7 Tips on Mountain Biking for Beginners

Mountain bikes are a great way to get outside and enjoy nature. We'll let you in on a secret: you don't need mountains for mountain biking. Every off-road ride gives you a healthy dose of exercise, fresh air, beautiful scenery, and long descents. However, mountain biking does require some different skills. In this blog, you'll find some basic tips and tricks to help you get started on your mountain bike.

First, take a look at the body positions for mountain biking.

1.Neutral position.You should be comfortable and secure on the saddle. Both your knees and elbows should be slightly bent. Assume a neutral position when on non-technical sections of trails. Neutral positions include:

- Equal weight on both pedals

- Knees and elbows are slightly bent

- Fingers on the brakes

- Head up

2.Ready position.The ready position prepares you psychologically and physically for difficult sections of the course. Use the ready position when you are in technical sections of trails. The ready position includes:

- Equal weight on both pedals

- Bent knees and elbows

- Lifting yourself off the saddle

- Lowering the body

- Fingers on the brakes

- Head up

3.Choosing a line is very important for mountain biking beginners.

It is a beginner's mistake to pay attention to places you want to avoid instead of focusing on where you want to go. To tackle difficult sections, choose a route and stay on it. What hazards should you watch out for? That depends on your skill level. For some riders a log may be a fun bunny, for others, it can be dangerous. In general, you should choose a route based on your skills. 

Being able to shift gears properly is a must.

4.Shift gears early.

Do not wait until you have gone up the big incline to change gears. Always shift into the gear you need before you hit difficult terrain. This will help you maintain a constant cadence while mountain biking and give you optimal performance. It also helps you avoid difficult shifts under load, which can stress your gears and cause your chain to jump off.

5.Shift gears often.

Cyclists who are just started with mountain biking should practice shifting frequently. This will help you develop muscle memory that will allow you to shift instinctively when needed, without having to think about whether you are shifting up or down.

If you learn about brakes, you can drive more comfortably and safely.

6.How to brake:

Apply the front brake gently with your hands. Make sure that the e-bike does not come to a complete stop unless you have to. If you apply either brake too hard, you can lose traction and control.

7.When to brake:

When facing a turn, brake before you turn, then let your momentum carry you through the turn. This allows you to focus on your technique and leave it quickly during the turn. Momentum can also be your ally when climbing over and around obstacles along the way.