Ok, this definitely isn’t an article encouraging you to crash—quite the opposite. Please stay on your bike and enjoy this amazing sport!
That said, crashing is part of mountain biking, and avoiding the topic doesn’t help anyone. In this article we’ll look at crashing as a whole: why we crash, how to reduce the risk without reducing the fun, and some advice on returning to riding after an injury.
Let’s be honest, one of the main fears when riding is crashing. You don’t have to watch the sport for long to realise it’s part of the game. Whether you’re pushing your limits or riding within your comfort zone, crashes happen. In fact, in my experience, crashes often happen more when riders aren’t fully committed.
The outcome of a crash can range from laughter or embarrassment to, in the worst cases, injury. The key is learning to be aware of crashing without constantly thinking about it. We have to accept that it’s part of what we do—without letting fear take over and ruin the ride.
What Are the Main Causes of Crashing?
Hesitation
From our experience coaching riders of all abilities, hesitation is one of the biggest causes of crashes—and it doesn’t matter what level you’re at. If you hesitate, your chances of crashing increase.
Hesitation is the moment you start questioning what you’re doing while you’re doing it. Common examples include:
Line choice: Planning one line, then trying to stop or change lines at the last second
Technique: Committing to a technique, then switching mid-feature
Braking: Grabbing the brakes at the wrong time
Once hesitation creeps in, everything becomes reactive rather than controlled.
Fear
Here’s something worth thinking about: the thing you’re scared of can actually cause the thing you’re scared of. In other words, too much fear can lead to crashes.
Fear makes us do unhelpful things—riding stiff, braking in the wrong places, or freezing up. A certain level of fear is essential to keep us safe, but too much can either increase crashes or completely stop progression.
Fear can also lead to overthinking. Thinking things through before riding is positive; overthinking on the trail often has the opposite effect..
Trail Awareness
Riding a trail for the first time can be one of the most enjoyable parts of mountain biking. Reacting to features and discovering lines is exciting—but it also increases the chance of crashing. Hidden drops, awkward compressions, or unexpected tech sections can easily catch you out.
There are also factors outside your control: loose rocks, changing trail conditions, or other riders. These crashes can be especially frustrating, but they’re part of riding shared and natural environments.
Lack Of Experience
Riding a trail for the first time can be one of the most enjoyable parts of mountain biking. Reacting to features and discovering lines is exciting—but it also increases the chance of crashing. Hidden drops, awkward compressions, or unexpected tech sections can easily catch you out.
There are also factors outside your control: loose rocks, changing trail conditions, or other riders. These crashes can be especially frustrating, but they’re part of riding shared and natural environments.
How to Reduce the Risk of Crashing
Reducing the risk of crashing isn’t about riding scared—it’s about lowering the chance of crashing. Lower the odds, and you’ll simply crash less.
Commitment
This is something I work on with many riders. Commitment here doesn’t mean going as fast as possible—it means committing to your decision and executing it well.
When you focus on riding something properly, rather than questioning it mid-way, hesitation disappears and control improves.
Bike Setup and Maintenance
“A good worker never blames their tools”—and while that’s true, poor bike setup absolutely increases the risk of crashing.
Low tyre pressure can cause unpredictable handling, badly set suspension can make the bike slide or react inconsistently, and poorly functioning brakes can lead to overshooting corners. I’ve seen some setups that would make crashing almost inevitable.
Before even thinking about setup, make sure your bike is well maintained:
Brakes working properly
No cracks in the frame
Bolts tight and components secure
For setup, regularly check tyre pressures and, if you’re running air suspension, ensure it’s set to the correct PSI for you.
Stay Calm
At speed, the bike will move beneath you—sliding, drifting, or feeling momentarily out of control. So why do professional riders crash less despite riding faster?
Talent plays a part, but a big factor is their ability to stay calm when things start to go wrong. Whether it’s a slide in a corner or losing control in the air, staying relaxed allows the body to make corrections and regain control.
One of the most effective ways to stay calm is through breathing. Focus on steady breathing while riding and notice how much more composed you feel.
Technique
This one might seem obvious, but improving your technique dramatically reduces the risk of crashing. Identify your weaknesses and work on them.
There’s plenty of free advice available, and coaching can provide specific feedback tailored to you. Personally, I like to focus on one technique per ride—braking, body position, vision—simple, manageable progress that adds up over time.
Trail Awareness
As a downhill racer, I’m lucky to get multiple runs on the same trail to learn lines and build speed safely. That’s not always possible, so here are some ways to improve trail awareness:
Look ahead: Always keep your eyes down the trail to spot features early
Ask others: Riding with friends? Ask if there’s anything to watch out for
Stop and inspect: If something looks sketchy or has a blind entry, it’s fine to stop and check
Slow down (with focus): Slowing down helps you read the trail—but stay mentally engaged, as lack of focus often causes crashes
Don’t Rush
One of the most common mistakes I see is riders returning too soon after an injury and crashing again. Often, the body simply isn’t ready yet.
Timing is everything. Coming back too early can set you back further, but waiting longer than necessary can make rebuilding confidence harder. Listen to your body and, when needed, seek professional advice.
Rebuild Confidence
Everyone rebuilds confidence differently. Some riders need to do something slightly scary to remind themselves they’ve “still got it.” Others need to ease back in on simpler trails and gradually rebuild trust.
Whichever rider you are, balance is key:
If you like pushing yourself, don’t overdo it
If you prefer easy trails, don’t stay there so long that harder trails start to feel unachievable
Check Your Equipment
Before heading back out, give your bike a proper check. After a big crash, I’d always recommend a professional mechanic inspection.
If not, perform an M-check:
Start at the rear wheel (tyre, gears, brake)
Move up to the saddle
Down to the cranks
Up tothe bars and controls
Finish at the front wheel
Make sure everything is straight, tight, and crack-free before you ride.
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