MTB guide · Trail features
MTB trail features: trail elements explained
MTB trail features are standardized technical trail elements: berm, drop, jump, gap jump, ladder bridge, rock garden, skinny, pump track and wallride. Here are 16 elements with a description, a recommended skill level and safety tips, and you can practice all of them at Bike Park Evolution in East Sarajevo.
16
trail features explained
3
skill levels
2015
building MTB trails
In short
- What trail features are: technical elements of an MTB trail (berm, drop, jump, skinny, rock garden and others) that help you judge a trail's difficulty and character in advance.
- For beginners: berm, bridge, pump track and roller coaster are the elements to start on.
- For intermediate riders: A-frame, ladder bridge, log ride, rock garden, rock face, skinny, jump, teeter totter and a smaller drop.
- Advanced riders only: gap jump and wallride, along with bigger drops.
- Safety: a helmet is mandatory, and before every element check the height, the slope and your line.
Trail elements
16 MTB trail features: berm, drop, jump, skinny and more
The elements are listed alphabetically. Each one comes with a recommended skill level, and at Bike Park Evolution you can get to know all the standardized MTB elements.
Intermediate · advanced
A-Frame
A-shaped wooden structure designed for learning balance and riding over a slope.
All levels
Berm
A banked dirt corner that lets you turn faster and more safely.
All levels
Bridge
A sturdy wooden structure over a ditch or uneven terrain.
Advanced · small drop intermediate
Drop
A break in the terrain or a platform you ride off onto a lower level. For more experienced riders.
Intermediate · advanced
Jump
A built or natural jump for clearing an obstacle or a gap.
Advanced
Gap Jump
A jump with a gap between the takeoff and the landing. For advanced riders.
Intermediate · advanced
Ladder Bridge
A narrow bridge made of planks, great for practicing balance.
Intermediate · advanced
Log Ride
Balancing and riding along a log or tree trunk placed along the trail.
All levels
Pump Track
A looped track with rollers and corners. You ride it without pedaling.
Intermediate · advanced
Rock Face
A steep rock slab or slope that demands steady technique.
Intermediate · advanced
Rock Garden
A section filled with rocks of various sizes.
All levels
Roller Coaster
Wavy terrain with quick changes between climbs and dips.
Intermediate · advanced
Skinny
A narrow technical element that demands precise balance.
Intermediate · advanced
Teeter Totter
A wooden seesaw that tilts under the rider's weight.
Advanced
Wallride
A vertical or near-vertical wall surface ridden at an angle.
By element
Other
Additional specific or custom trail elements.
Skill level
Which MTB trail features suit your skill level
The elements are split into three levels. Progress gradually: study each new element first, and only then ride it.
Beginner
Elements for beginners
Berm, bridge, pump track and roller coaster are the elements to start on. A-frame, ladder bridge, log ride, rock garden and jump are only partly recommended for beginners: ride slower and study them first.
Intermediate level
Elements for intermediate riders
A-frame, ladder bridge, log ride, rock garden, rock face, skinny, jump, teeter totter and a smaller drop. These technical trail elements demand good balance and speed control.
Advanced
Elements for advanced riders
Gap jump and wallride are for advanced riders only, along with bigger drops and combinations of technical sections. They demand experience, precision and complete bike control.
Why they matter
Why MTB trail features matter when riding trails
Standardized elements help you know what to expect before you reach the obstacle.
Before you ride
Safety
Riders know in advance what to expect, so they can judge the trail's difficulty and adjust their pace.
Technique
Learning
The elements help you build balance and control. A pump track is great for beginners, while a gap jump demands experience and precision.
Development
Progress
Gradually mastering more complex elements builds skill and confidence, and you can use the easier elements as training.
Safety tips
How to ride technical elements safely
- Wear protective gear: a helmet is mandatory, and knee pads, elbow pads and gloves are recommended.
- Inspect the element before riding: check the height, the slope and your line.
- Ride at your own pace: don't force elements you haven't mastered yet.
- Control your speed: especially in rock garden, skinny and jump sections.
- Progress gradually: use easier elements as training.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about MTB trail features
What are MTB trail features?
Trail features are the technical elements found on MTB trails, such as berms, drops, jumps, rock garden sections and wooden structures. Each element has its own role in skill development and suits specific rider levels.
Which elements can beginners ride?
Beginners can usually handle a berm, pump track, bridge, roller coaster and smaller A-frame structures. It's recommended to ride slower and to walk past the element first before trying it.
Which elements are recommended for intermediate riders?
More experienced riders can ride a rock garden, rock face, log ride, ladder bridge, jump and smaller drops. These elements demand good balance and speed control.
What are the most demanding trail elements?
The most demanding elements are the gap jump, big drops, skinny, wallride and combinations of technical sections. They're meant for advanced MTB riders with complete bike control.
Are these elements safe for recreational riders?
Yes, as long as they're ridden according to the rider's skill. Protective gear, inspecting the element before riding and gradual progression are recommended.
How do I know if an element is too hard for me?
If an element looks too high, too narrow, too steep, or needs much more speed than you're comfortable with, skip it. It's best to walk past it and judge your line before riding.
Do I need special equipment for technical elements?
A helmet is mandatory, and elbow pads, knee pads and gloves are recommended. For drops and jumps, trail or enduro tires with better grip help too.
How do I progress on technical elements?
It's best to start with easier elements: pump track, berm, small jump, small drop, rock garden, and then technical wooden structures. Consistency is the key to progressing safely.
About the guide's author
Marko Ristivojević, MTB Evolution
Marko Ristivojević runs MTB Evolution in East Sarajevo. He has been building MTB trails and servicing bikes since 2015, and since 2019 he has been the Trailforks database administrator for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He runs Bike Park Evolution and trains new generations of riders.
Try the elements at Bike Park Evolution
You can practice the pump track, jumps, balance elements and technical sections at the MTB skills area and on the trails of Bike Park Evolution in East Sarajevo.