HOW TO PROPERLY CORNER WITH KIALANI HINES
Kialani Hines is one of a few Stan's athletes who have successfully made the transition from BMX racing to mountain biking. Growing up on small wheels and concrete corners, she knew how to go fast, but could she adapt to read the ever-changing terrain that trail riding throws at us? Busting onto the scene in 2017 at Crankworx Whistler, Kialani proved that she'd have no problem reshaping her riding style. Today Kialani is a serious contender who's chasing the Crankworx crown! With racing on hold, we caught up with Kialani for some how-to help on cornering.
Photos by Kenny Wehn.
"The biggest tips that ever helped me improve were actually very simple. Starting with looking through the corner. Many of us tend to look down at our front wheel. When we do this we lack the ability to make our next move correctly! Which is why looking UP/ahead through the corner helps with Where you enter and exit your corner."
"Coming from BMX racing into Mountain biking I Especially struggled with cornering. I still work on my corners in hopes to always improve in technique and speed!
Where you enter the corner is important because this is what determines how efficiently you get through the corner. When you track walk before a race or are riding a local pump track. You look at each corner beforehand (because they are all different) and see exactly where you want your tires to be. So you exist with the most speed possible for that corner. For example on a pump track where you have a big long and banked corner. You want to enter mid-to higher in the corner. This way you can get the most out of the corner really pushing through the Apex. Eventually existing middle of the berm. Not too high or too low. Just right to get you through the next straight away with enough speed."
"Speaking of speed, braking is probably the most challenging aspect of riding a bike. Which is why it is important to know when and where to do it!
You never want to break in the apex of the berm, instead of doing all your braking before you enter. So you can then smoothly corner and gain speed rather than lose it! This takes lots of practice and something I keep working on improving!"
"For me last would be body position. If you are new or haven’t ridden bikes for a while, it’s smart to analyze how your body position is on your bike. Many beginner clinics will help adjust you to a better/safer riding position. Improving body position will not only improve corners but your overall riding."
