MTB shoe. The goal here is to keep your feet firmly on the pedals, as above - there is a risk of injury when putting feet down on such unstable areas.

Rocky Trails MTB Suspension

Suspension is the beating heart of a full suspension mountain bike, and rocky terrain is where your suspension needs to earn its keep. Riding over rocks, your suspension should not be firing back at you with too much aggression, nor should it be so soft that it bottoms out too often. Adjust and find what works best for you and your bike.

Rock Riding MTB Skills

You now have your bike set up and optimized for riding rocks. Advice for riding over rocks is much the same as a lot of other mountain bike advice, first and foremost - do not become fixated on the rock itself. Focus on the exit point of the obstacle and beyond - allowing you to look down the trail, drive energy through the bike, lifting the front wheel and getting over the rock and onto the next section. This does take some practice, and ensure that you focus on sorting out your line, before you hit the obstacle.

One of the biggest psychological challenges of riding over rocks, is the unknown step off on the other side of the exit point. Try not to become too fixated on this, and take the same action you would with any step off - as riding off a step off always requires the same actions.

Rock Riding MTB Psychology

One of the most important things when riding over rocks, is maintaining commitment and confidence. We have mentioned above how zoning in on rocks, draws your attention into the immediate, not the future and also can create nervousness. When focusing too much on the rock section, it’s common to hold your breath and become tense, which ruins not only riding performance but also riding enjoyment.

Stick to the basics, practice and enjoy!