Follow this complete guide to mountain biking to help you prepare for the trails and have more fun on two wheels.
Learning how to mountain bike is a different experience from simply riding a bicycle. You’ve got to navigate tricky trails, which makes things like braking, shifting gears, and finding the right position a bit more complicated.
Mountain biking is also not simply a matter of getting from one place to the next on your bicycle. It’s an adventure, and you need to appreciate the scenery and thrill along the way.
If you’ve never gone mountain biking before, then this mountain biking guide will cover everything you need to know for a safe and enjoyable day out on the trails. In fact, you should get some useful info from this guide even if you are an experienced mountain biker too.
Choosing the Right Mountain Biking Trails
When it comes to hitting the trails on your mountain bike, choosing the right one is key to having a safe and enjoyable ride.
To help you pick the perfect trail for your skill level, mountain biking routes use a simple grading system. The grade of your trail should be visible to help you know what you’re getting into.
Green Routes
These are the easiest trails, perfect for beginners and families. They offer smooth, wide tracks with gentle climbs.
If you’re just starting out or riding with kids, green routes are your best bet. They’re all about getting comfortable on your bike and enjoying the scenery without too many technical challenges.
Blue Routes
Ready to step it up a bit? Blue routes are the next level.
You’ll need a bit of biking experience and reasonable fitness for these trails. They might have short, steep climbs, loose surfaces, and tree roots to navigate around. But don’t worry, tackling blue routes is a great way to boost your confidence and skills on the bike.
Red Routes
Feeling confident and want more of a challenge? Red routes are for experienced riders with good technical skills.
These trails often narrow down to singletrack, meaning you’ll need to ride in a single file. You can expect berms, rocks, and maybe even some steps along the way. Make sure you’re ready to take on these obstacles before hitting the red trails.
Black, Double Black, Orange
These are the toughest trails, reserved for experts only. With steep gradients and serious obstacles, they’re not for the faint-hearted.
If you’re still working your way up the skill ladder, save these trails for the future when you’re feeling more confident and experienced.
Mountain Bike Riding Techniques
Now that you know which mountain biking trail to take, let’s cover the basics of how to go mountain biking.
Finding the Right Position
The first step to learning how to mountain bike is getting the right position on your bike. We can break this down into two main options.
Neutral Position
When cruising on non-technical terrain, aim for a neutral position on your bike. This keeps you comfortable while allowing for easy transitions into more demanding positions.
Key elements of the neutral position include:
- Keep your pedals level and evenly weighted.
- Maintain a slight bend in your knees and elbows.
- Keep your index fingers on the brake levers.
- Look forward about 15 to 20 feet ahead, focusing on where you want to go.
Ready Position
When facing steeper or rougher trails, switch to the ready position. This prepares you mentally and physically for technical challenges. The ready position includes:
- Level pedals with even weight distribution.
- Deep bends in your knees and elbows, resembling chicken wings.
- Hips shifted back with your bum off the seat.
- Keep your back flat and nearly parallel to the ground.
- Maintain index finger placement on the brake levers.
- Keep your eyes forward, looking ahead on the trail.
Adjusting Your Seat Position
For climbing, you’ll want to set your seat for maximum pedaling efficiency. Aim for a slight bend in your leg at the bottom of the pedal stroke, ensuring about 80-90 percent leg extension.
For descending, you might want to lower your seat about 2 to 3 inches from your climbing position. This lowers your center of gravity, enhancing control and confidence on steep descents.
Of course, you probably won’t be making seat adjustments after each hill. The best bet is to find a good balance between these two positions that you can hold while mountain biking.
Picking a Line
A key part of learning how to mountain bike is getting yourself in the right line. Basically, you need to know where you’re going, and you need to commit to this line with confidence. This makes things safer for you and anybody behind you.
Focus on where you want to go rather than on obstacles to avoid. Scan about 15 to 20 feet ahead to identify hazards and plan your path accordingly. Look out for loose rocks, sand, roots, and other potential challenges.
Even when you’re going at a speed, you need to be prepared for what lies ahead.
Braking
Mountain biking is really just a combination of moving forward and braking. It sounds simple, but you need to know what you’re doing to keep safe.
How to Brake
Apply your brakes evenly and consistently. While most braking power comes from the front brake, avoid sudden, hard squeezes to prevent skidding.
Maintain a controlled body position by shifting your hips back and keeping a slight bend in your knees and elbows.
When to Brake
Brake before entering a turn, then let momentum carry you through. Use controlled momentum to navigate obstacles effectively.
Shifting
Knowing how to shift gears at the right time will make your mountain biking experience a lot easier and a lot more fun. We’ve got two main guidelines when it comes to shifting gears:
- Shift Often: Practice frequent gear shifting to build muscle memory and optimize efficiency.
- Shift Early: Anticipate changes in terrain and shift to the appropriate gear before encountering steep inclines or declines. Avoid cross-chaining to prevent strain on your chain and gears.
Hiking the Bike
Stuck halfway up a hill? Don’t worry, it happens to all of us.
Instead of trying to power pedal an impossible situation, accept that walking your bike is part of mountain biking.
If you encounter an impassable section of trail, dismount and walk your bike through. Embrace hike-a-bike sections as part of the adventure. We won’t judge.
Know How to Fall
Remember, falling is a big part of mountain biking. You have to expect to fall at some stage, and knowing how to fall safely is important.
Keep your arms in during a fall to minimize the risk of injury, and always check yourself and your bike for any damage afterward. You’ll also want to carry essential tools and a mini first-aid kit for trailside repairs and minor injuries.
Mountain Biking Trail Etiquette
Mountain biking is all about enjoying the trails responsibly, especially when you share them with other users. Here are three simple rules to follow to make sure everyone has a great time on the trails.
Respect Right-of-Way
Always yield to cyclists traveling uphill. If you’re on a singletrack, come to a complete stop and lift your bike off the trail to let them pass.
Slow down and yield to hikers and horses. Give them plenty of space as you pass by.
Be Courteous
If you come across hikers or horses, slow down and approach them cautiously.
If you encounter horses, take direction from the horseback rider to ensure everyone’s safety.
Give a friendly greeting to let other trail users know you’re coming. It’s a simple way to avoid surprises and maintain a friendly atmosphere on the trail.
Stay on Designated Trails
Ride only on trails that are open for mountain bikers. Respect trail closures and restrictions to protect the environment and ensure everyone’s safety.
Choosing the Right Mountain Bike
We’ve covered the basics of how to go mountain biking. But, we still need to go over one of the most important parts – choosing a mountain bike.
If you want all the details on this, then take a look at our complete guide on how to choose a mountain bike. Otherwise, here are some things you need to consider when finding your perfect bike.
Choosing a Model
When choosing a mountain bike, you’ll want to make sure the size of the frame is right for your body.
Sit on the bike and focus on how you reach the handlebars. This is crucial because you can adjust seat height but not frame length – so your reach should be comfortable.
Prioritize control and ensure you can comfortably shift your weight behind the saddle while riding. Finding a properly sized mountain bike will make a massive difference.
The Best Wheel Size
After the frame, you’ll want to pick a mountain bike with the right wheel size. Wheel size depends on personal preference.
27.5″ wheels are agile and light, great for maneuverability. 29″ wheels are ideal for straight lines but may feel less nimble on winding trails.
Consider your height too when looking at wheels. For example, smaller riders might prefer 27.5″ wheels for manageability.
The Best Tire Type
Tires are one of the biggest things that make a mountain bike different from a road bike. Make sure you choose the right tire type based on the trail conditions you plan to ride.
Thin, shallow treads work well on dry ground. Wider, deeper tires offer better grip on muddy trails. Find a balance that suits both your preferences and the terrain you’ll be riding on.
If in doubt, try to get the grippiest tires out there – these are great for beginner mountain bikers.
Mountain Biking Gear List
You’ve got the bike, but you’re not done just yet. Before hitting the trails, make sure you have these essential items too:
- Helmet: Protect your head with a well-fitting helmet designed for mountain biking.
- Gloves: Keep your hands comfortable and protected from blisters and falls with a pair of cycling gloves. If you fall, you’ll naturally put out your hands and graze them. Your palms are one of the most difficult parts of the body to heal, so a thick pair of biking gloves can really make a big difference.
- Eyewear: Shield your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun’s glare with cycling-specific sunglasses or goggles. These can also just be cheap and simple plastic eye covers, but they’ll make a massive difference – especially in muddy conditions.
- Moisture-wicking clothing: Stay dry and comfortable with breathable fabrics that wick away sweat. A thin waterproof outer shell is ideal. Try to get this in a bright color for safety.
- Padded cycling shorts: Provide cushioning and reduce chafing on long rides. Trust us, your ass will thank you.
- Weather-appropriate layers: Dress in layers to stay comfortable in varying temperatures and weather conditions.
- Footwear: Wear sturdy, grippy shoes with flat or cleated soles for better pedal control and traction. Your shoes will probably get wet and muddy, so be prepared for this.
- Hydration Pack or Water Bottle: Stay hydrated on the trails with a hydration pack or water bottle mounted to your bike.
- Multi-Tool: Carry a multi-tool for on-the-go adjustments and minor repairs.
- Pump and Spare Tube: Be prepared for flat tires by carrying a pump and spare tube or patch kit.
- First-Aid Kit: Pack a basic first-aid kit with essentials like bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Navigation: Navigate the trails confidently with a trail map. We recommend getting a phone mount for your bike, which you can use to easily display a map app while you ride.
- Snacks: Fuel your ride with energy bars, gels, or other portable snacks.
This is our recommended list of essential equipment for everyday mountain biking adventures. Check out our longer bikepacking gear list if you’re planning a multi-day trip.
Our Top Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners
Finally, let’s just cover a few extra mountain biking tips to help make your experience on the trails even more enjoyable.
Start Slow
Begin with easy trails to build confidence and skills gradually. Don’t rush into challenging terrain before you’re ready.
Ride Within Your Limits
Know your abilities and ride at a pace that feels comfortable for you. Pushing too hard too soon can lead to injuries or accidents.
Practice Makes Perfect
Like any skill, mountain biking takes practice. Set aside time for regular rides to improve your skills and fitness level.
Invest in Quality Gear
While you don’t need the most expensive equipment, investing in a good helmet, gloves, and appropriate clothing can enhance your comfort and safety.
Quality gear will also last longer, which is often more affordable in the long-run.
Ride with Others
Riding with more experienced cyclists or joining a group ride can provide valuable guidance, motivation, and camaraderie. This can also help you discover some of the best trails and hidden routes that you otherwise wouldn’t have known about.
Stay Relaxed
While you’ll want to keep a tight grip, this isn’t always the best idea.
Keep a relaxed grip on the handlebars and stay loose on the bike to absorb bumps and maintain control. Tension in your body can lead to fatigue and poor handling.
Have Fun
Most importantly, enjoy the experience! Mountain biking is not just about conquering trails but also about appreciating nature, challenging yourself, and having fun along the way.
Conclusion
Mountain biking is an ideal way to experience a big adventure in a short amount of time. It’s a totally different way of experiencing the great outdoors, allowing you to travel a good distance quickly, and enjoy speeds, hills, thrills, and plenty of fresh air.
Follow the tips above and you should have a safe and fun time on any mountain biking trails.