You two guys are giving probably the best tips in order to develop mtb skills in the entire RUclips. Not only this. You are capable of transferring this knowledge not only on the “technical” way, but also touching the “soul vibe” button. Extremely motivational! Greetings from Spain, in short you will become one reference channel with 100K’s and 100K’s of followers and I will be happy for you, guys!
Didnt realized that Ive been doing that “hinge” position all along which gave me a lot of feeling if better control of my bike. When I just started MTB 4 months ago I was doing the SQUAT and its so tiring... all I was thinking that MTB is not for me. Then on my 5th ride did that hinge position as a last resort and the rests was history, finished a 13mile downhill with comfort and found new succees. Then hearing and seeing that from both of you simply gave me the all out trust on the Hinge... thank you so much.
I wanted to comment and say thank you but Andoni Catalan has hit the nail on the head, great content shared and administered so that no matter where you're from you can relate. If you ever find yourselves in the UK please shout as I'd love to join in a group training session, keep it up, please.
Thank you guys. As a 64 year old learning to mountain bike, your discussions and demonstrations are perfect for someone trying to learn. The well considered explanations build confidence and your whole approach is inspiring. Keep it up! By far, the best out there.
Dudes, this Hinge approach is like the Quantum Mechanics of Mountain Biking! At 56yo, I’m totally feeling the urge to start training again. Thanks a million guys
After two decades of not even owning a bike I am two months into riding again. My riding partner is pretty advanced so I’ve been relying heavily on being a good athlete to keep up on fast trails here in western NC. Luckily I have only come away with superficial injuries knowingly pushing past my skill set. Fast forward to me now watching your videos. All of them have been helpful, but this video is bar none the best you have made as far as my personal opinion goes. After seeing this I went to a local flow track to test. Unknown to me I straight up used the attack position. Even though it felt very awkward, I worked to adapt a hinge. Wow! The difference is incredible. It does feel a bit awkward as most changes in life do so I am going to have to stay committed, but thank you for turning on the light.
I have been riding BMX for 40 years and Mountain bikes for 33 years. I just got my first full suspension bike and it came with a dropper post. So, I am riding with young guys and they keep telling me that I need to drop my post. But, in 95 percent of situations, I just don't see the need so I have not used it. We ride enduro trails and they are dropper crazy. This video helped me to see that they guys I am riding with are doing a lot of squatting and not a lot of hinging. I never read a book or had any teachers telling me to get into attack mode so I think I just learned to bomb hills properly from listening to my body. Super cool video that has helped me put words and labels to stuff and now I guess I do not have to feel bad about not using my dropper seat post.
Thank you for this video! I showed your video about hinging and position at the pump track to my equestrian instructor wife. She said that this is what they do when they take a hunter over a jump. Same thing!
Mr. Lee, It was not necessarily from this video, it was the vid where you showed your warm-up using tension bands, a handlebar, and a Jeep. I too used the "Attack Position" (learned from years of racing MV), but it was truly overwhelming to my 62-year-old body. However, in your vid, I learned that Using the "Hinge" and the rowing techniques, not only helped my riding, it has given me my life back. I know that I was squatting, as my lower back, hips, quads, knees, and even my ankles/top of my feet hurt, and I could not even recover at night, as I would just toss and turn, rolling over in constant pain. Seriously in less than two weeks' time of adding your warm-up and "Hinge" stretching routine to my morning wake-up routine, even before coffee, I will not say that I am completely pain-free, but the pain is a good 85-90 % dissipated. Plus doing this before a blast down the hilly trails in Tagatay, Luzan, Philippines has prepared me to ride more relaxed, more fluid, and more in control, than I ever have. It has also helped in my road biking as well. Thank you for saving my life, and adding years to not only my riding, but I bet also my overall health and my life span.
So smart man. This ONE THING transformed my riding. But I had to do the movements A LOT to make them automatic. Making the movements in a parking lot is the ONLY way I can ever make them on the bike.
I love that the explanations make sense. The more I watch MTB videos, the more that I realize there's a lot of erroneous information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks!! It’s a bit like dance or martial arts. Different styles and different schools of thought. And then different levels of ability that unlock new possibilities. So there are many “right” ways to do things. Keep shredding and smiling!!!
I think I owe you a % of the money that I didn't spend on hospital bills yesterday! I'm new to mountain biking (but not riding), so watched this in the morning and then did some descending for the first time yesterday afternoon - almost all of it rocky. No crashes but plenty of close calls, all avoided because of this post. I know I would have been in a natural 'attack' position, been tight, hit something and not been able to absorb it and gone arse over tit (into more rocks!). I'm going to buy some merch to say 'thanks!'!
Totally blown away by Lee's tutoring, the government should prescribe him for mental wellbeing remedy, love him and your channel, I'm 42 and looking to get back in the saddle an "Stoke" that fire again, lost an eye to cancer since I last rode my bike, but luckily I've got another, 👍😁✌️🤙.. UK fan🇬🇧
Yain't lyin'; it absolutely works. I ride moto as well & it transfers 100%. A guy has to let the bike move beneath you to a certain extent. Riding loose usually coincides w/riding well. Good video 👍🏻
To give you a gauge of how impactful this is, allow me... I retire in 5 years from the grind of police work (I know, not a great profession to admit being a part of and hopefully I don’t come off as being tone deaf during these times) and all its stressors. My goal in retirement is to... PLAY! And I want to ride my mtb every day, all day! This video today has completely revolutionized my understanding of what is needed where fundamentals are concerned. You have helped shape my retirement by giving me a positive relationship from body to bike, and bike to body in a way I can understand, and thusly keep ‘playing’ AND progressing throughout my retirement! Many many thanks!
There are good cops and there are bad cops. If you're a decent police then you should be proud. You sound like a decent person. Without good police we would be screwed! Ride on mate 🤙
Man, I love the synergy your collaboration is creating. This is very, very cool stuff. Some of the best, IMO. Another thing I really dig: Lee's ability to admit: "F-ck. I had it wrong.", and start teaching differently. That takes courage. Keep up the great work, you guys. Really inspiring stuff.
Great video! Hello from NJ. As you get older your focus on riding is not getting hurt while your shredding down a down hill and hit a jump. When your a kid you have no fear of anything. I was 12yrs old and I jump everything and just had fun. As life takes you for a ride I’m 53yrs old now and I am getting back into it. “ Wished I never stopped” These videos that Alex and Lee put together gives me a better understanding on what I should be feeling and how the bike reacts when riding. Looking forward to trying this skills when the weather gets warmer. Thanks!
ive been training a routine (search 12 min foundation) to fix my back. surfing background, 30 years old, and always get that niggle in the back. Then this month ive stumbled across mtb while im here in tasmania, rode derby for 3 days progressing on the second trip and im next level hooked. Immediately after riding, all back pain seems way less severe. This is one of those moments where im like a huh, mtb is foundation training!! i need to keep mountain biking! thanks for ya vids you go alright for old boys!!!
That pedal/platform contraption at 4:30 should be mandatory at every bike shop for sizing bikes and also for teaching new riders. I've got some scrap wood in the garage so i guess that's my next project!
I think the Hinge is the most understood body position in Mountain Biking. One can get get rather far on a bike without every hinging.. when stuff gets gnarly, steeper, faster, the Hinge is the secret to riding anything.. Plus it transfers to understanding pumping, cornering and jumping.
And kudos to Lee for having the courage and integrity to discard the outdated techniques he was previously wedded to and embrace new and better ways of riding. Takes a special kind of coach to do that.
I started racing BMX and street riding in 1982, I never learned the attack position. I’m so glad I didn’t. I started mtb riding in the late 80s and took what I learned from bmx and put it into my riding. Making a hinge and letting the bike move came naturally. After watching this video I am going to work more to get my stance over the pedals a little better so I don’t over work my knees. Thanks for the guidance.
That explains why my legs hurt so much even in a short trail. Also why I'm struggling on trails. I'm a just a beginner with an xc bike. Thank you very much. This also explains what you said in your other video about bike fit that we should not put weight in the handlebar "The Arc of the Covenant". That the trend of long reach bikes and lean towards the handle bar and put the weight to it is wrong. I took a look back in some of your videos and you're always talking about hinge. I didn't pay much attention of that before because I thought I've already been doing the hinge but I'm doing squat instead and applying weight to the handle bar. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. You shared so much info in your videos. This is LIFE CHANGING. So excited to try this hinge on a bike tomorrow. THANK YOUUU VERRRRY MUUUCCCHH. Greetings from Philippines 👊
Man I just discovered the hinge a few months ago and it es awesome. Just like you showed, it took the pressure off my quads and lower back and transferred that tension into my hamstrings. I can ride longer and faster with little effort. The other trick I learned is unlocking your hips by reverse arching your back slightly. Think up pointing your butt up. This allows easy counterbalancing on turns because you can swing your butt out and point your hips in the direction of the turn. It’s a game changer!!!
Def thumbs up for this one - as probably your typical 40-something that used to ride a ton as a kid up until his late 20s without really having a clue, then taking nearly a decade off, and now getting back into this true passion but trying to actually learn about what I'm doing, this is so great. Looking forward to more!
@@JoyOfBike An experiment I may try in finding the balance.... some simple down hill features... right hand only (NZ right front brake) with the left basically at fingertip ready for stupid Idea rescue.... in 'theory'.. if I'm balanced, my mas should stay centred and the bike will pivot by itself... In Reality... I don't like eating dirt.. so caution will b my wingman.
@@TheButlerNZ You got gusto!!! Okay alternate idea that's less dramatic but safer. probably too boring. : ) I find if i just wiggle my fingers I know I don't have too much pressure on my hands.
@@JoyOfBike I gave it a try today on a local track. found holding my hands open with just my thumb, brake and little fingers holding the bars... It's surprising on a rough but consistent grade, how little you need to actually grip the handle bars... Disclaimer, I'm not a great rider, but have been riding bikes/motorbikes since the 80's so once I actually turn brain ON and think about what I'm doing (rather than relying on instinct) my reflexes are fairly reliable at allowing me to play a little... I was also working on the Hinge over aggressive stance, Legs survived today. Stamina didn't... I found out I'm like an expensive car.... When things get tough.. I shut down to a limp home mode that seems to go on forever at a REALLY slow pace.
Thank you very much! I am 44 years old, I am from Russia and I am trying to learn how to ride a bike safely. I have reviewed a lot of videos, but they are all for young people, for brave and very strong people who can risk their health. But I found a few clues from you that no one told me. Thank you again!
The comments reflect Joy...so cool to witness this evolution...Super happy to watch this video and hear “Lee’s Story” once again, so many answers come to us in the dream state, Like Nicola TESLA, it happens to me when I need to repair something, so its relatable for those that are passionate about something. This really is “The Base” riding the bike is very much like a musical instrument, it takes so much dedication, and practice “reps” to maintain your timing and stamina, the hinge was a Massive epiphany that has completely transformed the way we play the bicycle. The hing keeps us all riding safer with way more confidence...especially descending fast, over rocky terrain-Right! Alex and Lee, the Dream Team 🙏 Tomorrow we ride & Have Joy!
In a phrase: flow not fight. It’s was a similar aha-moment for my white water canoeing & skiing. It’s like finding the softest balance position for each situation the terrain throws at you. Great explanation, clear & adoptable.
Guys, more gold. Like your riding drops video this takes the classic sacred cow teaching method we we’re all rigidly taught and progresses and elevates it to the real truth. You CAN ride anything when you’re riding properly. Once you get that, your confidence soars and you are set free. I love you guys! Keep it up.
THE HINGE (tm) is probably the most important thing I re-learned regarding bike-skills in the last 25 years. I did a few bike handling camps with good riders teaching, but none of them understood (or could convey) what that "magic" position is that makes the best pro's so good. Since I apply THE HINGE (tm) to my riding, I have become a much better and safer rider - and all of this at age 52...So you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks!
I am a 50 year old cross country guy and this stuff is so great. I really cannot express how excited thinking I can learn to ride so much better without busting my body up makes me. THANK YOU and I am gonna try some of your tips on my first trip to Spider Mountain this weekend!!!!
I know about it and have felt it happen on and off but I have never heard someone explain it so simply and effectively. Seeing the bike hinging on the stand just made it so clear. I'm going to do that first thing tomorrow. Thank you.
Great content in all of your vids, but this is probably the best one you've guys have made. Lee is so honest and humble. I love it and appreciate you guys!
Used to be able to do pretty high hops with my dirt jumper, but had a hiatus of 8 years. Came back and hops were extremely hard. Then I found this channel and the hinge position. Binge watched a lot of videos the past week. Went out for a bike ride yesterday; instant half meter hops and learned to do a 180 jump after 3-4 tries. Wtf?
As a 40 something year old life long MTB rider these videos are gold! They are a cross between a moment of zen and also deep consciousness and understanding of body position! I wish I had discovered these before my crash this summer that took me out of riding for 3 months!
Awesome! Saw it, tried it, came back 2 hours later than normal because I was not stressing the quads anymore! Thanks for freeing the soul away from the attack position!
Alex and Lee... I've just discovered your channel and really enjoy the whole spirit of the way you present riding tips and ergonomics of today's bikes... I used to ride hard in my 20's with nothing more than my trusted Gary Fisher and energy-bars, then life happened (with a family and a ton of responsibilities) and I lost track of the things I enjoyed doing most... Now I'm getting back into riding absolutely amazed modern geometry bikes and the changes in the industry... Your channel is really down to earth, helping me to improve my riding and understand how to make my bike more comfortable... Watching your videos really feels like hanging out the guys and talking bike! Thank you for what you do!
I start every day with drink of water and then a hip hinge routine. Starting from standing upright, I place my feet as if they were on level pedals, I hinge to about 1/5 of my maximum, then go back to upright, then hinge to 2/5, etc. When I get to a fully deep hinge, I reverse the process until I'm upright again. When that is done, I switch feet and repeat the progression. I find that doing the hinges slowly is very helpful. I concentrate on initiating all movement with a horizontal movement of my butt. It is tempting to simply bend my back forward to go down and lift my back to return to upright, but the magic of the hip hinge is in pulling the butt back to go down to low hinge and pushing the butt forward to go back up to high hinge. The awareness that I have developed with this daily, short routine has help my riding a lot. I also notice that I'm hip-hinging in my non-riding activities, instead of bending my back.
Dude!! I watched this and while I was walking out to the gate, looked down at my knees. They stayed between being over my ankles to over my toes. Maintaining the IToA. Like, whoa! ;)
I have the book and have learn so much but after watching this it’s a lot easier to to duplicate , it has made this rookie rider so much better and confident , thank you so much !!
Amazing tutorial! Now I finally understand why Loic Bruni, Laurie Greenland and many more top class mtb professionals have basically same posture. Before this video I do not have exact concept about what the core body movement of mtb is. I am sure you guys give revolutionary impact to my mtb life. Thanks!
2:22 nice very nice. 8:07 thank you sooo much to you and this RUclips C were I get so much info. all I need's a helmet and gloves, what am I saying? I need a job to go like crazy and learn my MTB stuff.
I am 68 now, been cycling 35 years. First MTB 1987 I came straight out of Motorcycle Trials, but found it hard to apply it to my MTB. Seeing this in 2021 will make me try this position the next time I ride some single track.
What you said about this free flowing balance is incredibly important in rock climbing, especially on steep overhanging routes. If you don’t know how to move your body to keep it in balance, you are going to rely way too much on your muscles, instead of your skeletal structure, you will get tired quickly or not even be strong enough to progress. I’ve recently had this experience with mountain biking. I’m finding that my rides are so much more relaxing and less strenuous if I rely on my skeletal structure more to support me than my quads. As I’ve done this, I’ve noticed that my hands are barely putting any force on the handle bars which has alleviated wrist and back pain. It’s like I’m letting the bike flow under me rather than fight it. Granted a lot of this is on beginner/intermediate trails, I can see how it applies to the more difficult stuff. I’ve stopped leaning back way too much on downhills to the point where I was pulling on the bars and now it’s more focused finding the balance point for the incline with a little weight forward to maintain traction, and shifting weight back when breaking to maintain that balance (you’ll feel yourself moving forward or even going over the bars if you don’t!) It’s a lot like downhill skiing, you need to keep your weight forward enough to be able to pivot the skis and engage the edge of the skis for turns.
Gents you two have a package here that could translate across to many different disciplines. I don't necessarily mean "the hinge" but your mentality, approach to learning and teaching.
I watched this a couple of days ago, I have been out on a couple of rides since and have been using the hinge method. My god this has transformed my riding, I mean I am 49 and have been riding for 40 years so I thought I was a half decent rider but this has completely transformed my way of thinking about how I need to ride. Thank you so much, I came across your channel a few weeks ago and I must say the content and the way you collaborate with other experts is amazing and fresh.thank you. “Totally Bogus dude”🤘🤪
Bogus Bro!! I'm so excited to get a chance to make these videos and when I hear back that they work it's just the best feeling. Makes me want to go make more!! Keep shredding brother.
@@JoyOfBike thanks man, your excitement and enthusiasm is infectious. It’s so exiting to learn and practice new skills. Can’t wait to see what you get up to this season. 👌
High Hinge.... Motorbikes again... For years I rode bad bikes with bad suspension and used my bent knees for extra travel... It took me a while to find when riding a bike with (I can't say good.. .but..) better suspension... I found keeping my legs straight, letting the suspension work fully, and my legs (and back) would survive way longer in a ride).
I've watched a ton of MTB skills videos over the years, and been a mountain biker for 32 years and these are definitely the best there is. A lot of people have the skills but don't actually know what it is they are actually doing well enough to distill it down to the critical elements and then share them with someone else. There's a bit of physics in these videos, a bit of psychology, physiology, a bit of flow, and lots of stoke. Thanks guys!
Love your videos guys! Over 40 rider here just getting into MTB and immersing myself into any video that can help with my riding. Started with your 'hops' video and have been hooked by your channel ever since. You have simplified MTB riding skills that totally shattered all misleading videos I have seen before discovering your channel. Please keep 'em coming.
I want to thank you guys. I jist watched the cornering video yesterday. During my ride today i was putting weight into my tires and using my bike to lean into turns. Today was one of my best rides ever. It all made sense. My mind. Body and bike all together as one. You have a lifelong fan and i will be going back to rewatch older ones. I will also sub to lees channel. Thanks again.
🤯 thanks for explaining in a simple way with visuals that make sense... not just sending it at warp speed and saying “look, did you see the hinge right there?” Keep the good vibes coming 🤙
Holy shit, this is some truly mind-boggling stuff! This video has just opened a massive door in my brain. It's like "it's always been there but someone really needed to mention it", like the big white elephant in the room. All of a sudden I can also see a huge connection between skiing and mountain biking, it's all about the hinge. It feels like the bike and the trail should decide the opening angle of the hinge, right?
Yes. It is very much like skiing! Not sure what you mean opening angle. I think what you're saying is that your head remains still and you row and anti row to absorb and flow with the trail? That would be right.
Wow. The fact that Lee had the awareness to challenge the norm and discover a truer way to view/teach proper body mechanics is inspiring. Can’t wait to apply this to my riding!
Great video again. The body position seems very similar to a jockey's on a horse. Leg stays in the same position on the side of the horse and the movement is from the hips as the horse moves and jumps and drops.
And the thing is with riding a horse is you have to keep your hands independent. You can't lean on the reins (bars) and you can't balance yourself on the horse's mouth. Your body balance has to be sufficient to allow you to adjust the pressure - give and take - on the reins entirely independently.
You two guys are giving probably the best tips in order to develop mtb skills in the entire RUclips. Not only this. You are capable of transferring this knowledge not only on the “technical” way, but also touching the “soul vibe” button. Extremely motivational! Greetings from Spain, in short you will become one reference channel with 100K’s and 100K’s of followers and I will be happy for you, guys!
Thank you. We are stoked to be doing this!
We believe the sport is a lot more than metal, carbon and rubber. It’s the way it makes us feel. It’s magical and we all feel it!!!
Wow brother. Appreciate it. We got a million ideas for episodes. Too little time!!! Stay shreddy!!!
Didnt realized that Ive been doing that “hinge” position all along which gave me a lot of feeling if better control of my bike. When I just started MTB 4 months ago I was doing the SQUAT and its so tiring... all I was thinking that MTB is not for me. Then on my 5th ride did that hinge position as a last resort and the rests was history, finished a 13mile downhill with comfort and found new succees. Then hearing and seeing that from both of you simply gave me the all out trust on the Hinge... thank you so much.
I wanted to comment and say thank you but Andoni Catalan has hit the nail on the head, great content shared and administered so that no matter where you're from you can relate. If you ever find yourselves in the UK please shout as I'd love to join in a group training session, keep it up, please.
lapped by Bob Hannah. what an honor! great stuff!
Thank you guys. As a 64 year old learning to mountain bike, your discussions and demonstrations are perfect for someone trying to learn. The well considered explanations build confidence and your whole approach is inspiring. Keep it up! By far, the best out there.
Just the best two guys
I love how you guys keep things sooo simple!
Thank you!
Holy sh*t, I'm watching this every week for the rest of my life.
It took me a few times watching this to finally get this. And I first watched this months ago.
OHMYGOD. This is a gamechanger! Thank you so much for this.
OMG, this video is a game changer for me. I can feel it in my formerly broken bones.
Everyone riding can and should implement this technique. I can’t imagine how many riders with low back issues this will help!
Tried the serious hinge on today’s ride. Seems to be a breakthrough for me. Thanks much. Steve ,71, San Clemente
Next time I go I will try,68,Lévis,Can
Love this the first time I ever went mountain biking my cousin said to me “be like water flow down the hill “😂 abit of inspiration from Bruce Lee
That’s awesome… thank you guys. Davide from Italy
Dudes, this Hinge approach is like the Quantum Mechanics of Mountain Biking! At 56yo, I’m totally feeling the urge to start training again. Thanks a million guys
Hahahaha. The unified theory of MTB!
@@JoyOfBike Grand Unified Theory of Shred. GUTS.
@@lee_likes_bikesthanks a million from me too, 58yo
After two decades of not even owning a bike I am two months into riding again. My riding partner is pretty advanced so I’ve been relying heavily on being a good athlete to keep up on fast trails here in western NC. Luckily I have only come away with superficial injuries knowingly pushing past my skill set. Fast forward to me now watching your videos. All of them have been helpful, but this video is bar none the best you have made as far as my personal opinion goes. After seeing this I went to a local flow track to test. Unknown to me I straight up used the attack position. Even though it felt very awkward, I worked to adapt a hinge. Wow! The difference is incredible. It does feel a bit awkward as most changes in life do so I am going to have to stay committed, but thank you for turning on the light.
THIS is the channel I needed to find as 45Yr. old returning to the sport after a long hiatus. Thank you for the inspiration!
Welcome aboard!
I have been riding BMX for 40 years and Mountain bikes for 33 years. I just got my first full suspension bike and it came with a dropper post. So, I am riding with young guys and they keep telling me that I need to drop my post. But, in 95 percent of situations, I just don't see the need so I have not used it. We ride enduro trails and they are dropper crazy. This video helped me to see that they guys I am riding with are doing a lot of squatting and not a lot of hinging. I never read a book or had any teachers telling me to get into attack mode so I think I just learned to bomb hills properly from listening to my body. Super cool video that has helped me put words and labels to stuff and now I guess I do not have to feel bad about not using my dropper seat post.
This way of riding has totally changed my game. no more crashes no more achy knees and calves boost in confidence has been amazing.
Love hearing that!
Thank you for this video! I showed your video about hinging and position at the pump track to my equestrian instructor wife. She said that this is what they do when they take a hunter over a jump. Same thing!
God I miss this channel.
Mr. Lee,
It was not necessarily from this video, it was the vid where you showed your warm-up using tension bands, a handlebar, and a Jeep. I too used the "Attack Position" (learned from years of racing MV), but it was truly overwhelming to my 62-year-old body.
However, in your vid, I learned that Using the "Hinge" and the rowing techniques, not only helped my riding, it has given me my life back. I know that I was squatting, as my lower back, hips, quads, knees, and even my ankles/top of my feet hurt, and I could not even recover at night, as I would just toss and turn, rolling over in constant pain.
Seriously in less than two weeks' time of adding your warm-up and "Hinge" stretching routine to my morning wake-up routine, even before coffee, I will not say that I am completely pain-free, but the pain is a good 85-90 % dissipated. Plus doing this before a blast down the hilly trails in Tagatay, Luzan, Philippines has prepared me to ride more relaxed, more fluid, and more in control, than I ever have. It has also helped in my road biking as well.
Thank you for saving my life, and adding years to not only my riding, but I bet also my overall health and my life span.
2021, the year to Learn, Unlearn and Relearn. Body positioning will be the first place to start. Thanks for the great video.
So smart man. This ONE THING transformed my riding. But I had to do the movements A LOT to make them automatic. Making the movements in a parking lot is the ONLY way I can ever make them on the bike.
I love that the explanations make sense. The more I watch MTB videos, the more that I realize there's a lot of erroneous information. Thanks for sharing your knowledge.
Thanks!! It’s a bit like dance or martial arts. Different styles and different schools of thought. And then different levels of ability that unlock new possibilities. So there are many “right” ways to do things. Keep shredding and smiling!!!
I think I owe you a % of the money that I didn't spend on hospital bills yesterday! I'm new to mountain biking (but not riding), so watched this in the morning and then did some descending for the first time yesterday afternoon - almost all of it rocky. No crashes but plenty of close calls, all avoided because of this post. I know I would have been in a natural 'attack' position, been tight, hit something and not been able to absorb it and gone arse over tit (into more rocks!). I'm going to buy some merch to say 'thanks!'!
Right on! Welcome to the wonderful world of MTB!
Totally blown away by Lee's tutoring, the government should prescribe him for mental wellbeing remedy, love him and your channel, I'm 42 and looking to get back in the saddle an "Stoke" that fire again, lost an eye to cancer since I last rode my bike, but luckily I've got another, 👍😁✌️🤙.. UK fan🇬🇧
Thank you Ross!
There should be a Nobel prize for MTB coaching. And you, guys, should get an exclusive lifetime licence for it. BIG thumbs up. Big AF...
That Nobel Committee needs to get their act together. : )
LOVE the REVELATION of Hinging!!!!! WOW!!! Great video
Thanks Roger!!!
Yain't lyin'; it absolutely works. I ride moto as well & it transfers 100%. A guy has to let the bike move beneath you to a certain extent. Riding loose usually coincides w/riding well. Good video 👍🏻
That visual with Lee on the bike, pedals on uprights in front of a green screen... 🤯. It instantly clicked in my head!
NICE!! That's what we're shooting for.
Thanks. I want to do more green screen. Seems like a mountain of potential fun.
To give you a gauge of how impactful this is, allow me... I retire in 5 years from the grind of police work (I know, not a great profession to admit being a part of and hopefully I don’t come off as being tone deaf during these times) and all its stressors. My goal in retirement is to... PLAY! And I want to ride my mtb every day, all day! This video today has completely revolutionized my understanding of what is needed where fundamentals are concerned. You have helped shape my retirement by giving me a positive relationship from body to bike, and bike to body in a way I can understand, and thusly keep ‘playing’ AND progressing throughout my retirement! Many many thanks!
There are good cops and there are bad cops. If you're a decent police then you should be proud. You sound like a decent person. Without good police we would be screwed! Ride on mate 🤙
Don’t apologize or be ashamed unless you have something to apologize for
Man, I love the synergy your collaboration is creating. This is very, very cool stuff. Some of the best, IMO. Another thing I really dig: Lee's ability to admit: "F-ck. I had it wrong.", and start teaching differently. That takes courage. Keep up the great work, you guys. Really inspiring stuff.
Appreciate your words. We won’t be afraid to tell it like it is. A lot of the riding we do happens between the ears.
Thank you Kerry! Just wait 'til you watch Alex teach me how to wheelie.
Thank you guys love these tips 👍🏻👍🏻
I'm a xc rider and also do downhill with high seatpost thatt gives me a validation. Cheers to you guys!
And so the quest for the Isosceles Triangle of Awesomeness begins.
Yes indeed!!
I have one in the garage but I always forget to bring it on rides.
@@JoyOfBike Ha! If it's made of lucite it's probably an old AMA or PRISM award.
@@JasonFoxLCB Oh god you're right. Nevermind.
I’m 58.
I’m sooooooo stoked to have found you guys.
I love the technical knowledge
The prowess in teaching/explaining
The passion
Thank you 😊 🙏🏿 💪🏾
Great video! Hello from NJ. As you get older your focus on riding is not getting hurt while your shredding down a down hill and hit a jump. When your a kid you have no fear of anything. I was 12yrs old and I jump everything and just had fun. As life takes you for a ride I’m 53yrs old now and I am getting back into it. “ Wished I never stopped” These videos that Alex and Lee put together gives me a better understanding on what I should be feeling and how the bike reacts when riding. Looking forward to trying this skills when the weather gets warmer. Thanks!
Hello back from Colorado! Stay shreddy!!!
I’ve watched this video like 50 times over the last year or so. Such a great refresher.
ive been training a routine (search 12 min foundation) to fix my back. surfing background, 30 years old, and always get that niggle in the back. Then this month ive stumbled across mtb while im here in tasmania, rode derby for 3 days progressing on the second trip and im next level hooked. Immediately after riding, all back pain seems way less severe. This is one of those moments where im like a huh, mtb is foundation training!! i need to keep mountain biking! thanks for ya vids you go alright for old boys!!!
I have just bought my first mountain bike at the ripe old age of 40.
Thankyou so much for your videos. They are a huge help.
That pedal/platform contraption at 4:30 should be mandatory at every bike shop for sizing bikes and also for teaching new riders. I've got some scrap wood in the garage so i guess that's my next project!
This nails what I can't put in to words to explain to my son. Thanks.
I think the Hinge is the most understood body position in Mountain Biking. One can get get rather far on a bike without every hinging.. when stuff gets gnarly, steeper, faster, the Hinge is the secret to riding anything.. Plus it transfers to understanding pumping, cornering and jumping.
I have watched soooo many videos on RUclips and none come even come close to the videos you make!
Thank you!
i strongly agree!
Very true.
And kudos to Lee for having the courage and integrity to discard the outdated techniques he was previously wedded to and embrace new and better ways of riding. Takes a special kind of coach to do that.
this video just blew my mind, can't wait to give it some practice, thanks guys !
I started racing BMX and street riding in 1982, I never learned the attack position. I’m so glad I didn’t. I started mtb riding in the late 80s and took what I learned from bmx and put it into my riding. Making a hinge and letting the bike move came naturally. After watching this video I am going to work more to get my stance over the pedals a little better so I don’t over work my knees. Thanks for the guidance.
Right on! If you're good at BMX, and you take that to MTB, you're gonna be good on the MTB.
BMX is the ultimate teacher in the ways of the shred.
You guys are adding the human piece back in the MTB equation. Love the channel. Keep up the good work!
Thank you Michael! Welcome.
Appreciate that. We do think the WHY of what we do is always the most interesting question.
That explains why my legs hurt so much even in a short trail. Also why I'm struggling on trails. I'm a just a beginner with an xc bike. Thank you very much. This also explains what you said in your other video about bike fit that we should not put weight in the handlebar "The Arc of the Covenant". That the trend of long reach bikes and lean towards the handle bar and put the weight to it is wrong. I took a look back in some of your videos and you're always talking about hinge. I didn't pay much attention of that before because I thought I've already been doing the hinge but I'm doing squat instead and applying weight to the handle bar. THANK YOU SOOO MUCH. You shared so much info in your videos. This is LIFE CHANGING. So excited to try this hinge on a bike tomorrow. THANK YOUUU VERRRRY MUUUCCCHH. Greetings from Philippines 👊
You are very welcome!!
Man I just discovered the hinge a few months ago and it es awesome. Just like you showed, it took the pressure off my quads and lower back and transferred that tension into my hamstrings. I can ride longer and faster with little effort. The other trick I learned is unlocking your hips by reverse arching your back slightly. Think up pointing your butt up. This allows easy counterbalancing on turns because you can swing your butt out and point your hips in the direction of the turn. It’s a game changer!!!
Heck yeah.
This channel is gold for MTB'ers. Thanks for the knowledge bombs!!!
Thanks for watching!!!
Thank you and welcome!!
4:26 Love that example! The BB is the center of our universe!!!
Yes! Copernicus said that, I think.
Well put!!! Nothing goes up and down. It all moves around!!
Closing the gap. Love it. I'm a fat inflexible 55 year old. Changing it up, stretching and core!
I did a couple years just riding and no other workout. It wasn't great for me. I find I have to mix in some off the bike stuff!
Just so darn good. Thank you from an old newbie. Your channel should be mandatory for all MTB’ers. Again thank you.
Def thumbs up for this one - as probably your typical 40-something that used to ride a ton as a kid up until his late 20s without really having a clue, then taking nearly a decade off, and now getting back into this true passion but trying to actually learn about what I'm doing, this is so great. Looking forward to more!
Thank you Kevin! Welcome.
Oh how many times have I watched this and shared this to my buddies!
I used this technique after watching a few of your vids. I've never ridden so fast downhill while being in total control. Thanks guys
williexcited Heck yeah!! Great feeling. Super pumped for you!!!
That is so great!
@@JoyOfBike An experiment I may try in finding the balance.... some simple down hill features... right hand only (NZ right front brake) with the left basically at fingertip ready for stupid Idea rescue....
in 'theory'.. if I'm balanced, my mas should stay centred and the bike will pivot by itself...
In Reality... I don't like eating dirt.. so caution will b my wingman.
@@TheButlerNZ You got gusto!!! Okay alternate idea that's less dramatic but safer. probably too boring. : ) I find if i just wiggle my fingers I know I don't have too much pressure on my hands.
@@JoyOfBike I gave it a try today on a local track. found holding my hands open with just my thumb, brake and little fingers holding the bars...
It's surprising on a rough but consistent grade, how little you need to actually grip the handle bars...
Disclaimer, I'm not a great rider, but have been riding bikes/motorbikes since the 80's so once I actually turn brain ON and think about what I'm doing (rather than relying on instinct) my reflexes are fairly reliable at allowing me to play a little...
I was also working on the Hinge over aggressive stance, Legs survived today. Stamina didn't...
I found out I'm like an expensive car....
When things get tough.. I shut down to a limp home mode that seems to go on forever at a REALLY slow pace.
Thank you very much! I am 44 years old, I am from Russia and I am trying to learn how to ride a bike safely. I have reviewed a lot of videos, but they are all for young people, for brave and very strong people who can risk their health. But I found a few clues from you that no one told me. Thank you again!
The comments reflect Joy...so cool to witness this evolution...Super happy to watch this video and hear “Lee’s Story” once again, so many answers come to us in the dream state, Like Nicola TESLA, it happens to me when I need to repair something, so its relatable for those that are passionate about something. This really is “The Base” riding the bike is very much like a musical instrument, it takes so much dedication, and practice “reps” to maintain your timing and stamina, the hinge was a Massive epiphany that has completely transformed the way we play the bicycle. The hing keeps us all riding safer with way more confidence...especially descending fast, over rocky terrain-Right! Alex and Lee, the Dream Team 🙏 Tomorrow we ride & Have Joy!
We ride and therefore we are!!!
In a phrase: flow not fight. It’s was a similar aha-moment for my white water canoeing & skiing. It’s like finding the softest balance position for each situation the terrain throws at you. Great explanation, clear & adoptable.
Beautifully said.
Yeah. For me it’s like surfing.
Guys, more gold. Like your riding drops video this takes the classic sacred cow teaching method we we’re all rigidly taught and progresses and elevates it to the real truth. You CAN ride anything when you’re riding properly. Once you get that, your confidence soars and you are set free. I love you guys! Keep it up.
THE HINGE (tm) is probably the most important thing I re-learned regarding bike-skills in the last 25 years. I did a few bike handling camps with good riders teaching, but none of them understood (or could convey) what that "magic" position is that makes the best pro's so good. Since I apply THE HINGE (tm) to my riding, I have become a much better and safer rider - and all of this at age 52...So you definitely can teach an old dog new tricks!
You guys have literally saved this 63 year old noob’s life (not to mention a couple ICU trips). Thanks for the laughs and learning.
Omg another golden rule exposed. Thank you so much i really love this channel. No crap just pure science and practicality. More power to you guys!
Thank you!
Thanks Random Budd!! Great handle!!
I am a 50 year old cross country guy and this stuff is so great. I really cannot express how excited thinking I can learn to ride so much better without busting my body up makes me. THANK YOU and I am gonna try some of your tips on my first trip to Spider Mountain this weekend!!!!
Super stoked to know that we’re unlocking new potential in your riding. What could be better? Have a great weekend!!
I know about it and have felt it happen on and off but I have never heard someone explain it so simply and effectively. Seeing the bike hinging on the stand just made it so clear. I'm going to do that first thing tomorrow. Thank you.
Great content in all of your vids, but this is probably the best one you've guys have made. Lee is so honest and humble. I love it and appreciate you guys!
Used to be able to do pretty high hops with my dirt jumper, but had a hiatus of 8 years. Came back and hops were extremely hard. Then I found this channel and the hinge position. Binge watched a lot of videos the past week.
Went out for a bike ride yesterday; instant half meter hops and learned to do a 180 jump after 3-4 tries. Wtf?
Riding so much faster and confident after applying this technique. Thanks y’all!
Love it Michael. Making my heart soar! YES!!
As a 40 something year old life long MTB rider these videos are gold! They are a cross between a moment of zen and also deep consciousness and understanding of body position! I wish I had discovered these before my crash this summer that took me out of riding for 3 months!
Glad you found us!
Fantastic! A wonderfully clear vid which shows the how and why of what works rather than a scared cow, !!
Thanks Robert!!!
Awesome! Saw it, tried it, came back 2 hours later than normal because I was not stressing the quads anymore! Thanks for freeing the soul away from the attack position!
My love of biking exceeds my abilities. But at 58 & thanks to you guys I am beginning to close that gap. Much respect and love for the joy and wisdom.
I'm 45 this year and just got back into mtbiking, so glad I found this channel! Greetings from Adelaide South Australia
Alex and Lee... I've just discovered your channel and really enjoy the whole spirit of the way you present riding tips and ergonomics of today's bikes... I used to ride hard in my 20's with nothing more than my trusted Gary Fisher and energy-bars, then life happened (with a family and a ton of responsibilities) and I lost track of the things I enjoyed doing most... Now I'm getting back into riding absolutely amazed modern geometry bikes and the changes in the industry... Your channel is really down to earth, helping me to improve my riding and understand how to make my bike more comfortable... Watching your videos really feels like hanging out the guys and talking bike! Thank you for what you do!
I start every day with drink of water and then a hip hinge routine. Starting from standing upright, I place my feet as if they were on level pedals, I hinge to about 1/5 of my maximum, then go back to upright, then hinge to 2/5, etc. When I get to a fully deep hinge, I reverse the process until I'm upright again. When that is done, I switch feet and repeat the progression. I find that doing the hinges slowly is very helpful. I concentrate on initiating all movement with a horizontal movement of my butt. It is tempting to simply bend my back forward to go down and lift my back to return to upright, but the magic of the hip hinge is in pulling the butt back to go down to low hinge and pushing the butt forward to go back up to high hinge. The awareness that I have developed with this daily, short routine has help my riding a lot. I also notice that I'm hip-hinging in my non-riding activities, instead of bending my back.
Fantastic!!!
That is wonderful.
Guys! I absolutely love this video and the information represented. From the anatomical views and cues! AWESOMENESS. Thanks
Much appreciated Justin!!!
I’m 51 and just started MTB and stumbled on your site, this is absolutely brilliant and inspiring!!
Perfect time to start. The bikes are better than ever and learning new things is not just for youngsters.
Hi Mark! Welcome!
5:11 I must practice this movement, I need so much to know how to master that movement.
Dude!! I watched this and while I was walking out to the gate, looked down at my knees. They stayed between being over my ankles to over my toes. Maintaining the IToA. Like, whoa! ;)
Guys your videos are really really hepful!!! Thanks!!!
I have the book and have learn so much but after watching this it’s a lot easier to to duplicate , it has made this rookie rider so much better and confident , thank you so much !!
Heck yeah!!!
I love this! I have also been teaching the hinge, but without as much technical detail as Lee added. Thank you!
Amazing tutorial! Now I finally understand why Loic Bruni, Laurie Greenland and many more top class mtb professionals have basically same posture.
Before this video I do not have exact concept about what the core body movement of mtb is.
I am sure you guys give revolutionary impact to my mtb life. Thanks!
Super excited to help!! Keep shredding!
2:22 nice very nice.
8:07 thank you sooo much to you and this RUclips C were I get so much info.
all I need's a helmet and gloves, what am I saying? I need a job to go like crazy and learn my MTB stuff.
good video
I am 68 now, been cycling 35 years. First MTB 1987 I came straight out of Motorcycle Trials, but found it hard to apply it to my MTB. Seeing this in 2021 will make me try this position the next time I ride some single track.
Nice brother. Have you played with trials bicycles?
What you said about this free flowing balance is incredibly important in rock climbing, especially on steep overhanging routes. If you don’t know how to move your body to keep it in balance, you are going to rely way too much on your muscles, instead of your skeletal structure, you will get tired quickly or not even be strong enough to progress.
I’ve recently had this experience with mountain biking. I’m finding that my rides are so much more relaxing and less strenuous if I rely on my skeletal structure more to support me than my quads. As I’ve done this, I’ve noticed that my hands are barely putting any force on the handle bars which has alleviated wrist and back pain. It’s like I’m letting the bike flow under me rather than fight it. Granted a lot of this is on beginner/intermediate trails, I can see how it applies to the more difficult stuff.
I’ve stopped leaning back way too much on downhills to the point where I was pulling on the bars and now it’s more focused finding the balance point for the incline with a little weight forward to maintain traction, and shifting weight back when breaking to maintain that balance (you’ll feel yourself moving forward or even going over the bars if you don’t!)
It’s a lot like downhill skiing, you need to keep your weight forward enough to be able to pivot the skis and engage the edge of the skis for turns.
Gents you two have a package here that could translate across to many different disciplines. I don't necessarily mean "the hinge" but your mentality, approach to learning and teaching.
Thank you Chris. You never know where it could go.
I watched this a couple of days ago, I have been out on a couple of rides since and have been using the hinge method. My god this has transformed my riding, I mean I am 49 and have been riding for 40 years so I thought I was a half decent rider but this has completely transformed my way of thinking about how I need to ride. Thank you so much, I came across your channel a few weeks ago and I must say the content and the way you collaborate with other experts is amazing and fresh.thank you. “Totally Bogus dude”🤘🤪
Bogus Bro!! I'm so excited to get a chance to make these videos and when I hear back that they work it's just the best feeling. Makes me want to go make more!! Keep shredding brother.
@@JoyOfBike thanks man, your excitement and enthusiasm is infectious. It’s so exiting to learn and practice new skills. Can’t wait to see what you get up to this season. 👌
Really enjoying the tuition thanks very much
Thanks Kevin!
High Hinge.... Motorbikes again...
For years I rode bad bikes with bad suspension and used my bent knees for extra travel...
It took me a while to find when riding a bike with (I can't say good.. .but..) better suspension... I found keeping my legs straight, letting the suspension work fully, and my legs (and back) would survive way longer in a ride).
I've watched a ton of MTB skills videos over the years, and been a mountain biker for 32 years and these are definitely the best there is. A lot of people have the skills but don't actually know what it is they are actually doing well enough to distill it down to the critical elements and then share them with someone else. There's a bit of physics in these videos, a bit of psychology, physiology, a bit of flow, and lots of stoke. Thanks guys!
Appreciate you!!
Love your videos guys! Over 40 rider here just getting into MTB and immersing myself into any video that can help with my riding. Started with your 'hops' video and have been hooked by your channel ever since. You have simplified MTB riding skills that totally shattered all misleading videos I have seen before discovering your channel. Please keep 'em coming.
Right on. Welcome to MTB and the channel!!
I want to thank you guys. I jist watched the cornering video yesterday. During my ride today i was putting weight into my tires and using my bike to lean into turns. Today was one of my best rides ever. It all made sense. My mind. Body and bike all together as one. You have a lifelong fan and i will be going back to rewatch older ones. I will also sub to lees channel. Thanks again.
That is so great! Welcome!!
Sitting here so stoked that in some small way we helped you snag a KOS! King of Stoke. Welcome to the crew!
🤯 thanks for explaining in a simple way with visuals that make sense... not just sending it at warp speed and saying “look, did you see the hinge right there?” Keep the good vibes coming 🤙
Thank you!
Appreciate you. More good vibes on the way!!!
Absolutely awesome!!! I like how you teach us all more safety. Thx, Bros! 😁
Holy shit, this is some truly mind-boggling stuff! This video has just opened a massive door in my brain. It's like "it's always been there but someone really needed to mention it", like the big white elephant in the room. All of a sudden I can also see a huge connection between skiing and mountain biking, it's all about the hinge. It feels like the bike and the trail should decide the opening angle of the hinge, right?
Yes. It is very much like skiing! Not sure what you mean opening angle. I think what you're saying is that your head remains still and you row and anti row to absorb and flow with the trail? That would be right.
Thank you, just thank you very much guys …i searched it for whole my life
Wow. The fact that Lee had the awareness to challenge the norm and discover a truer way to view/teach proper body mechanics is inspiring. Can’t wait to apply this to my riding!
Great video again. The body position seems very similar to a jockey's on a horse. Leg stays in the same position on the side of the horse and the movement is from the hips as the horse moves and jumps and drops.
And the thing is with riding a horse is you have to keep your hands independent. You can't lean on the reins (bars) and you can't balance yourself on the horse's mouth. Your body balance has to be sufficient to allow you to adjust the pressure - give and take - on the reins entirely independently.
it's exactly the same
i also had the opportunity to ride bulls a few times. it's very much like riding downhill MTB or motocross