When raising off the seat to ride over an obstacle, which action helps absorb the shock?

When raising off the seat to ride over an obstacle, which action helps absorb the shock?

• A. Keep your weight on the footrests to absorb the shock with your knees and elbows.
• B. Stand up fully to rise over the obstacle.
• C. Keep your body rigid and locked.
• D. Brake before the obstacle to dampen movement.

Answer: (A)

When you rise slightly off the seat to roll over an obstacle, your body and joints should act as the shock absorbers. Keeping your weight on the footrests allows your legs and arms to flex, so the knees and elbows bend to soak up the bump as the bike’s suspension compresses. This keeps you balanced and the ride smooth. Standing up fully can throw off balance and control, a rigid, locked body can’t absorb the impact, and braking before the obstacle doesn’t address the vertical motion you’ll feel as you go over it.

When you rise slightly off the seat to roll over an obstacle, your body and joints should act as the shock absorbers. Keeping your weight on the footrests allows your legs and arms to flex, so the knees and elbows bend to soak up the bump as the bike’s suspension compresses. This keeps you balanced and the ride smooth. Standing up fully can throw off balance and control, a rigid, locked body can’t absorb the impact, and braking before the obstacle doesn’t address the vertical motion you’ll feel as you go over it.