BestForCycling News

I still remember the first time I met the Bog of Shame. Picture a stretch of trail that looked harmless—just a 10-meter ribbon of dark earth after spring rain. Ten seconds later my tires were axle-deep and my pride was somewhere under the muck. Since then I’ve logged enough muddy miles to know that the right two moves are all that stand between a clean spin and an impromptu hike-a-bike.Gear & Cadence: Spin, Don’t GrindBefore you even hit the slop, drop into a middle ring (or the small front chainring if you run 1x). Think “coffee grinder” cadence—70 to 80...

Last weekend I took the single-track behind my house—nothing fancy, just a quick ride before dinner. Halfway down, the trail threw its usual tantrum: a 15-cm root snaking across the path like it owned the place, followed by a granite step that could moonlight as a curb. I used to hop off and sheepishly walk past them—until a riding buddy showed me these three quick moves. Now I clear them every time, legs clean, ego intact. Here’s the play-by-play.The Sneak-Up SurgeAbout one full bike length before the obstacle, give the cranks a gentle but deliberate half-stroke. You’re not sprinting; you’re...

That bone-jarring chatter as your wheels bounce between rocks. The numb hands. The tense shoulders. The dread of seeing another technical section ahead. Rough trails don't have to be punishment—they can be your playground. With these four techniques, you'll learn to float over terrain that used to shake you apart, saving energy and gaining control while others are just surviving. 1. Become a Human Suspension SystemStop fighting the bike—become part of it. Keep your elbows and knees unlocked and slightly bent, like shock absorbers. When you hit a rock or root, let your arms and legs compress naturally to absorb...

Your hands grip the brakes. Your heart hammers against your ribs. The trail drops away beneath you like a cliff edge. We’ve all frozen at the top of a descent that looks more like a wall than a path. But descending extreme technical terrain is less about courage and more about physics. Master your body position, and you’ll unlock the confidence to flow down mountainsides you once walked. Here’s how to let go of fear and let gravity work for you. 1. Get Your Weight Back—Way BackThe number one rule: get your butt off the saddle and behind it. Slide...

That sudden hiss, the wobble beneath you, the sinking feeling—every cyclist knows the moment a ride turns sideways. But a flat tire doesn’t have to ruin your day. With the right knowledge and tools, you can get back on the road faster than you ever thought possible. Here’s how to handle a puncture like a seasoned mechanic. 1. Pull Over Safely—No Sudden MovesWhen you feel the tire go, don’t brake hard or swerve. Gently squeeze the brakes, signal clearly to traffic behind you, and coast to a safe, flat spot away from the road. If you have a rear blinker,...