How to Ride Roots on a Mountain Bike (Stay Loose and In Control)

Roots can look intimidating, especially when they are stacked close together or running diagonally across the trail. Once you learn the right technique, they are much more predictable than they seem.

I used to tense up every time I saw a rooted section ahead. My instinct was to slow way down, grip the bars too tight, and try to pick through every root one at a time. It always felt sketchy.

Over time, I learned a few simple habits that made roots much easier to ride, even when things get fast or wet.

✅ A Quick Personal Story

When I started riding in the late 90s, I had a Specialized Stumpjumper hardtail with old Judy forks. Roots were rough. The bike had almost no forgiveness, so it forced me to learn how to use my body to absorb impacts instead of relying on suspension.

I am actually grateful I learned that way because the same principles still apply with modern full-suspension bikes. You want to stay centered, stay loose, and let the bike move under you.

Most of my recent root practice has been on trails in Big Bear and some sections up Sterling. The roots there can be slick in the shade, so staying relaxed has made a big difference.

✅ Key Skills for Riding Roots

1) Stay Loose and Let the Bike Move

The biggest mistake riders make is trying to fight the bike.

If you stiffen your arms and lock your elbows, every bump transfers straight into your body. You bounce, lose traction, and your front wheel starts wandering.

Instead:

• Keep your hands light

• Keep your elbows soft

• Relax your knees

• Allow the bike to move under you

Think of your body like suspension. You absorb the bumps so the wheels stay planted.

Tip: If your hands or forearms feel tense, you are gripping too hard.

2) Look Past the Roots

Do not stare at the obstacle. Look ahead, past the roots.
The bike follows your eyes.
Trust your peripheral vision to handle what is under your wheels.

3) Brake Before You Get to the Roots

You want the tires rolling freely across roots.

Braking on top of them, especially when wet, makes slipping much more likely.

Do this:

• Control your speed before the root section

• Release the brakes as you roll through

This keeps traction high and helps the bike track straight.

4) Stay Centered

Some riders lean way back because roots look scary.
Too far back makes the front wheel wander.
Too far forward makes the front slide.

Stay neutral and balanced over both wheels.
Think about keeping your hips over the bottom bracket.

5) A Little Momentum Helps

It feels counter-intuitive, but rolling slightly faster can make roots smoother.

Going too slow makes your tires fall into every gap.
A bit more speed helps the bike skim over the top.

You do not need to go fast.
Just avoid crawling.

6) Square Up if You Can

Roots that run straight across the trail are the easiest to ride.
Roots at an angle are harder, especially when wet.

If possible, approach them more square to reduce the chance of slipping.

⚠️ Riding Roots When Wet

Roots in the shade or wet from rain are very slippery.
This is where good form matters.

Tips:

• Brake before the roots

• Stay relaxed

• Keep the bike upright

• Do not make sudden steering moves

• Commit and look ahead

If in doubt, roll straight and keep the wheels turning.

✅ Common Mistakes

❌ Tight hands and arms
❌ Braking on the roots
❌ Staring at the front tire
❌ Leaning too far back
❌ Trying to steer around every root

Most roots are easier to ride straight over.
The more you fight them, the worse it gets.

✅ What Helped Me Most

Relaxing changed everything for me.

Once I stopped trying to control every inch of the bike and let it move under me, the trail felt smoother. That same feeling carried into rocks, braking bumps, and chattery terrain.

It is one of the most confidence-building skills you can learn.

✅ Simple Practice Drill

Find a small root section and try this:

1. Ride through at a medium pace

2. Look ahead, not down

3. Loosen your elbows

4. Keep a light grip

5. On the next pass, go just a little faster

You will notice how much smoother it feels.

✅ Final Thoughts

Roots look intimidating at first, but once you understand how to handle them, they are actually predictable. Stay loose, brake early, and trust the bike to move under you.

They are not trying to throw you. They just reward good technique.

A fun challenge for your next ride:

Find a small patch of roots and ride it five to ten times. Each lap, relax more than the last.

You will feel improvement almost immediately.