How to Take Berms Mountain Biking: Mastering the Art of Cornering

Berms are one of the most exhilarating features on a mountain bike trail. These banked turns allow riders to carry speed, maintain flow, and experience the pure joy of carving through dirt like a pro. But mastering berms takes more than just leaning your bike—it requires precision, technique, and a solid understanding of the fundamentals. Whether you're a beginner looking to build confidence or an experienced rider aiming to refine your skills, this guide will teach you how to take berms mountain biking like a seasoned trail shredder.

Understanding Berms and Why They Matter

Berms are essentially banked turns built into mountain bike trails to help riders maintain momentum. Unlike flat corners, which force you to slow down, berms allow you to carry speed while staying in control. They come in various shapes and sizes—some are tight and steep, while others are long and sweeping. The key to riding them well lies in your approach, body positioning, and line selection.

Body Positioning: The Foundation of Berm Riding

Proper body positioning is crucial when hitting a berm. Here's how to set yourself up for success:

• Stay Low and Centered: Bend your knees and elbows to absorb the terrain and keep your weight balanced over the bike.
• Lean With the Bike: Unlike flat turns where you lean the bike while keeping your body upright, berms require you to lean both your body and bike into the turn.
• Look Ahead: Focus your gaze on the exit of the berm rather than directly in front of your wheel. This helps you maintain a smooth line.

Speed Control: Finding the Sweet Spot

Carrying too much speed into a berm can send you flying off the trail, while going too slow might cause you to lose momentum. The trick is to modulate your speed before entering the turn:

• Brake Before the Berm: Avoid braking mid-turn, as this can cause your tires to lose traction. Instead, scrub speed before you enter.
• Pump for Speed: If the berm is part of a roller or jump line, use your legs to pump through the transition and gain speed.

Line Selection: Choosing the Best Path

Not all lines through a berm are created equal. The ideal path depends on the berm's shape and your riding style:

• High Line vs. Low Line: A high line (closer to the top of the berm) allows for more speed, while a low line (near the base) offers better control.
• Exit Strategy: Plan your exit early to smoothly transition into the next section of the trail.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Even experienced riders can struggle with berms if they fall into bad habits. Here are some common pitfalls:

• Over-Leaning: Leaning too far can cause your tires to slip. Keep your weight balanced.
• Stiffening Up: Stay loose and let the bike move beneath you.
• Poor Tire Pressure: Running tires that are too hard or too soft can affect grip. Adjust based on trail conditions.

Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to improve your berm-riding skills is to practice. Start with smaller berms and gradually work your way up to steeper, faster ones. Pay attention to how your bike responds and adjust your technique accordingly.

Ready to take your mountain biking to the next level? With these tips, you'll be railing berms with confidence and style in no time. Whether you're hitting local trails or tackling a downhill course, mastering berms will make every ride more thrilling and fluid.