5 Mountain Bike Tips for Better Riding

7 more Mtn Biking Tips

Mountain biking can be an exciting sport enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. There are, however, a few extra challenges that mountain biking offers as compared to taking a spin around the block. Think about these few basics before you hit the trail so you can really enjoy the obstacles you find!

#1 Get a Helmet - First things first. Get a helmet and wear it. Bike helmets are comfortable, stylish and, unlike many in the equestrian set, almost all mountain bikers wear one. I got mine from Sierra Trading Post but any bike shop will be more than happy to help you pick one out that suits your needs and budget. Other basic safety equipment and accessories that I recommend are cycling gloves (I prefer the full finger style because branches hurt!), some sort of hydration system (either a water bottle or a CamelBak), and bike shorts with extra padding where it counts.

#2 Pedal Practice - Practice removing your foot from the pedal. Do this first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Then move on to releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around. Those with standard pedals with move through this quickly, if you’re new to clipless pedals you’ll will want to spend a little more time here. And yes, everyone falls over when getting used to clipless pedal systems! Make sure to practice on a lawn or where it’s somewhat soft. I thought I’d figure it while on a trail – BAD IDEA - Feel free to learn from my mistakes.

#3 Proper Positioning of your Body on the Bike - Sit on your bike and pedal around. Your arms should be bent slightly. Adjust your seat height so that your leg is between 70 to 80 percent extended at the bottom of the pedal stroke. Keep your body loose and relaxed. You should not have your knees or elbows locked. If they are something is wrong. If you cannot correct by adjusting the seat height take your bike to a bike shop, they’re the pros and will be happy to get you set up right. You’ll be thankful you did.

#4 Shifting through the Gears - You’ll need to get comfortable with shifting the gears. The high gears are harder to pedal and take you faster while the low gears are easier to pedal and help you get up hills. Try to get used to what gears you need to use to comfortably go up hills of varying pitch or steepness. It’s easiest and best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while you are on the hill.

#5 Practice Looking Cool - Spend some time off the seat while coasting and standing on your pedals. Keep your arms bent and don’t lock your knees, keep your pedal stems horizontal to the ground, pointing straight ahead and straight back. You should be standing on your pedals with your knees bent and your seat should be between your legs. This is your primary standing position.

Now experiment with shifting your body towards the rear of the bike. It feels weird at first! When the trails get rough or you go over obstacles you’ll want to be in this position.

 Spend some time coasting while standing on your pedals without sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent and don’t lock your knees, put your pedals at the 3 and 9 o’clock positions (horizontal). Next, experiment with shifting your body towards the rear of the bike. You’ll want to be in this rear shifted standing position when you coast over obstacles or when the trail gets rough.

Now take it up a notch - Get comfortable with pedaling while standing on your bike. Lift yourself off the seat, stand on your pedals and crank them around. Try this in higher gears on the flat and in lower gears on the hills.

Once you get these basics under control it’s time to find a trail to work on refining your skills. Click here for tips how to be a responsible mountain biker.

The  Plug

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