Mountain biking is a great way to get your heart rate up, burn some calories, and have some fun. If you're interested in giving mountain biking a try, this blog post got you covered. We will provide an overview of what it is, why you might want to consider it, and some helpful tips to get you started. Whether you're an experienced rider looking to explore new trails or just starting out and want some advice, read on!

What Is Mountain Biking and Why Should You Consider It?

Mountain biking is a sport that uses bikes with full suspension and hardtail frames to ride off-road. These bikes are equipped with various features, including shock absorbers, in order to provide riders with a more comfortable riding experience. Mountain biking can be done on trails or single track paths, both of which can accommodate different levels of difficulty. 

Different Types of Mountain Bikes

There are three main types of mountain bikes: full suspension, hardtail, and rigid. 

As the name suggests, full suspension offers suspension forks on the front and rear wheels. They are more suited for downhill and enduro riding. On the other hand, hardtail has only one suspension fork on the front. This makes it more apt for cross-country and trail riding. Lastly, rigid bike offers no suspension at all – this makes it harder to control and steer, especially over super bumpy terrains. 

It’s good to note that these bikes can be used for any type of riding. Your preference and your riding style will dictate what type of bike is best for you. Make sure to test out different bikes to get a feel of what’s more comfortable for you. 

One of the biggest benefits of mountain biking is that there are countless routes available to riders across the country. With a little bit of research and planning, you can find trails near you that are perfect for your riding style and level of experience. Below we've collected some tips on how to narrow down your search based on what style of mountain biking you're interested in: 

Cross Country/Trail: If you're looking for an extensive trail system that's perfect for riders of all levels, take a look at the Cross Country/Trail category. This type of bike is designed to be ridden on long distances and cover varied terrain, making it great for exploring new trails in your area.

Downhill: If you're interested in tackling some challenging downhill trails, head over to the Downhill category. These routes are often longer and more difficult than those found in other categories and require excellent handling skills as well as good brakes and gear.

Choosing Your Mountain Bike

Before you buy your first mountain bike, it's important to consider the type of riding that you'll be doing most often. For example, if you're mostly interested in exploring trails in your local area or commuting short distances around town, a full suspension mountain bike is a better option.

If you're looking to tackle more difficult trails or travel off-road, a hardtail would be the best choice. For those new to mountain biking, we recommend choosing either a comfort bike or dual suspension bike as they are both beginner-friendly and can accommodate different levels of rider experience and skill level. 

Frame Size - All mountain bikes come in various frame sizes depending on their intended use (i.e., trail vs commuting). We recommend choosing a bike that is large enough to accommodate your height and weight, but not so big as to be difficult to ride.

Wheel Size - Most mountain bikes come in sizes ranging from 26-inch all the way up to 29-inch wheels. We recommend choosing a size that's close to your preferred riding surface (e.g., if you're most interested in commuting on urban streets or trails with lots of pedaling, go for a smaller wheel size). However, note that bigger wheels offer better grip, so you may prefer to go with a bigger size if you want improved traction. 

Frame Geometry & Material - Mountain bikes are built to absorb shocks and strains, so it's important to choose a frame that's made from strong materials. We recommend going with an aluminum alloy or carbon fiber as they're both durable and lightweight.

Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners

If you're just starting out, it's important to consider the basics. Here are some tips to get started: 

1. Get comfortable riding in a small area – Mountain biking can be tough at first, but it's helpful to start off by breaking things down into smaller chunks before ramping up the difficulty. Ride around your house, or even in your backyard, to get a feel for the bike and how it handles.

2. Master riding in a group – Riding with other people is one of the best ways to improve your skills as a mountain biker. Joining local cycling clubs or using online ride-matching tools can help make finding riders near you easy and enjoyable.

3. Get comfortable pedaling – Mountain biking pedals are different from those on most bikes ridden on paved roads. It can take some time to get used to them. Practice pedaling around the block a few times before hitting the trails in order for your feet and legs to feel comfortable.

4. Get ready for hills – Most beginner riders find out quickly that mountain biking is not flat-hilled like riding on paved roads! Expect big hills, windy conditions, and occasional steep descents when you're out biking. Be prepared with plenty of water and snacks to keep you going, and be patient -- the rewards for mastering mountain biking are worth it!

5. Ride in an area that's safe – In order to avoid getting injured or losing equipment while out riding, we recommend sticking to trails that are well-maintained and known by locals. If in doubt, always seek guidance from a more experienced rider before hitting the trails.

Conclusion

Mountain biking is a great way to explore your local area, get fit, and enjoy the great outdoors. It is a sport that offers many benefits, and the best way to learn about it is to get out there and give it a try!

If you're interested in getting started, we recommend choosing a bike that's right for you and starting with a few short rides to get the hang of it. We hope you have fun riding your mountain bike and getting fit. Just remember to be safe and have fun!