5 MTB Drills That Will Make You A Better Rider!

Here are 5 EASY mountain bike skills to learn. These simple mtb skills can be practiced without bike trails! Practicing beginner bike skills will improve your bike handling skills, and are a quick way improve your mountain biking skills in just a day.

Since this is a beginner friendly MTB skills video, We'll be looking at the most basic mountain bike skills like brake control while descending, how to get better traction on climbs, lifting our front wheel with using our pedals, and lastly lifting our rear wheel without clip-less pedals. Be sure to share these beginner mountain bike tips with your mountain bike friends!

[SkillsWithPhil]

If you haven't already make sure you click the bell icon to get notified every time I post a new video! This year my aim is to post a new video every Monday morning!

[tomw]

“While the technique may differ the technique will stay the same “
Skills with Phil

[pwdtr]

Abraham Lincoln was a really good mountain biker

[bkxc]

I’m surprised how many people are constantly skidding on the steep stuff! Plenty of power in that front brake, just gotta feel it out.

[mr.potatohead]

U should practice skids on Seth's lawn!!😆

[patrolshreddin]

Thanks for taking the time to make these videos, with your busy school schedule. Between yourself, Seth and Alex I was convinced to build a DJ just to work on my skills. Thanks Phil, just know it’s appreciated.

[WorldwideCyclery]

Great tips and really good job explaining the drills in an easy to understand way!

[mitchwarren]

I’m really a fan of short videos! There is a lot of indulgent mtb footage out there ! And one can lose contact with the outside world watching it. 🤘

[YaronYogev]

Hi Phil, thanks for this great video, I really enjoyed it and some of the skidding stuff I'll certainly try.
As for the pedal assisted front wheel lift, I have come to know this technique as "pedal kick", and use it to climb rock steps on trails, combined with other techniques to complete the climb. It involves the following:
1) It's easier if you start seated
2) Use low gear, but tune it so you get back wheel traction after your rear wheel climbs the step.
3) Advance slowly till you are close to the step, but far enough so that you can lift the front wheel over it, or at least part of it's height if it's not a straight up step.
4) Pedal with your strong foot, starting at the "12 Oclock" position so you start applying pressure right as you start the movement and use the full range of the down movement.
5) After your front wheel is on the top, move your weight up and forward to let the rear wheel climb the step.
6) Once you have the rear wheel up, either pedal to start moving and/or push forward on the handlebar.

See this short example of my wife using this technique:
I have a whole folder of videos from the same session showing both success and failure on this element. Watching it in slow-motion is a great way to understand the technique.

[remzuko]

Phil thank you these skills are helping me conquer trails I never thought I could be able to ride. I have already seen improvements in my riding I am 13 and one 5 weeks into mountain biking thanks for all the help and great channel

[stevenlane]

Thanks for the training, Phil. I just got my first mountain bike and am learning new skills after 50+ years of riding road bikes. Hope this old guy doesn't get hurt, even though I have a few times on the roads, but this time it won't be cars or trucks doing the hurting. Hehehe.

[brycebegin]

I used all of these at gunstock m.t. And worked like magic made the ride so much more fun and enjoyable

[TwitchyNick]

Great ideas for me to practice. Particularly finding that sweet spot of descending without skidding. Love that you can do these right around your house.

[themarccox]

Another level up on the quality. You're crushing it lately. Great stuff as always, thanks.

[peterkortvel]

Wow the special effect of going over bars was amazing!!!

[zacharyhainline]

Damn I think this is the most professional video on mtbing on the internet! Great job!! You should try to get a colorado trip in sometime! I’d love to see you on the trails out here, plus we don’t see Evils that often...

[TheMoreWeExplore]

These are some of the best and most important skill drills ive seen. Great work phil.

[Sycoholic]

Great stuff!!! I'm in Kuwait and not home in Asheville so I've been doing some of these already to hone my skills for when I get home.

[dwightbuck]

He’s back All is right with MTB world again thank you Phil I appreciate your time to help me get better

[glenncain]

i think phil skillz videos has evolved. and the points aim at some very fundamental but easily missed technique or details for seemingly obvious skill sets. a very good piece for the new and experienced