MTB Skills with Stefan Herrmann

Ergon Factory Rider
  • Name: Stefan Herrmann
  • Birth: 13.02.1964
  • Place of residence: Munich, Germany

Stefan Herrmann – The Guru of MTB Skills

Stefan is best known as an experienced MTB Skills Coach in Germany! With 20 years of experience, it’s hard to find anyone else with this much knowledge. For this very reason, we teamed up with Stefan to offer up a few exercises to practice.

Lesson #1: Basic Positioning

The correct position on the bike is essential. Each mountain biker should be able to achieve the basic position, which further prepares the rider for more complex positions and bike handling.

  • First StepMake sure the legs are straight and the body is central over your bike. Knees and elbows are slightly bent.
  • Second StepThe elbows are bent outwards, so you always have full control over the handlebar.
  • Third StepA single finger on each brake lever makes for quick and easy braking control.

Video Instructions

Play Video

Lesson #2: Cornering Technique

A clean cornering technique is key for carrying speed through the trail. In order to learn the complex movements needed, a flat surface like a parking lot, is best for quick and easy learning.

  • First StepHead up and look forward so that you can perfectly read the trail, as well as the entrance and the exit of the corner.
  • Second StepKeep your weight centered over your bike, that way you always have the perfect balance between the front and rear wheel.
  • Third StepKeep your arms bent in the approach until you need to extend the inner arm in the corner to lean the bike into the corner.

Video Instructions

Play Video

Lesson #3: Bunny Hop

The Bunny Hop is not only fun and easy, but also needed to overcome obstacles on the trail. It is also the perfect exercise for more complex moves needed on or near the trail.

  • First StepShift your body weight to the back of the bike to refrain from using too much overall body effort.
  • Second StepAfter shifting your body weight back, transfer your body weight to the front, to lift the backwheel up.
  • Third StepNo one is born a master, so practice the bunny hop as often as you can.

Video Instructions

Play Video

Lesson #4: Pumping

Accelerate without pedaling. That sounds interesting! Often it makes sense to pump the bike rather than to pedal. In some cases pedaling usually brings unrest into our overall riding structure.

  • First StepPractice regularly on a Pump Track. These tracks have bumps and corners, which make them perfect for training.
  • Second StepMake sure you use the whole movement of your legs. While you are rolling the bump, bend your legs and after passing the highest point, extend your legs completely while you are rolling down.
  • Third StepUse the terrain and practice pumping at any time. Pumping is an essential tool to get flow and rhythm when you cannot accelerate by pedaling.

Video Instructions

Play Video
Stefan’s most important equipment, the camper and his Canyon Strive. If you want to know more about Stefan and his MTB skill trainings, visit his website.