At first glance, mountain biking may seem both fun and challenging in equal measure. With practice, you'll notice how the fun increases and your fears disappear. Until then, we offer you some recommendations to get started on the right foot in the MTB discipline. In the beginning, everything is uncertain. Which bike is best to start riding without spending a lot of money? What do you need to bring on an MTB ride? What are the basic maintenance tasks for a mountain bike? Following these tips will help you avoid unnecessary headaches.
Tips for buying your first MTB
Within a certain price range, there is no better or worse bike. There are simply bikes that fit your needs as a cyclist to a greater or lesser extent. To find the right bike, a good idea is to go to a specialized dealer. Not only will they give you advice on which model is best for you, but they will also guide you on materials, geometries, components, and much more. Having a trusted shop nearby is always a good resource.
Which bike to choose?
The first question that arises when starting out in mountain biking is which bike to choose. There are tons of models adapted to very different MTB disciplines: Cross Country (the most widespread discipline), Down Country, Enduro, Trail, Downhill... Given this scenario, it's best to choose according to your own tastes, here and now; you'll have time to evolve as you gain experience.
If you're a beginner cyclist, a veteran recommendation is to buy a second-hand MTB instead of a new one. For a reasonable cost, you can see if you really like this discipline. In addition, you'll learn about mechanics, discover your true physical condition, and find out where your limits are.
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Choose the right size
If you are going to buy a mountain bike to start practicing this cycling discipline, keep in mind the enormous importance of choosing the right size. More important than the range of components your machine has is that it fits your body shape.
How to gear up for your mountain bike rides
You don't need to purchase top-of-the-line equipment to start in the MTB discipline. However, you should consider the following items:
MTB-specific helmet
No explanation needed here: above all, safety. The use of a bike helmet is always essential, regardless of your level as a biker. If you already have a road helmet, you can use it. Otherwise, invest in a helmet specifically for mountain biking: they offer even greater protection, as their design covers more of your head.
Glasses
To keep anything from getting into your eyes and to protect you from UV rays, a good pair of cycling glasses is essential. Also, if you're riding through a wooded area or with trees, a branch could hit you in the face. Therefore, it's better to keep your eyes protected; especially if you're riding at a good speed.
MTB shoes
A pair of shoes specifically for mountain biking are also necessary. If you've never tried them, you won't believe the grip you can get. It will be like literally pedaling glued to the bike. Here you will have to decide whether you want to ride with clipless pedals or flat pedals. Both systems have their advantages and disadvantages.
The best thing is to try and decide which system fits your needs. Each one requires a specific type of shoe, although clipless pedals are the most common.
MTB shorts
Between going out with sports shorts and tight lycra bib shorts, there is a middle ground for mountain biking. Specific shorts with an integrated chamois are the ideal solution: comfortable, flexible, and not too baggy. In addition, they are made with a tough material to withstand snags, friction, and falls, which are particularly common in mountain biking.
Knee pads
Aside from the helmet, one protective accessory you should invest in is knee pads. Not only will they save you from scratches and bumps caused by accidents on the trail, but you'll also avoid the inevitable knocks against the pedals.
Gloves
Some people skip them, but gloves should also be a basic element in your gear. They help with handlebar grip and protection, while also absorbing moisture from your hands.
Tips for tuning up your mountain bike
Once you have your bike at home and the right equipment, it's time to make the necessary adjustments before heading out to ride.
Watch your tire pressure
The tires are the only point of contact between the bike and the ground. Therefore, choosing the correct pressure can make a difference. Air pressure that's too low can increase the chances of getting a flat from the classic pinch. But if the pressure is too high, the problem is loss of traction, making it harder to control the bike in turns and when braking. So, what is a good tire pressure for beginners? There is no exact answer to this question. Rather, it's a matter of trial and error, where you have to discover what works best for you depending on the terrain you'll be riding.
A good starting point could be 28 psi in the rear tire and 25 psi in the front. Having slightly higher air pressure in the rear is normal, since that wheel takes the brunt of the impacts. While the main job of the front tire is to maintain grip and control when braking and cornering, slightly lower pressures help with this.
Adjust the saddle height
Make sure to set your mountain bike saddle at the right height: not too high, and not too low. High saddles increase the chance of chafing and raise the center of gravity, so your balance on the bike is reduced. Don’t lower it too much either, as this can cause knee pain and accelerate muscle fatigue.
An unwritten rule says that the ideal posture is achieved when, sitting on the saddle, you place your heel on the pedal and your leg is extended, but without forcing your hip. In this sense, a great innovation in recent years has been the adoption of the dropper seatpost. A specific lever allows you to change the saddle height on the fly to raise or lower your center of gravity depending on the terrain. This adds an extra layer of safety for mountain bikers, whether beginner or experienced.
Set up suspensions
The goal of MTB suspension is to absorb impacts, so that the wheels stick to the ground and we get maximum grip and control.
Obstacles will be a bit easier to handle and riding comfort will increase noticeably. It's important to understand how and why to set up the suspension correctly. Especially if we use a full-suspension bike. (with suspension on the fork and frame). If it is too hard, the rebound on the ground will be uncomfortable. If it is too soft, on the other hand, you run the risk of compressing the bike's suspension beyond its maximum travel, bottoming out and suffering the corresponding impact.
In summary, take your time to understand how to lock and unlock the suspension to adapt it to the terrain you are riding on.
Tips for Riding Safely
Once we have our mountain bike ready, it's time to venture out on trails and paths. Below, we show you some skills you should practice to make the most of your MTB routes. If you think of more, we invite you to include them in the comments of this article.
Adopt a Relaxed Posture
Maintaining a relaxed posture on the bike is a key factor in MTB. The secret is to allow the bike to do its job. To do this, keep your body loose, semi-flexed, and stand up from the saddle when going over obstacles.
To tackle descents, open your elbows and knees and let the bike flow instead of fighting against it. Keep your eyes looking ahead to anticipate the terrain. Play with the balance of mass on the bike.
When climbing a slope, shift your weight forward to apply traction to the front wheel, which will tend to lift off the ground if the grade is very steep. To go down steep paths, do the opposite: move your butt back toward the rear wheel. And if the hill is moderate, focus on standing up from the saddle with the pedals parallel and your heels down, so that your body applies force to them.
This will give you good stability. In any case, it's all a matter of practice.
Brake with Confidence
In general, mountain bike brakes are so powerful that you'll only need one finger to apply the necessary force to the levers. In fact, try to do so, as this way you'll have almost your entire hand free to grip the handlebars firmly. If necessary, adjust the levers so that they are perfectly accessible. Keep in mind that the best way not to lose control is to use both brakes and do so as smoothly as possible.
It's good to know, in any case, that the more weight rests on a tire, the more braking power it will have. Rather than resorting to emergency braking, it's better to anticipate and adjust your speed in the face of any unexpected event. If you find yourself entering a corner too fast, avoid squeezing the front brake, as you may destabilize the wheel and end up on the ground. It's better to brake from the rear; you will probably skid, but you might avoid the fall.
More Speed, More Safety (Sometimes)
Your instinct for self-preservation may lead you to slow down excessively when passing through areas with obstacles like rocks or roots. Don’t underestimate the ability of your tires to maintain maximum traction while spinning in these conditions. In fact, speed can be your best ally to successfully overcome sections like these. If you go too slowly, your wheel could hit each obstacle directly. By maintaining a good speed, on the other hand, you could move forward by gliding over the terrain. In any case, don’t try to go too fast and move forward with firm and confident steps.
Choose suitable routes for beginner cyclists
If you go down a professional-level technical trail without the proper preparation, you’ll most likely end up on the ground. Obviously. Not only can you get hurt, but your confidence will be seriously affected and you won’t be as eager to get back on the bike. Knowing your own limits is a skill that not many cyclists possess, but it is crucial in MTB.
Start by riding trails where you feel comfortable. Whatever your physical condition, there will always be a suitable route for you. Progress gradually and take on challenges that match your technical level. It’s always better to be left wanting more than to overdo it and suffer a collapse in the middle of the mountains.
Go out with someone more experienced than you
There’s no better way to progress than to go out with your mountain bike in the company of bikers who have more experience than you. Observe how they handle themselves on the bike and try to imitate some of their movements. Almost without planning it, you’ll soon reach limits you didn’t even know existed. In addition, sharing routes with others will help you enjoy this cycling discipline even more.
Be consistent
This is the key. Consistency is the only way to improve your skills on your mountain bike. You’ll gain experience and, thanks to it, you’ll be able to explore your limits. Mountain biking will exercise your whole body. The more you practice, the greater your endurance will be and you’ll be able to take on new challenges. You can combine rides at a steady pace with some short sprints. Persevere and before you know it, you’ll find yourself overcoming challenges you didn’t think you were ready for.