Getting started with mountain biking, you’re riding a bike, which makes sense. You also ride over mountains, creeks, and various other terrains, and it is all feeling utterly absurd. It is thrilling at the same time as being nerve-holding and terrifying. With practice, it becomes less challenging and more enjoyable.
However, there are pointers and techniques that we all wish you could know before getting started on your biking journey. If you are new to riding mountain bikes, here are nine pointers to assist you in getting started.
1. Loosen Up
Once you start your biking, its purpose is to assist you in navigating challenging landscapes. If you’re a first-timer in mountain biking, you must allow your bike to work freely. To loosen your body implies allowing it to move freely about. If you’re going over barriers like steep rocks, keep standing over the seat of your mountain bike.
Challenging terrain necessitates a larger amount of clearance for your bike to maneuver. Therefore, it would be best to use push-up arms when descending so that your body flows with the bike instead of resisting.
2. Keep the Momentum
At first, it may seem counterproductive to continue going onward even when the trail becomes difficult. However, maintaining frontal momentum is essential when tackling difficult aspects of the trail, so keep moving forward even when the trail becomes difficult. Again, maintaining your speed is your greatest bet when you’re on a trail.
3. Adjust Your Weight Forward
When you encounter challenging terrain, such as long ascents and descents, holding your center of gravity over the back wheel will assist you in maintaining traction when going up a steep hill. It would help if you prevented going over the handlebars by moving your weight over the back tire and away from your seat once the trail slopes go down.
4. Apply Your Brakes Slowly
If you’re starting as a rookie mountain biker, you will be compelled to seize the brakes and squeeze them as hard as possible. It would be best if you were to control this urge. Mountain bike controls are so adequate that you can adjust your speed with one or two fingers.
Before going over the dangerous ground like garden beds and curves, you should slow down a bit and then keep your speed constant. To avoid running into a curve too strong, use the rear (right-side) brake instead. The front tire will skid if you suddenly apply the brakes, and you will fall through the handlebars and to the floor. So instead, aim for the rear (right side), and you will likely avoid a skid.
5. Make Use of All Gears
The contour of a mountain bike terrain often resembles a wide-open jaw about to pounce on its prey. To put it another way, they travel through terrain that is constantly sloping upwards and downwards. Prepare for terrain changes by shifting gears ahead of time. To maintain your momentum (your best companion), you will benefit from this.
6. Decide on a Suspension Height
Shock absorbers and suspension forks are standard equipment on most modern mountain bikes. These are mystical devices that, when rolled over, virtually eliminate large lumps in the road. You can use them, but only if they are in an active state.
Configuring your sagging and rebounding might be tricky for a beginner because many variables are considered. It is essential to understand how the lock-out works or open your suspension to avoid getting on rugged terrain on a rigid bike by accident.
7. Look in the Direction You Desire
If you keep your gaze fixed on the rock you are trying to avoid; you will almost certainly run into it. “Target focus” is the term for when your bike travels towards the direction your eyes are pointing at. So instead, keep your eyes peeled for opportunities to get to where you want to go.
As much as possible, strive to maintain your jawline level with the surface and your eyes forward when hiking. It will allow you to use your field of vision to see around and over obstacles that may be directly in front of you. In addition, investing in a trail-specific helmet can keep your brain safe if you fall from your bike due to an obstruction.
8. Refresh Your Memory on the Basics of Maintenance and Repair
Off-road technical failures are more common than on-road due to the terrain’s ruggedness. Flats have been reduced, although they are still a problem with tubeless tires. So try reading up on some basic repairs so you will be prepared if something goes wrong. You should be able to repair a flat at the very least. Having the ability to fix a damaged chain and replace a derailleur hanger is another helpful skill. You can learn how to do this at your neighborhood store.
9. Ensure You Carry Essential Items With You on Your Trip
Within that forest or wasteland, there are not many comforts to be found. A mountain bike ride can take much longer than anticipated if you encounter rugged terrain, experience mechanical problems, or become disoriented. Never underestimate the necessity for food and water when traveling.
Similarly, you may be stranded without somebody to pick you up when anything goes wrong on your trip. Even if they could, your phone may not have service. So always keep a multi-tool, a spare tube, and a pump in your car. You will feel more at ease and enjoy yourself more if you know you will be prepared for just about everything.
Final Thought
The importance of learning how to ride a mountain bike is very well emphasized here. Mountain Biking has become a very vital sporting activity in the present day. It is the definition of the real outdoor activity away from the busy schedules at work and social life. Interestingly, it also helps you stay fit and healthy. The following tips in this article will help ensure that your mountain biking experience becomes memorable and will leave a lasting memory for a long time.