(1) Leaning Method: Keep the bike and your body in line, leaning into the turn.
1. Shift your body’s center of gravity toward the inside of the turn, keeping the same lean angle as the bike.
2. Straighten your outer knee and apply slight pressure, as if you’re trying to press the pedal down (but don’t actually do it — we’re not responsible for any crashes).
3. Use your inner knee to press against the top tube; this helps fine-tune your line and reduces pressure, allowing for tighter turns.
4. Slightly pull up on the handlebar with your outer hand.
Two good times to use leaning:
You can accelerate through gentle turns (less than 45 degrees).
Use it on unfamiliar turns where you have a clear view ahead.
Two downsides of leaning on wet asphalt:
On rainy days, although this turning technique offers good traction, its angle and weight distribution aren’t ideal for slippery surfaces; leaning isn’t as responsive as countersteering.
(2) Handlebar Steering Method: Keep the bike more upright while leaning your body into the turn.
1. Move forward until your nose and the brake lever are aligned.
2. Keep the bike upright while leaning your body into the turn (enough to straighten your outer arm).
3. Tilt the handlebars toward the inside of the turn.
4. Bend your inner elbow to pull the handlebar back while pushing it forward with your outer arm to steer the front wheel.
5. Keep both knees tucked in and continue pedaling.