Bike Knowledge

Bike Knowledge Core Skills

DatesClass in progress

Book your place on the core skills course

Course Outline

Bike Knowledge's one-day Core Skills course is aimed at riders who are new to mountain biking, and the more experienced riders who have hit a plateau and want to progress their riding to the next level.

There are a few core skills that every rider needs to know and practice to be able to ride a bike properly. Master these and you'll be able to ride 99% of anything in the world.

front wheel liftsDuring the morning session you'll observe, practice and learn some of the core skills with our expert tutor Andy Barlow. You'll be learning in a safe environment where falling off is safe. Then after lunch, you'll be able to put your new skills into practice on some of the best natural trails in the Pentlands.

Places are limited so pre-booking the course is essential.

Book your place on the core skills course.

Contact us with your enquiry Call 07890 850163 or email info@bikeknowledge.com

Your ability

Good bike handlingMost of us have two concerns when thinking about a doing course like this:

Fitness (aka The Puff Factor)

Mountain biking is a physical activity, and higher fitness can help. This course is designed to give you skills to go out riding, it is not a fitness workout. So a moderate level of fitness is needed because it lasts a whole day but there will be plenty of chances to take a break.

For the Bike Knowledge Core Skills course we recommend:

Fitness: Puff factor 1

You excercise occasionally - going to the gym or for a gentle cycle or walk. You may use your bike for flat trails but hills are tiring and you will avoins them. Maybe you're doing a 5k fun run, or charity event. You want to get fitter and biking could help you do that.

Fitness: Puff factor 2

You exercise quite regulary. But don’t seem improve much. You can cycle for a few hours on quite hilly trails, but are happy to put the bike away after that.

Fitness: Puff factor 3

You consider yourself quite fit and active, but you'd like a new fun way of staying motivated and improving on your fitness.

Learning is funIf you think you need to boost your fitness before taking this course, then go out on a few rides lasting an hour, or spend a few weeks taking some energetic walks. Take a look at visitscotland's walking pages for some that are right here in Edinburgh.

Bike Skills

”It’s as easy as falling off a bike”

Most of us learn to ride a bike when we’re young, but once we’ve stopped falling over and taken off the stabilisers, how much more do we learn?

Bike Skills 1

I own (used to own) a bike, but it’s locked in the stairwell or garage. It’s more likely to be used as a clotheshorse than a mode of transport. When I do go out it’s along a flattish cycle route.

Bike Skills 2

I cycle off-road occasionally. I find it hard to get up and down steps, and don’t like goinf up or down rough or difficult ground. I would like to be able to ride trails more confidently without falling off.

Bike Skills 3

I am a regular off-road cyclist, and would like to improve my mountain biking skills. I wan to hone my skills and progress to the next level.

If you are unsure about which level you are, the Bike Knowledge guides will help. Please contact us for advice.

Bike hire from us

You don’t even have to own your own bike! We maintain a fleet of Trek bikes with the most modern components, in a range of sizes.

If you hire a bike with us you'll also get a helmet.

Kit list

Equipment that you MUST bring:
Equipment that you SHOULD bring:
Equipment that is OPTIONAL but USEFUL: