Learning how to mountain bike is an exciting process, but it can also be nerve-wracking and downright scary, depending on the trail.

Learning how your bike works and how to position your body correctly are all vital to understanding how to be a skilled mountain biker.

Here are a few tips to help you on your journey into the exhilarating world of mountain biking.

advertisement

Keep up the momentum

You may feel like slowing down when you hit rough terrain, but maintaining speed or speeding will help you get through it. Your bike needs momentum to keep moving forward, so try to maintain it even if you urge to slow down.

Take it easy on your brakes

There will come the point during one of your rides that you want to “slam on the brakes.” Resist that feeling and moderate your speed using one or two fingers.

Adjusting your speed before you hit rough terrain and then maintaining that speed will make navigating through much more manageable. If you do need to use the brakes, avoid the front tire brake. You may end up sliding your bike and flying over the handlebars. Try using your back tire backs. You are likelier to stay on your bike even though you may slide a little.

Keep your body loose

Your bike is built to roll over rough terrain with relative ease. All you have to do is keep your body loose and let your bike do its job. Holding your butt up when going over rocks and roots will give your bike the space it needs to move, and keeping your knees and elbows out will help your bike flow throw rocky terrain and keep you safe to enjoy the ride.

Master learning how to shift your weight properly

The whole point of mountain biking is to bike through some rough terrain. Learning how to shift your weight to keep you upright and maintain your speed is crucial. It’s good to practice shifting your weight forward during rough patches to maintain the center of gravity over that back wheel, which helps with the bike’s traction to the ground.

Learn where you plan to go

Keeping your eyes on the path you want to take will keep you going in that direction. Looking around you at rocks and trees you don’t want to hit is a surefire way to hit those rocks and trees. Your hands tend to follow your eyes. Try to keep your vision as far down the path you are taking as possible and use your peripheral vision to notice the rocks and trees you are trying not to hit.

Make use of all the gears

It is smart to take the time and learn how the gears on your mountain bike work before you hit some serious trails. They can help you to maintain momentum through rocky terrain. Learning how to anticipate the coming terrain and shift your gears appropriately is a skill, and it will come with time, but it is something that you need to work on to develop actively.

Learn how to do basic repairs to your mountain bike

Riding through rough terrain is a lot harder on your bike than riding on a paved road. Your bike will inevitably break down during a ride. Learning how to do basic repairs on your mountain bike can ensure you can ride your bike out of the trail rather than carry it.

Learning how to fix a flat tire, replacing a bent or broken derailleur hanger, and repairing a broken chain are all good skills. If you don’t have anyone that can show you how to do those things, there are numerous videos online that can teach you these repairs.

Learn how your suspension works

Suspension is a great invention for mountain biking and riding over bike rocks. Learning how the suspension works on your bike so you don’t have a bumpy and unpleasant ride is a must for any beginner. Take all the time you need while you learn the ins and outs of your bike suspension before taking it out for a good ride.

Always carry supplies with you

Taking a backpack full of tools you will need in case your bike breaks down, food, water, and a little survival gear is a must if you are riding trails that can be hard to get a hold of anyone if something goes wrong. If you have no cell service and a broken-down bike, you will be glad to have a backpack full of tools and other supplies to help you out.

advertisement

Clothing

You don’t need to run out and splurge on a closet full of clothes for mountain biking, but at least one outfit to wear while you hit the trails is ideal. Look for clothing that is breathable, weatherproof, and lightweight. Investing in padded shorts, cycling gloves, kneepads, and a well-fitted helmet is worth the money and will make your ride much easier. Finding appropriate outwear is a must if you frequently ride in colder weather.

Don’t get overly ambitious

Don’t start out over your head by hopping on advanced trails. There is no shame in being a beginner. Start with some easier trails while you get to know your bike and how to maneuver it and your body properly before you hit more challenging routes.

Conclusion

Being a beginner with mountain biking can be tough; you want to feel that rush of adrenaline while riding through some rough terrain, making jumps, and executing sharp corners, but slowing down and taking the time you need to learn the ins and outs of mountain biking will get you a lot further than jumping in and possibly injuring yourself or making it an experience you didn’t enjoy.

advertisement