An exciting outdoor activity that gives a rush of adrenaline - this is a pretty good way to describe mountain biking. In reality, though, it’s an amazing, thrilling experience you wouldn’t be able to get enough of as soon as you try it! Here’s why!

 

Mountain bike basics

It’s not necessarily a rule, but taking on mountain biking usually means you’ve ridden at least a bike or a motorcycle. Did that and loved it? The adrenaline rush is not enough? Get ready to breathe the nice and clean mountain air and get your pulse up with a mountain bike.

The most basic way to describe mountain biking is riding a bike on rough mountain terrain and/or offroad. Usually, but not necessarily, this terrain is specifically designed for mountain biking in order to be compliant with the bike’s structure and for safety measures. More often than not though, you can stumble upon mountain bike tracks throughout the woods, on self-made paths, and even in local parks, where bikers have arranged jumps and slopes for their entertainment.

The first thing is first thought. Most beginner mountain bikers’ first question is can they use their regular bike for mountain biking. They can… if they want to ruin it fast and possibly cause themselves severe trauma. Mountain bikes are specifically designed to endure more pressure on every part of their construction. Some of those enhancements, to name a few are:

• better suspension
• wider, bigger, and more durable wheels and tires - 26, 27.5, or 29 inches in diameter and between 1.7 and 2.5 inches in width. This gives you way more stability.
• stronger materials for the frame construction, usually made from wide tubing so you can make jumps and acrobatics without fear of something getting bend.
• disk brakes, based on mechanics or hydraulics for better control of the speed.
• suitable handlebar: usually flat or upward-rising one for more control in a standing position - the way most mountain riding is done.

These are also the things you should ask for if you’re looking to buy a mountain bike straight away or if you’re looking to upgrade the one you already have.

 

Types of mountain biking

Before you dive into the exciting world of mountain biking, you should know what you’re getting into. There are a lot of different styles, and by a lot, we mean around 20 depending on where in the world you are and what the terrain can offer you. Here are the most popular five you may want to try as a beginner. What is more, this quick guide will also make it easier for you to choose a mountain bike since most manufacturers categorize their bikes according to the type of mountain biking you’ll do.

Let’s talk about one of the most popular types of biking this style: trail mountain biking. Perfect for beginners, this type of biking can help you get familiar with the basics in a safe environment - just choose an easier track so you can test your bike’s abilities and your own. This type of trail offers the best of both worlds: climbs, descends, options for racing parts - all you want to enjoy in a fun way. 

You should also look at cross-country mountain biking style. It might sound dangerous at first, but hear us out! This is a perfect way to try out a faster pace because cross-country involves higher speeds and arguably - more adrenaline. Distances can vary, but there’s an important thing you should consider. That is: no matter how long the trails are, your bike needs to be light so you can rely on speed. This can be the perfect style for you if you’re a passionate competitor and want to test your speed and durability. 

Have you heard of enduro mountain biking style? Also known as all-mountain style, it may remind you of train riding… but way more exciting! The adrenaline rush is guaranteed, because you go a long way up, even longer down, jump - all at speed. It can be used for competitions and requires your brakes to be excellent and your bike - light in construction. 

And if that doesn’t sound amazing, you may want to try it the downhill way. You do not go into it lightly though - most likely because the bikes are big, heavy, and designed especially for rough terrain. You’d better not forget your full-face helmet and body armor too - this is the big game in mountain biking and you have to be prepared for it. Be prepared for rocks, rivers, hills, curves, woods, and every other obstacle you can face. 

Last, but not least, you’d want to get familiar with the fat-tire bike mountain biking. If your dream as a child was to have a ginormous heavy bike that can go through every kind of terrain without restraint… then this may be your kind of mountain biking. You can bike with it through grass, snow, sand - every possible surface you want to picture. This type of biking and bike may be the best for beginners too because they give stability and at the same time: you will not feel the roughness of the mountain biking terrain that much.

 

Gear for beginners

You’ve chosen your first bike and now we’re off mountain biking for the first time! You’re excited, you can’t wait to get up on the saddle and ride. You’ve probably also heard about mountain biking accidents and you don’t want to end up experiencing one on your first try. This is why we have to talk about mountain biking gear you absolutely necessary have to get before getting in the car and driving you and your bike to your riding spot.

First of all, no matter what kind of bike or terrain you choose, be sure to dress in proper clothes. Even if it’s summer and the temperatures are high, don’t be tempted to wear jeans and a t-shirt. Of course, it’s best if you wear clothing, designed for biking. It’s more comfortable and uses fabrics that help with perspiration as well as rough weather conditions if those happen to occur. Nevertheless, the truth is, the clothing you choose should be according to the biking style and terrain you choose.

The biking shorts, for example, vary from very form-fitting (for competitions and speed biking) to very baggy for maximum comfort and usually - big pockets to carry snacks, utilities, and all other things you’d want to take on your first mountain biking experience with you. You should consider the baggy ones for more comfort during long biking sessions though because they’re usually padded. If the weather is colder, though, don’t hesitate to choose long trousers or sportswear that will keep you warm, keep you comfortable, and at the same time: protect you from the grass, branches, and possible scratches from them while riding.

You’d want to choose how you dress your upper body wisely too. Choose shirts from fabrics that absorb moisture and at the same time: will protect you from heat and cold. Next: don’t forget to get a jacket. Most special biking jackets, much like pants, can be baggy, fitting, or anything in between. Our advice: pick one that protects from moisture and at the same time: is easily washable and dries quickly too. 

Next up: biking gloves. You might think you don’t need them but trust us - you do! They are going to be a blessing for your hands while you get through rocks, bumps, hills, ups, and downs. They will be the accessories that prevent and lessen wrist fatigue and offer padding on the palms so you don’t hurt yourself while you practice your new favorite hobby.

Last, but not least: the shoes. You might be tempted to use sneakers or another kind of sports shoes. This is not that good of an idea, though. Weather, terrain, and long pedaling hours will remind you that pretty quickly. What you should choose is shoes with good soles in the front that are also waterproof.

 

How to keep yourself safe while mountain biking

Once we’re settled with the clothing, let’s talk about the protective gear you have to get before hitting those mountain bike trails.

You have to get a good mountain bike helmet. They’re different than other types of helmets because they cover up more and offer more protection to your head compared to road bike helmets. Pro-tip you can use is to choose one with good ventilation and neck support so you can get additional safety precautions. Also: get sunglasses if your helmet doesn’t have a good visor. You’ll thank us later!

It is good for you to get protective gear for your elbows and knees too, especially if you’re wearing shorts and a t-shirt that leave most of your skin bare. Mountain biking can be tricky and however careful you are, you may end up falling and hitting yourself.

Except that, there are a few more things you need for the best mountain experience. Those are:

• snacks - energy bars or alternatively - food you can keep in a backpack if you’re wearing one, so you don’t run out of energy.
• water - hydration is key to a good time while practicing sports and it is essential when you’re out in the open nature and you sweat while you ride your mountain bike on those trails.
• a mobile with a full battery and a GPS - if something happens and you’re far from your group, this will be the way to call for help. This is essential in hard weather - storms, snow, or long trails.

What kind of a bike and mountain bike trail are you going to start with? Tell us in the comment section below and don’t forget to have a nice time when you practice your new favorite hobby!