ZEP Mythbusters: Front Brake Control on Steeps (Part 2)
In this second video, we dig further into the fundamental front brake and body position skills riders need to master their speed control on steep terrain.
These braking skills are something we work on regularly in Whistler mountain bike lessons and coaching sessions, as riders often struggle to manage speed and traction on steep trails and rock features.
While much of this information may seem best suited for intermediate riders, we see many advanced and expert riders visiting Whistler every year who would benefit from practicing and refining these same fundamentals.
If you haven’t already, make sure your front brake control and body position fundamentals are dialled in, as covered in Part 1: Front Brake Skills for Steeps & Rock Rolls.
One of the most common myths we see across all ability levels is riders over-relying on the rear brake, when in many situations they should be using the front brake more effectively for better control and traction.
In this video we continue breaking down the concepts and demonstrate how riders can develop these skills progressively on mellow terrain before applying them to steeper trails.
Tips for Improving Front Brake Control on Steep Terrain
Many of the same principles we work on during Whistler mountain bike skills clinics and coaching sessions apply when riders are developing better braking control:
Practice braking drills on mellow terrain first before applying them to steep trails or technical features.
Focus on smooth braking pressure rather than grabbing the brake abruptly.
Maintain a balanced, centered body position so the bike can move naturally underneath you.
Avoid dragging the rear brake constantly, which can reduce traction and control.
Build confidence gradually by repeating drills and progressively increasing terrain difficulty.
Spend time developing braking control on a variety of surfaces to better understand traction and grip.
Practicing these skills on easier trails is the best way to build confidence and refine technique before applying them to steeper and more technical terrain.
Developing Mountain Bike Skills in Whistler
Steep terrain, rock rolls, and technical trails are common features in the Whistler Mountain Bike Park and surrounding trail networks. Learning how to manage speed and traction with proper braking technique is an important skill for riders looking to progress.
Many riders visiting Whistler choose to take mountain bike lessons or skills clinics to develop these techniques more quickly and safely.
For riders looking to consistently improve their technical riding, ZEP also offers structured progression programs like the Tech Master Weekly program. These sessions focus on developing the core technical riding skills needed for Whistler terrain — including braking control, body position, line choice, and speed management.
Unlike a single lesson, the Tech Master program allows riders to build and refine skills over multiple sessions, helping them develop confidence and control on steeper and more technical trails.
Learn more about the program here:
Technical Maneuvers are so fun to learn and so helpful to build skills. Every rider is capable… let the ZEP Coaches show you how.
About the Author
Paul Howard is the Owner-Director and Head Coach of Whistler-based ZEP Mountain Bike Coaching. Paul has been teaching mountain biking and training mountain bike instructors and guides around the world since the late 1990s.
Based in Whistler, BC, Paul works with riders of all levels through mountain bike lessons, skills clinics, and coaching programs designed to help riders progress faster and ride with greater confidence.
About ZEP Mountain Bike Coaching
Established in 2006, ZEP Mountain Bike Coaching is a Whistler-based mountain bike coaching company offering:
Whistler mountain bike lessons
Whistler Bike Park coaching
mountain bike skills clinics
youth programs and camps
private coaching for riders of all levels
