Quote Originally Posted by liza View Post
Out of curiosity, why is this not recommended anymore? This summer I realized I needed to do some serious cornering practice, and I adopted the "pointing knee into turn" technique, and it really helped. I've since read on multiple occasions that it's better not to do this and to keep weight "centered over the bike." I subsequently tried to compare pointing knee vs not pointing knee (pressing down on inside of bar either way), and I still find that I corner more confidently at speed by pointing my knee in. Is this so bad?

thanks!

Liza, this is the method of counter-steering that I teach (pointing your knee into the turn). There is absolutely nothing wrong with it, and for many riders, it will simply open up their hip and point their core in the direction of the turn. and remember, where your core points, your bike will follow.

I've bandied the term counter-steering around a bit but no one has really described it. this is the skill you use to corner (90 degree turns or more) and also to descend switchbacks. it's a complex skill, and it can take years of dedicated practice to master it. but even learning the elements will help you be a more confident bike handler.

1. outside leg down and WEIGHTED (if turning right, this is the left leg). this means you're standing on the pedal, not seated heavy on the saddle.

2. hands are in the drops. this puts weight on the front of the bike (making it stable). your inside hand (right) pushes down on the bar (you cannot do this from the hoods). we don't steer with the bar (we steer with our core). we are not turning the bar either left or right, but rather pushing it down, which initiates a flicking motion (out then in).

3. lean the bike into the turn (right).

4. lean your body the opposite direction (left) so you're centering your weight back over the bike.

5. look through the turn with your entire head (not just your eyes). you are never looking down at the ground in front of your wheel.

6. point your inside knee (right) in the direction you want to turn.

7. use your outside thigh (left) to add directional momentum to the bike.




hope this helps!