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I am now in the market for a new mountain bike. I would like to get one that would be ideal for improving my skills. I don't care much about performance at this point.A lot of this really depends on the goal/s of the rider and Alon gave me his goal/s: "...ideal for improving my skills. I don't care much about performance at this point.". So we will go from there. Well that sums up the two main things I am looking for in a 26" mountain bike, a slack head angle (67-68.5 degrees) and a longer top tube (over 24 inches for a large). Another option is definitely a 29er. I love 29ers and feel that they are a great bike for many riders.
"But then when it gets to seeding and race runs this all goes out of the window and i just end up falling off, I'm not riding outside of my limits and i know that i can ride well enough to be threatening the top spot in my category but i just seem to not be able to manage the pressure and the mental side of things." You need to toughen up your mental game. First, remember there is no difference between a race and a practice run, same track, same racer, same bike, same goal. Follow these steps and your mental game and riding will improve dramatically.
The correct descending body position involves standing and staying centered with your weight on the pedals (not getting way back), legs relaxed and bent (not squeezing your seat) and arms bent in a half push-up position. Remember, I didn't invent these skills I have been fortunate enough to learn from the best (World Champions Marla Streb, Greg Minnaar, etc.) and learn from the great riders that I coach (Ross Schnell, Mitch Ropelato, etc.). I am simply passing on what I have learned. In these videos taken by a student in my Philly mountain bike camp this spring you can really see one huge reason (there are many) why centered is good and getting back is bad.
I have been having a problem getting out of position before cornering, primarily caused by hard braking (especially if there are rough terrain before the corner or if I come in too hot). Interesting question, I have been working on the same issue, especially last weekend at Snowmass. The problem stems from getting back while we brake, getting low is good but we need to stay more centered so when we release the brakes and the bike accelerates we are centered and ready to attack the corner. I was taught the old school, “get way back while you brake” which does help the rear brake a bit but actually hurts the effectiveness of the much more powerful front brake.
