If you are looking for a great outdoor activity, one of the things that you can try is mountain biking. This may sound like a daunting task, but nothing really beats the thrill of bouncing on rugged terrain and conquering steep slopes.
Everyone can take an exciting trip in the mountains. But of course, you can’t jump onto your bicycles and expect that you will be good at it in just a snap, either. It takes strength, will, and skill in order to conquer a mountain, and if this is your first time, you need to train first to master useful biking tricks and technique. To help you out, here’s a post that’ll discuss useful cycling tips for beginners.
What’s the best bike?
There are several types of mountain bikes that you can use depending on your ride.
Cross-country bicycles are lightweight and the most perfect for beginners. They’re not really highly efficient for riding in rough terrain, but these bikes can ensure that you will have a smooth time while traversing flat trails or rolling hills.
All-terrain bikes, meanwhile, are made for tough roads thanks to their heavier frame. They’re also great for crossing steep hills. If you want some speed, you should go for downhill bikes. They are durable enough to ride on rough roads, and they have the most suspension compared to other bikes.
What gear should you get?
After getting the bike, the next step is acquiring protective gear:
- Clothes – padded shorts, waterproof jacket, knee and elbow pads
- Helmet – make sure that it’s certified by credible safety organizations.
- Sunglasses – get a shatterproof eyewear with good UV protection
Preparing your body
As mentioned earlier, biking requires strength and skill. If this is your first time, it is highly advisable that you don’t push yourself and ride across 50 miles of tough terrain. Start practicing on different flat terrains first. Before riding, always take 20 minute warm-ups to improve your blood flow and prevent your muscles from getting injured. You should also add different exercises like push-ups, leg presses, or pull-ups to build your strength.
Be flexible
Stay on the saddle when pedaling on a smooth trail. But when climbing technical terrain, try to stand on your pedals while slightly bending your knees, waist, and elbows. This is a handy athletic stance that can absorb the bumps in the road.
Can you share other useful mountain biking tips? Feel free to post your thoughts in the comments!
30 thoughts on “Useful Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners”
Where did you go mountain biking? Or is that a different post for a different day? Haha. Standing up while going uphill is a good tip and another is be mindful on the downhills! I’ve had my fair share of falling off bikes going downhill too fast.
Hi sweetie! It’s just a general post on mountain biking. Cez is a pro. Did that in Vietnam and China :)!He’s a real bike freak!
Great biking. Tips for cycling a few weeks Argentina? some usefull things more to have on my mind as I’ll be doing it in October
Never been cycling in Argentina, but it sounds like a plan!
Interesting article! Someday I will go Mountain Biking in Chile. There is a trail there named Lonquimay – Tolhuaca, It’s a 4-6 days adventure with breathtaking views :)
Awesome!!
I enjoy taking my bike out for a rip on the trails near my house … great guide!
Me too, absolutely! Thanks a lot Jeremy!
Great tips. I’m not really a biker but should do it more often anyway to stay fitter ;)
YES! Try it and you will not regret it :)!
Nice tips Agness! Love that image of you wearing the cloth ;) Super smart, in some more dusty dry spots. I haven’t mount biked in years but did some serious cross country biking through the rice fields of Hoi An, Vietnam a few years ago. We’d bike around in the intense heat – some days the heat index was 125 F!!!! – and loved it. Great beauty, great workout, great fun. Do what you can to keep in shape on the road. Walk, bike, and jog, and you’ll save money while keeping trim and fit. That’s a secret to my health and wellness regimen ;)
Ryan
Thanks a lot Ryan!!
I barely bike but every single time I have, I managed to fall (nothing serious) so I’m definitely not the best person to be giving biking tips.
Oh I see. The same thing happens to me when I run :) hehe
Great advice! The main thing is definitly not to push yourself too hard at first and enjoy yourself obviously. Thanks Agness!
Totally agree!
My bro is a professional cyclist, he does road and mountain riding, I shall ask for some tips and let chya know. :) Me… Im more of a slow poke, no stress kinda rider.
Awesome!
Very useful mountain biking tips for beginners from blog.
Thank you, sweetie!
Great biking. Tips for cycling a few weeks Argentina? some usefull things more to have on my mind as I’ll be doing it
You’re not wrong in saying that mountain biking sounds daunting! I’ve just started looking at bikes, and I’m a little overwhelmed. I appreciate your advice. It sounds like I should go with a cross-country bike, so I’ll look more into those.
These are some great tips, and I appreciate your advice to take it slowly at first. When I think of mountain biking, I think of strenuous hills and crazy trails, and it seems daunting to me. It’s definitely better to take it slowly and acclimate yourself to the activity. Thanks for the great post!
I like how you mentioned not to push yourself when you are first starting out. My husband and I have been wanting to go on a few mountain biking trips when we go up to Colorado in a few weeks but we will have to pace ourselves! It seems like starting out small and building your endurance and strength is the best way to get better and stay safe in doing so.
Indeed some great points that every new mountain biker should follow!! Thank for explaining..
Wow, Great tips. Very useful tips for Mountain Biking Beginners. Just enjoyed reading this post. This is truly amazing.
This is awesome. I love mountain biking. Most people who want to or learn mountain biking don’t know where to start.This is a nice guide to beginners. Thank you for the tips.
Nice to hear that! Biking is awesome!
Being a sports fan, this blog was an amazing read. Sports is such a genre which needs informative as well as stimulating facts and information – you got them all!
Thanks a lot, David.