Mountain biking is an awesome sport. If you are interested in the sport, you should be well prepared and ensure that you have the necessary skills. For safety, confirm that each trail aligns with your skill level before beginning.
Part 1
1. Getting Prepared
Ensure Your Mountain Bike Is of the Right Size
The mountain bike is supposed to match your body type, length of the legs, and height. If the bike is not fitting well, you will be uncomfortable as you ride. Good bike shops ensure that the bike is well set up depending on your needs. Some of these shops also offer service plans and repair services.
The different types of mountain bikes that you can choose from include:
• Hardtail bikes– they are suitable for beginners who are also riding on tough terrains.
• Rigid mountain bikes– they don’t have a suspension. With such a bike, you’ll have a tough time riding off-road.
• Full suspension bikes– this is an expensive bike that has a suspension in the back and front wheels. It also offers a comfortable riding experience.
Before purchasing your bike, you can borrow one and try it out. After a few rides, you will be in a position to know whether mountain biking is for you. The bike shops usually rent out bikes, and you can check out the available options. There is no need to invest hundreds of dollars in a new bike and end up realizing that mountain biking is not for you.
2. Purchase a Fitting Helmet
While cycling off-road, ensure that you have a fitting helmet. The fitting factor ensures that your vision is not affected as you ride. You should not try out mountain biking if you don’t have a helmet.
3. Ensure You Have the Necessary Safety Gear
There is extra safety equipment that you require as you try out mountain biking. The additional safety gear that you need includes:
• Shinguards
• Gloves
• Water bottle
• Arm braces
4. Ensure You are Prepared for a Serious Beating
During your first few rides, it won’t be easy. You may fall off, and the bike will also take a beating depending on the terrain you are riding on. You will get some bruises, and that’s normal. Ensure you have a phone and water. If you are riding as a group, ensure you have the following necessities:
• Blister kits
• Plenty of water
• Multi-tool and patch kit
• Extra socks
• Small air pump
• Rain gear
5. Get in Shape
If you are to engage in mountain biking, you should ensure that you are in good shape. When you are in shape, you will not start and stop off because you are not in shape.
If you have not been riding for a prolonged period, you should start by sprinting and cruising to ensure that you are in good shape.
Part 2
Building Skills
1. Start Slow
Ensure that you are comfortable on your bike. Adjust the handlebars and sets to ensure that you are comfortable as you ride. There is no need to start with hard to maneuver trails. Look for a level ground that is not paved. Ride around different areas and ensure that you are comfortable. Afterward, you can try out the hills to learn about how to balance and shift the mountain bike.
2. Look ahead and not down.
As you ride the bike on a certain trail, you should look ahead to ensure you won’t stumble on different obstacles. You can be tempted to lock your eyes on a particular branch or turn, which means your balance will be affected. You will manage to balance if you look ahead.
3. Brake Properly
Experienced mountain bikers usually ensure their weight is shifted slightly to ensure they can brake effortlessly. The brakes should be applied evenly at all times.
4. Learn the Appropriate Down and Uphill Techniques
When you approach grades effectively, you can move through a course comfortably and quickly as you maximize your efficiency. Learn more about how you can effectively negotiate the down and uphill.
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