Mountain biking is generating significant excitement, attracting a growing number of enthusiasts. With MT bikes and accessories readily accessible, the entry barrier has vanished.
This sport thrives on the absence of defined rules and structured training. To fully engage, you must let go, concentrate, and embrace the ride. While a mentor can share valuable insights, ultimately, you navigate the untamed trails independently, building your path in the thrilling world of mountain biking.
We've compiled some essential tips to make the mountain biking experience more accessible and enjoyable for beginners.
- Be Bicycle Ready
Maintaining the correct tyre pressure, typically between 22 and 35 psi, is crucial, with slightly more air in the rear tyre to support the rider's weight. Adjustments should align with personal preferences, terrain, and riding style. Lower pressures are generally suitable for steep, rough, and technical terrain, but beware of potential damage to wheel rims and inner tubes if pressures are too low.
Experiment with pressures; carry a pump and gauge on your trail adventures, as getting tyre pressure right significantly enhances the joy of the ride.
Moreover, ensure an appropriate seat height, avoiding extremes. A seat too high strains the lower back, while a low seat affects knees and pedal efficiency. Achieve the perfect seat height when your knees are slightly bent at the pedal's closest point to the ground.
- Sit Loose and Related
When you start mountain biking, you might feel a bit stressed, and your body may get tense. This can make riding harder, especially on trails and downhill slopes.
To help with this:
Try to keep your knees and elbows relaxed.
Lean your chest towards the handlebars to make steering easier by lowering your body's centre of gravity.
Keep your knees flexible to move freely, making turning and handling obstacles on the trail easier.
These tips will make your mountain biking experience more enjoyable and confident.
- Welcome to the Momentum
It's important to keep going at a good speed when mountain biking. Suddenly, braking or riding too slowly can cause crashes. Moving faster and keeping momentum helps you handle rough areas, small jumps, and obstacles. It might feel a bit scary at first, but once you get used to it, you'll see how speed and momentum are your allies in mountain biking.
- Expect to Gear Shift a Lot
When mountain biking, use your bike gear and be quick about it. Anticipate the terrain changes and shift gears well before they happen. Mountain bike trails can change quickly, so be ready for the ups and downs by adjusting your gears early and as often as needed.
- Eyes Up Ahead
This advice applies to all types of biking, whether on a gear cycle, fat tyre bike, hybrid bike, or mountain bike (MTB). It's crucial to emphasise this because MTB riding can be distracting, and new riders often focus too much on the immediate terrain under their wheels rather than what's ahead. Terrain changes quickly, and you need to be aware of shifts coming up rapidly.
- Ride at Your Own Pace
Don't stress about going fast; it's not a race. Whether riding with friends or not, go at a pace that feels good for you. You can always catch up with them at a break. Mountain biking is more about improving skills than reaching a specific place. Don't hesitate to walk with your bike for steep drops; you'll eventually learn to ride those obstacles with practice.
The Key Takeaway
If you're a new mountain biker, you've seen many videos of pros tackling trails. Don't be intimidated; they're experts. Take deep breaths to calm your nerves—it's normal to feel jittery initially.
Remember, mountain biking should be enjoyable, even if it's challenging. Focus on the thrill, delight, and the "wow" feeling when you conquer a challenge.
