HOW TO: FIRST-TIME FULL SUSPENSION TIPS

Having never ridden a full suspension before, the first couple of rides felt weird, which I expected. My question is, how long does it normally take to get used to a full suspension rig after riding a hardtail for over 5 years?? If you have any tips to speed this transition up it would be greatly appreciated as well.

RC: Well the bad news is that it takes about six months for a hardtail rider to convert–that is emotionally and mentally–and believe hat rear suspension is a performance benefit. The good news is that it only takes six weeks to adapt your riding style and actually be riding faster–uphill and downhill and with a lower heart rate. Three first-time dual-suspension tips that will help are: A) Stay seated. You’ll save gobs of energy that hardtail rider waste hovering an inch over the saddle to absorb bumps. Relax, spin the cranks smoothly and take full advantage of the suspension. B)Quit weaving. Take a straight path from corner to corner instead of weaving all over the trail trying to ride on smooth dirt. Also, cut each corner to the inside apex instead of rolling around the outside where the smooth racing line usually is. Hitting small objects straight on maintains your balance and helps carry your momentum–but the best benefit is that you can concentrate on the trail ahead and get into a flow–not stressing over every pebble and root in front of your wheel. C) Let hardtail rider go: When a hardtail rider jumps out of the saddle and accelerates ahead of you, don’t jump up and match his wasteful effort. Your efficiency comes from lower rolling resistance and a more effective seated cadence–smoothly apply pressure on the pedals and reel him back. Each time this occurs, you’ll take a big piece from your competitors. Encourage hardtail opponents to do foolish things.