If you’ve given mountain biking a thought but are hesitant to get started, we’ve curated this guide specifically for you! Learning something new as an adult can be daunting, but with some helpful tricks and tips, you can shift into first gear gradually, allowing you to build your skills, your confidence, and your adventures to evolve as a dedicated mountain biker!
Mountain biking is a gnarly sport, requiring one to combine cardiovascular fitness, leg strength, bike control, and an adrenaline-fueled desire to push the limits on these impressive two-wheeled machines. Mountain biking is not for the faint of heart, as most normal trails are characterized by steep, fast, descents, large features including jumps, bridges, drops and rocks, technical uphill pedaling and the constant concern of hitting a tree! 🌲 But despite these dangers, mountain biking is a beloved sport by many all over the world and invites impressive downhill adventurers as well as casual riders alike! These aspects of the sport shouldn’t scare you away, but instead ignite a fire of excitement that encourages you to try something new and push your limits, as long as you’re able to do so safely so you can still make it into work on Monday.
How to Start your Mountain Biking Journey
If you’ve never ridden through the woods on single-track, or if you’re an avid biker who’s never been off-road before, doing some research up front can help you get a lay of the land and level-set your expectations as you start this journey.
A good place to start is by reading blogs, watching videos, and exploring Facebook for local bike groups, trail networks, and bikers or influencers who are located in your area. You can find a ton of great content on mountain biking in your area by studying those who have been doing it for a long time. They will be able to give you unique tips that are relevant to the types of trails that you’ll likely be riding and help you understand the best way to approach these trails. Plus, it’s helpful to brush up on the lingo and technical aspects of the sport so that you can fit the part when you’re finally out on the trail.
Before diving in, focus your research on nearby trails, riding styles (downhill, cross-country, etc.), and what bikes dominate the area. Understanding your options helps you prepare and get excited about the possibilities. The concept of "look before you leap" is incredibly relevant in mountain biking, as it's always essential to walk a trail before you ride it. Here, by doing your research, you can ensure you have expectations aligned with your initial skill level (think beginner trails or flowy singletrack) and are pumped about all the possibilities that this ride will have for you. This will allow you to be much safer as you enter the sport, compared to someone who just gets a bike and jumps in.
In doing this research, it’s also helpful to understand mountain biking concepts at a high-level, understanding the many approaches, how to get in shape for riding, styles of riding, types of bikes, and what people look for when planning a ride. Most importantly, don’t be afraid to be a beginner! Everyone started somewhere and so as long as you approach this with a humble, curious and excited attitude, folks will be happy to help you get acquainted and make sure you’re having a good time on the trail. Some great resources to check out are:
Your local trail network non-profit (like our partner VMBA!)
Finding the Right Mountain Bike
Once you’ve done your research and have a good handle on what types of trails you’ll be riding and what types of bikes most people ride by you, the next obvious step is to get a bike for yourself! Understanding the different types of bikes will help immensely, as picking a bike will have a large impact on how much you enjoy the activity. There are many different types of mountain bikes to choose from, so you’ll want to pick whichever one is most suitable for the type of trails that you’re looking to ride:
Hard-tail Mountain Bike: These bikes have suspension in the front, but not in the back, meaning they are nimble and fast, but lack the robustness needed to conquer large terrain.
Cross-Country Mountain Bike: These bikes have suspension in the front and back, but usually with limited travel as they are designed to be light and go fast, but will not handle rough terrain very well.
Trail Mountain Bike: Trail bikes are unique in that they can do a lot, but are still suited for specific types of riding. They are efficient at pedaling uphill and have a good amount of travel for going downhill, but they are designed for overall efficiency and will not be as fast or smooth going down steep descents.
Enduro Mountain Bike: These bikes try very hard to combine the best of a trail bike with that of a downhill bike. They are designed to pedal fairly well, but their geometry is geared (pun intended) towards descending efficiently. These bikes will do great on gnarly terrain and are a blast to ride in many different regions!
Downhill Mountain Bike: These bikes are designed to do one thing really well, and that is to go downhill as fast and reckless as possible. They have beefy suspension, heavy frames and are set way back so you can lean back and ride literally anything in your path. They are as close as you can get to a dirt bike without the motor.
When choosing between these options, it’s best to start small and pick a bike that will allow you to ride a lot of different terrain, but will still be efficient for the networks you’ll be frequenting. No one wants to lug a heavy downhill bike across flat trails, and you definitely don’t want to ride a cross-country bike on a downhill track. Start easy with a bike that will get you out there but won’t discourage you by being too performance oriented and won’t sandbag you by encouraging you to ride dangerous terrain before you’re ready. Now that you’ve done your research and know what type of bike you want to ride, it’s time to go purchase one so you can actually feel how it is to ride on the dirt! Of course here at GeerGarage, we recommend renting a bike before going out to buy one.
Click Here to Rent a Mountain Bike
Some other options you have are to demo a bike from a local bike shop that offers demos. Demos are a good way to find a specific type of bike that you really want to try out. It also gives you the opportunity to talk with the experts at the shop and pick their brain about how the bike performs in that area and what you should consider when going to buy one. Some shops also offer discounts if you demo and then buy.
If you have done your research and are really looking to commit to biking, we suggest starting with a used bike by finding one on Facebook Marketplace. There are plenty of bikes available these days, so you can find one for cheap and in good condition. It’s a good idea to bring a friend with you to help you scope it out and make sure it’s in good working order before making your purchase.
Navigating Your Trail Options
Picking a trail is an exciting step in your mountain biking journey! While there are endless possibilities, focusing on options that match your skill level ensures a safe and enjoyable experience. Whether it's conquering a technical climb or cruising through scenic single-track, mountain biking offers a unique way to connect with nature and have a blast. There are many resources you can use to pick a trial, start by referencing Trailforks for local networks and see if there are any pre-set routes mapped on there. Strava is also a great resource for this, and most local mountain biking non-profits post detailed maps of the routes located in these networks.
Keep in mind that most trails have both uphill and downhill sections. Trail signs will indicate the direction, so you can plan your route accordingly. Start small by prioritizing green and blue trails. These are typically marked with a green circle or blue square, respectively. Green trails are considered the easiest, with gentle inclines, smooth surfaces, and minimal obstacles like small rocks or roots. Blue trails offer a bit more challenge with steeper sections, some technical features like loose rocks or tight turns, and might require a bit more braking control. This will allow you to ride around casually, getting a taste for what it's like to pedal over roots, rocks, jumps, and berms. Take the trail really slow on the first run, giving ample time to stop and check out features before riding them. Then over time as you build up your skills, endurance and confidence, you can start advancing to harder, more technical trails.
Must-Have Gear for Mountain Bikers
Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport, but it's important to take things at your own pace to avoid injuries. Having the proper safety gear will give you the confidence to explore trails and build your skills without worry.
Essential Gear:
Helmet: A properly fitted mountain bike helmet with a MIPS system is crucial.
Shoes: Mountain biking shoes with stiff soles and good grip will help you stay connected to the pedals.
Gloves: Gloves prevent your hands from slipping off the handlebars,
especially when wet or sweaty.
Additional Gear to Consider:
As you progress in your mountain biking journey, you might consider adding other protective gear:
Knee and elbow pads
Mountain bike glasses
Chest protector
Neck brace
Armored bike shorts
Remember, safety should be your top priority so you can keep enjoying the trails for a long time!
Now that you've got a good handle on how to approach learning mountain biking as an adult and prioritizing safety, all that's left is to enjoy the ride! As you explore trails more, your endurance and strength will improve naturally, your bike-handling skills will become more refined, and your confidence will soar. Continue to practice these steps as you grow as a rider, and you'll build a fantastic foundation for consistent exploration.
Mountain biking isn't just about conquering technical trails; it's about embracing nature, feeling the power of your own pedaling, and tackling cool features hidden in the woods. It's a truly immersive experience that benefits you mentally and physically, and you'll be glad you took the leap into this exciting sport.
While new bikes and gear can be tempting, the beauty of mountain biking is that you can have a blast starting out with a basic setup. Focus on building your skills and enjoying the ride, then upgrade your equipment as your passion grows. Here at GeerGarage, we offer a wide range of mountain bike rentals perfectly suited for beginners! Utilize this convenient option while you work on growing your skills and enjoyment of this amazing sport. Renting through GeerGarage allows you to try different bikes, find the perfect fit for your needs, and avoid the initial investment until you're hooked!