Bike School 101 – Tips and Tricks for Beginners and Advanced Riders

Navigating roots and rocks on a challenging natural single trail, gaining pace down a perfectly shaped flow line in the bike park, enjoying lots of airtime on kickers and drops – it’s hard to have more fun than on a mountain bike! Given of course, that you have mastered your bike and know how to ride. Someone who instinctively knows the basics of mountain biking is Daniel Newman, internationally experienced bike rider and head of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Bike School.

Australian rider Daniel has found a second home in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis. The man from Sydney has been at home on the sunny plateau high above the Tyrolean Upper Inntal valley since 2014. As the head of the bike school, he not only knows the region’s trails inside out, but also knows exactly what mountain biking is all about. In the following interview, Daniel gives advice to anyone who wants to start mountain biking.

Bike guide and head of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Bike School: Australien Daniel Newman (@ Daniel Newman)

Hi Daniel, first of all: What are the basics that you need or learn for mountain biking? What do you start with?

Daniel: Most people know how to ride a bike and have even sat on a mountain bike – usually a hardtail, but not a full suspension bike. When we speak of people with no experience, we are mostly referring to those who have never ridden a mountain bike in the alpine. Learning to brake with the front and rear brakes is a must. It is also necessary to understand where your centre of gravity needs to be in order to maintain stability on the bike. But most importantly, don’t overdo it. Start with easy trails and not too steep routes. Seek advice from experienced riders or take a course.

Thanks to balance bikes and pumptracks, children are often already comfortable on bicycles, even at the age of three. At what age do you recommend starting mountain biking? When is a child old enough?

Daniel: As soon as a child can ride a bicycle independently, you can start with it. Skills such as correct braking and steering while standing, not only contribute to the child’s safety, but also push their potential. It is important to start with pumptracks and short exercise rides. For the little ones: short, easy and lots of fun! I see kids doing incredible things on bikes every day. But they started early and had ramps and tracks to play with or are just natural talents. In general, one should always pay attention to how long children can maintain their energy and focus. Braking with your hands and riding over rough terrain can be exhausting.

In the bike school you differentiate between basic, beginner and slightly advanced? What is behind this classification?

Daniel: Our classification is based on the terrain we have in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis – single trails and bike park – and the skills required for it. By “basic” we mean the basic skills that children need to ride on pump tracks and overcome simple obstacles, mostly on flat terrain. This can also be applied to adults whose experience is limited to riding on asphalt. “Beginners” are those who have little to no experience in mountain regions. This also includes people who might ride simple single trails but have no experience in an alpine bike park. Anyone who feels comfortable on the blue, easy trails in the bike park, is considered “slightly advanced”, in combination with a reasonable amount of experience on trails that are classified with the level of difficulty S1.

the Milky Way Line in Bikepark Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is perfect for beginners. (@ Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Franz Oss)

What are the most popular trails and tracks in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis for newcomers and which would you recommend for advanced riders?

Daniel: The nice thing here in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is that there is something for everyone. Milky Way in the bike park or the Alpkopftrail or Högtrail single trails are great for beginners. For more experienced bikers, the Supernatural line in the bike park is definitely recommended, but also the Jochtrail or my personal favourite the Frommestrail. On the other hand, only really good and experienced riders should venture on the Hill Bill line.

What are the important tips to keep in mind when I go biking with my child?

Daniel: Be sure to pay attention to the ability and the mental and physical strength of the child and adapt your tour accordingly. Find out about the steepness and terrain of the route and keep pedalling uphill to a minimum. Have enough to drink, take enough breaks and keep an eye on the weather. Tip: destinations that the children can play at can increase motivation. Be realistic about how far you will actually get and make it a relaxing and fun day. One more thing: trailers and child seats have no place in the bike park or on single trails!

Do you have any tips on choosing the right bike? From what age or weight do you think a suspension fork or disc brakes, for example, make sense?

Daniel: The weight is not important. Nowadays everything is adjustable. I don’t think so much about age, more about the size of the person and a bike that is suitable for the terrain they are riding on. Children should be able to easily reach the ground with their feet while they are on the bike. A suspension fork is not absolutely necessary for younger children who do not ride off-road a lot. What is more important is that they learn to use the brakes, both front and rear. The bigger the wheels on the bike, the faster you can go. Children often like to compare the size of the wheels. 20″, 24″, 26″or 27.5″… But the frames of the different brands all have a different geometry. The combination of wheel size and frame of the bike must be suitable for the size of the person.

Daniel's favorite: The legendary Frommestrail (@ Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Stefan Falkeis)
Daniel’s favorite: The legendary Frommestrail (@ Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Stefan Falkeis)

At what age is it worth having your own bike? Does it make more sense to rent?

Daniel: Little kids love bikes! Even balance bikes. I think the sooner you can ride, the better. It’s great for their development and promotes an active lifestyle. So, go get them a bike! Since children quickly outgrow bicycles, second-hand bikes are a good option, as is renting them while on vacation. Most sports shops refresh their stocks every year and often have the latest models. They are a great source for buying used bikes, too.

In addition to classic bike courses, you and the bike school also offer various activities and tours. The Early Rides are definitely a highlight. What’s it all about? Who are they for?

Daniel: Besides the courses, we have a lot of great activities. The Early Rides are one of my favourites. We offer transport to the summit of the Schönjoch at 2,436 metres (7992 ft.) above sea level in the early morning to enjoy the fantastic panoramic view of Germany, Austria, Italy and Switzerland in the morning light. Then you ride with a guide on various single trails to Serfaus and back to the bike park, where breakfast is served. Back on the North Side of Fiss, the grand finale is waiting for you – the legendary Frommestrail. With our camps and activities we make aspects of sport accessible that are not commonplace for the average consumer. This includes, for example, getting to know a pro rider, riding with and learning from him. But also, testing equipment or riding otherwise inaccessible trails. We have a number of great camps for children, too, also some dedicated to women.

During the Early Rides you can enjoy the singletrails in the light of the rising sun - all by yourself. (@ Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Frank Heinrich)
During the Early Rides you can enjoy the singletrails in the light of the rising sun – all by yourself. (@ Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, Frank Heinrich)

Finally: Is there anything that you would like to give newcomers to mountain biking from your personal experience?

Daniel: Have fun! Take your time and try not to accomplish too much at once, especially with children. Take it slow at first, stay safe and enjoy it. You are here to enjoy your vacation!

Thank you, Daniel!

 

Of course, Daniel Newman and his team have even more expertise available personally on site, where they are more than happy to help with assessing your riding level, giving advice on courses and your next personal steps or, of course, guiding you on various rides. Click here for the program of the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Bike School: www.bike-sfl.at/en/bikeschool/bikeschool-offer

Further information on biking in Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis is available at: www.bike-sfl.at/en.

Details on the Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis holiday region, the precautions and measures relating to the current Covid situation as well as information on the possibilities to refund or postpone your stay can be found at www.serfaus-fiss-ladis.at/en.

Header Picture: © Serfaus-Fiss-Ladis Marketing GmbH, christianwaldegger.com

Take Claudio to the Limit – Ep. 3 “Race to the Moon”: Annika Langvad vs. Claudio Caluori

Danish Cross Country expert Annika Langvad podiumed several times at the Lenzerheide World Cup but never managed to take the win. Now that she’s retired, she only wants to enjoy her time off, but after she meets up with Claudio her racing spirit returns quickly. German professional mountain bike rider Steffi Marth comes up with the next challenge: an adventure race, the “Race to the Moon”. Hiking, biking, public transport – there are no rules and no limits in Lenzerheide Arosa. Find out who will be the first to plant the “Home of Trails” flag on the “moon” in episode 3:

“Take Claudio to the Limit”

Claudio Caluori, the jack-of-all-trades of mountain biking, knows the trails of Graubuenden inside out. In “Take Claudio to the Limit” five famous mountain bike riders will challenge Claudio on the legendary trails in the five biking regions of Graubuenden. French downhill superstar Loic Bruni, German slopestyle and YouTube hero Lukas Knopf, Danish endurance specialist Annika Langvad, British downhill legend Steve Peat and French enduro rider Morgane Such will push Claudio to new heights on his home turf. The five showdowns will be held in the regions of Laax, Davos Klosters, Arosa Lenzerheide, Engadin and Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair. Anyone who wants to take on a new challenge on the bike can take part in the public “Home of Trails” challenge and win a bike holiday in Graubuenden. More information: www.homeoftrails.com

Header Picture: Graubuenden Ferien / Filip Zuan

Take Claudio to the Limit – Ep. 2 “Young & Wild” – Lukas Knopf vs. Claudio Caluori

In episode two of “Take Claudio to the Limit” it’s time to teach Claudio about the new school of riding. And who better to do this than Crankworx veteran and German YouTube star Lukas Knopf, alongside two young shredders. In “Young & Wild” Lukas, Claudio, Noela and Loris explore the trails of Laax in the most fun way. Taking on a number of challenges, they show that the “Home of Trails” offers mountain biking fun for the whole family. Find out more in “Young & Wild”:

 

“Take Claudio to the Limit”

Claudio Caluori, the jack-of-all-trades of mountain biking, knows the trails of Graubuenden inside out. In “Take Claudio to the Limit” five famous mountain bike riders will challenge Claudio on the legendary trails in the five biking regions of Graubuenden. French downhill superstar Loic Bruni, German slope style and YouTube hero Lukas Knopf, Danish endurance specialist Annika Langvad, British downhill legend Steve Peat and French enduro rider Morgane Such will push Claudio to new heights on his home turf. The five showdowns will be held in the regions of Laax, Davos Klosters, Arosa Lenzerheide, Engadin and Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair. Anyone who wants to take on a new challenge on the bike can take part in the public “Home of Trails” challenge and win a bike holiday in Graubuenden. More information: www.homeoftrails.com

 

Header Picture: Graubuenden Ferien / Filip Zuan

Role Models: Åre Bike Festival edit from Max Fredriksson, Simon Duse and Andreas Karlsson.

15 years ago, Max Fredriksson discovered the sport of mountain biking. The possibility of watching his heroes not only on the internet but also in real life is what got him so obsessed with this sport. The importance of role models at the beginning of his career and the responsibility that comes with being one of them now himself is what he is talking about in his latest YouTube video, filmed for the Åre Bike Festival.  

“It was a SUPER hectic week filled with filming, editing and heavy riding. Åre has played such a great role in my biking career and I’ve had this story in my head for the last year. To finally be able to make a video about it and share it is hugely satisfying.” – Max Fredriksson

Follow Max Fredriksson on social media:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/FredrikssonMax
Instagram: www.instagram.com/maxfredriksson
Facebook: www.facebook.com/maxfredriksson

Video Team:

Simon Duse:www.instagram.com/malmbergduse 
Andreas Karlsson:www.instagram.com/antekarlssson 
Felix Fredriksson:www.instagram.com/felixfredrikssons

 

Header Picture: Simon Malmberg Duse

Take Claudio to the Limit – Ep. 1 “Retro Trail” – Steve Peat vs. Claudio Caluori

The “Take Claudio to the Limit” series is live: Graubuenden just released “Retro Trail” the first out of five episodes starring no other than Steve Peat. Claudio’s and Peaty’s history goes back a long time – first records mentioning both in the result lists date back to 1998. Racing against each other for more than a decade, Claudio still has a bone to pick with Steve and there’s only one way to settle the score: a race on home turf in the “Home of Trails”. Catching up in Davos Klosters, the two Downhill legends deliver a pretty different and entertaining approach on mountain bike racing. Tune in and check out “Retro Trail”:

“Take Claudio to the Limit”

Claudio Caluori, the jack-of-all-trades of mountain biking, knows the trails of Graubuenden inside out. In “Take Claudio to the Limit” five famous mountain bike riders will challenge Claudio on the legendary trails in the five biking regions of Graubuenden. French downhill superstar Loic Bruni, German slopestyle and YouTube hero Lukas Knopf, Danish endurance specialist Annika Langvad, British downhill legend Steve Peat and French enduro rider Morgane Such will push Claudio to new heights on his home turf. The five showdowns will be held in the regions of Laax, Davos Klosters, Arosa Lenzerheide, Engadin and Engadin Samnaun Val Müstair. Anyone who wants to take on a new challenge on the bike can take part in the public “Home of Trails” challenge and win a bike holiday in Graubuenden. More information: www.homeoftrails.com

Header Picture: © Filip Zuan

Video: Tomas Lemoine at Crankworx Innsbruck – The Journey

After a long year 2020 hit by a global pandemic only few events and no King of Crankworx awarded, Tomas Lemoine kicks off the season with good results and two podiums in three disciplines at Crankworx Innsbruck. Now, sitting on first place in the King of Crankworx Overall rank, Tomas has two events – Crankworx B.C. in August and Crankworx Rotorua in November – to prove himself worthy of becoming the next King of Crankworx.

Crankworx Innsbruck was a week full of emotions, great competitions and good company for Lemoine. You can follow his experiences during this in his latest YouTube video. The journey from France to Innsbruck, the competitions and the results have been the perfect start for Lemoine’s season.

Follow Tomas Lemoine on Social Media:

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TomasLemoineFanpage

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tomaslemoine/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCknV8loOnvQVyr0vdd2Awaw/

 

Header Picture: @louiiiseder

Epic Bikepark Leogang and SCOTT raffle unique Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition Downhill bike

The Epic Bikepark Leogang, the first bike park in Austria, celebrates its 20th birthday this summer. SCOTT, proud bike partner of the Epic Bikepark for over eight years, has prepared a very special birthday present: A one-off SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition with top end equipment, which is now available to win in a giveaway by the bikepark.

The Epic Bikepark Leogang and SCOTT are raffling a custom Gambler 900 Tuned in the colors of the bike park, with details including the hashtag #20epicyears on the chainstay and “The Epic Bikepark Leogang” on the head tube. After years of successful collaboration and to mark the 20th Bikepark anniversary, it’s the ideal occasion for something special to celebrate with. From 7 July until 31 August 2021, everyone who visits the Epic Bikepark Leogang has the chance to win the unique bike. The ceremonial handover to the winner will take place at the BIKE Festival in Leogang between 10-12 September. Until then, the bike will be on display at Sport Mitterer at Asitzbahn bottom station.

With SCOTT as official partner, all of the bike park as well as surrounding trails can be explored on a wide variety of SCOTT bikes, available to rent. The premium bike manufacturer also appears at various events in the Saalfelden Leogang region as an event partner.

How to win

Five different treasure map boards with QR codes are hidden on five different tracks in the Epic Bikepark Leogang, which you have to collect. Once you have collected all the QR codes, you have to form the hidden word and enter it together with your respective bike park ticket, Gravity Card or season pass number on the competition landing page, press send and you’re done. Raffle tip: The solution word changes every two weeks. So if you visit Epic Bikepark Leogang more often, collect more hidden words and submit them online, you have a higher chance of winning!

 

Facts about the SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition
  • Carbon frame and hardware weighing only 2,650 grams; total weight of the bike under 16 kg and thus one of the lightest bikes in the Downhill market
  • Customizability: One of the most versatile Downhill bikes. Whether wheel size, geometry, chainstays, steering angle, everything adaptable to the respective preferences
  • One-piece Syncros Hixon iC DH carbon cockpit, lightest DH cockpit on the market
  • Top equipment (XO1 equipment, FOX 40 Factory fork, FOX DH X2 Factory shock, Shimano XTR 4 piston brake)
  • Retail price as series bike: 8.499 €

Julian Oswald, SCOTT Marketing Manager Germany:

“Congratulations on 20 years of Bikepark Leogang! SCOTT has been on board as a partner since 2013. The varied, exciting bike trails, embedded in a great landscape, fit perfectly with our bikes and our brand. Therefore, we celebrate the anniversary and our excellent partnership with a very special bike: The SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned in a unique design. It’s one of the fastest, most versatile, lightest and most successful bikes in the downhill circus. In the colors of the bike park it’s an absolute unique bike.”

Kornel Grundner, Managing Director of the Leoganger Bergbahnen:

“We are very happy to have such a great partnership with SCOTT for so many years. They are not only a premium brand in bike sports, but also in all mountain sports – summer and winter. The  SCOTT Gambler 900 Tuned #20epicyears Edition as a signature bike looks sensational and with its special design it is absolutely unique! Everyone who has seen it so far is thrilled! Big thank you to SCOTT for this great idea and this sensational price for the 20th anniversary of Epic Bikepark Leogang!”

More current news, dates and information about the tracks of the Epic Bikepark Leogang can be found at bikepark-leogang.com, instagram.com/BikeparkLeogang or facebook.com/BikeparkLeogang

For a “well-rounded bike vacation” there are special bike hotels in Saalfelden Leogang such as the Salzburgerhof, Bio Hotel Rupertus, Hotel Bacher, Hotel Riederalm, Hotel Ritzenhof, mama thresl, Hotel Krallerhof, Hotel Forsthofalm and Hotel Der Löwe, as well as competent bike stores such as Sport Mitterer or Sport Simon and the Bikepoint. To improve your own skills, for guided tours or for riding technique training, the Elements Outdoorsports bike school or the bike school Le- Guide offer a wide range of services. A list of all bike-friendly accommodations in the Saalfelden Leogang region can be found here: saalfelden-leogang.com/de/region-erleben/biken/bikefreundliche-betriebe.

Austria’s biggest bike region

The three resorts of Saalbach Hinterglemm, Saalfelden Leogang and Fieberbrunn joined forces as “The Skicircus” several winters ago. In 2020, they also came closer together for the summer, to offer mountain and gravel bikers almost unlimited possibilities on two-wheels. With over 80 kilometres of lines and trails, 9 lifts between 7 mountains and a joint bike pass offering almost unlimited gravel and asphalt options.

News and information about Saalfelden Leogang can be found on saalfelden-leogang.com, instagram.com/Saalfelden_Leogang or facebook.com/SaalfeldenLeogang

 

Pictures: Daniel Geiger

MF1 – Max Fredriksson’s TSG signature line

After many years of partnership, Max Fredriksson and TSG strengthened their alignment with the new Max Fredriksson signature apparel line, the MF1. This line consists of a jersey, shorts, gloves and long sleeve tee.

Being partners for helmets and protection for some time, Max and TSG decided to take the next step with the new line of apparel MF1. Max has been working really close with TSG, helping them with the design of his signature line and giving it some personal touch, like for example using earthly colours like beige, which is his favourite colour.

 

“I’m super happy on working together with TSG apparel on my own signature line for 2021! We’re working together with the super talented designer and ex-rider, Jonas Janssen, and we’ve got a good chemistry! The line will end up being super sick!” – Max Fredriksson

MF1 Jersey

The MF1 long sleeve jersey is an essential on Max Fredriksson’s line, made from quick-drying fabric and with bird-eye mesh on the sides and underarms, offering perfect ventilation when riding and drying quickly on climbs; great for a full day comfort. The jersey comes with a hidden google wiper at the bottom. The lower rear hem keeps the dirt off the rider’s backside. This product is designed for and by cyclist meeting all the high standards that Max and his teammates need.

MF1 Shorts

The clean lines and the absence of big flashy logos on the MF1 series reflects Max’s personality, top technical performance without being too loud. The shorts perfectly fit the rider’s biking position, even when the things get tough.

MF1 Hunter Gloves

With the latest ventilation control system, 4-way breathable stretch fabric on the back of the hand and fingers, the Hunter Glove is made for riders who prefer a simple design, colors matching the MF1 Apparel line, but also want the ultimate technology.

MF1 Long Sleeve Tee

Following the preferences of Max, the Long Sleeve MF1 Tee also comes with a simple and clean look. With small “TSG” logos printed on the front and the back of the shirt, the slogan “design by riders” is running along the left arm, the shirt’s simple design is completed by a contrast-colored neckband and an embroidered label at the bottom of it.

Check out all the information about the products of the new MF1 line on www.ridetsg.com

Follow Max Fredriksson on social media:

YouTube: www.youtube.com/FredrikssonMax

Instagram: www.instagram.com/maxfredriksson

Facebook: www.facebook.com/maxfredriksson

 

Header Picture: Richard Bos, RASOULUTION

Euro Trip: Johny Salido’s Crankworx Innsbruck week on YouTube 

Finally! After a long off-season without contests, it was time again for Mexicans best freeride-mtb-rider Johny Salido to compete in an international Mountainbike Event. This time the journey went to Austria for the 2021 Crankworx Innsbruck. 

Looking back on a full week of riding in which Jonny gave everything he had, you can experience the whole action from Jonny’s perspective in his latest YouTube vlog. Coming to Europe, competing at the official European Whip Off championship and racing against the worlds fastest Riders during the Speed and Style event has definitely been a tough but awesome experience for Johny. 

 

Follow Johny Salido online:
Facebook:  JuanDiegoSalido
Instagram: johnysalido
YouTube:   Johny Salido

 

Header Picture: Richard Bos, RASOULUTION