Wise Words - Mountain Biking

Getting into mountain biking for the first time can be daunting. More than in any other area of cycling, looks can be deceiving and it's all too easy to buy a heavy, short-lived bike that appears to have 'all the kit.' Getting stranded takes on a whole new meaning when you're stuck in the middle of nowhere. Plus the amount of skills you need to really get the most from your riding is way above that of a ride on the road. But don't despair, help is at hand.

The Bike

If you're just getting into mountain biking, don't make the mistake of getting a cheap full suspension mountain bike. It'll be heavy, brittle and the suspension won't help you out very much. Look for the lightest hardtail mountain bike you can find, with the best frame possible. You can upgrade everything else.
If you're spending less than around £400, avoid cable operated discs. They work well in the shop and for the first month, then they go steadily downhill. You're better off with decent V brakes as they'll be lighter and easier to maintain than budget discs.
Don't buy a mountain bike that's the same size as your road bike, it'll be way too big. Make sure you've got at least 3" of clearance between you and the top tube when you're straddling the bike.
On a mountain bike, you need to be positioned so you can move your weight forwards and back to maintain traction, steering and balance. Make sure the bike is small enough to allow you to do this effectively.
Make sure your tyres match the conditions. It's fairly muddy in the UK all year round so a not too aggressive mud tyre is a good bet unless you're racing. As for tyre pressure, use around 30psi as a starting point. Your tyres will be hard enough to prevent blow outs and rim damage, but soft enough to cushion you and the bike from roots and rocks.
Mud and water will grind away your bike's moving parts in no time. Wash your bike after every ride and relube straight away. Components will seize up much quicker than on your road bike.
If you've got an adjustable suspension fork, don't make the mistake of running it really soft, it'll wallow on the climbs and bottom out too easily when you really need it. A firmer fork will keep some travel in hand for those really big, unexpected hits.

Essential Kit

It's not all about kit, but you'll stick out like a sore thumb if you arrive at most MTB centres wearing full-on Lycra. Do yourself a favour and get some baggy shorts then you'll blend in seamlessly.
Rucksack mounted hydration packs are not just marketing hype. There's nothing worse that supping water from a bottle covered in mud, grit and cow excrement A Camelbak style pack will keep you drinking clean.
Never leave the car park without a full complement of trail tools. As well as all the usual ones, a chaintool is an essential. If you ride far enough, you will inevitably rip a rear mech off or break a chain. Shortening the chain and doing a quick singlespeed conversion is a tried and tested get you home technique.
MTBing is not like road riding where everyone travels ultra-light. Take extra layers to cope with changing conditions. When you're mountain biking, you'll boil on the climbs but freeze on exposed sections, so be prepared.
Gloves are a good idea no matter what the weather is doing. Your upper body does a lot more work that on the road, so your hands take a pounding. Then there's falling off to think about. Humans tend to stick their hands out when they fall, so having some protection against cuts is a good idea. Ever tried riding your bike with a nasty graze on/hole in your palm? Not pleasant!
No matter how good you think you are, YOU WILL FALL OFF. And the better you think you are, the more you'll end up falling off. So for goodness sake, wear a helmet. MTB riders tend to wear helmets with peaks, but there's no real reason for that.
Body armour might seem like overkill on a bike, but some trails will have you weaving through trees and railing around berms at over 30mph. A bit of protection is never a bad thing.
A good pair of MTB shoes with good grip is essential for more serious off road encounters. You will inevitably have to dismount at some point, usually at the most slippery part of the trail, so good grip is a good thing.

Places to ride

If you are riding on bridleways or other rights of way, get an OS map of the area and get to know where you are allowed to ride and where you're not.
If you're new to off road riding, try the beginner trails at man made trail centres. You won't have to worry about getting lost, you'll just have to concentrate on the trail.
Different trail centres have different 'flavours' - some are rocky and technical, others are smooth and swoopy. Choose your destination carefully, weighing up the ability of the group you're riding with.

Skills

Being in the right gear is crucial to maintaining forward progress. Don't be tempted to drop to the lowest gear and spin furiously. It'll effect your balance, you'll lose traction too easily or end up popping wheelies all over the place.
When riding rocky technical terrain, look two bike lengths ahead and plot smoothest route through the rocks.
Keep out of the saddle on technical sections, you'll be able to quickly shift your weight around and let your arms and legs absorb shocks.
Learn how to wheelie or manual your front wheel, it's the most valuable skill you can learn. It'll get you up or down steps and over ruts that'd normally knock your front wheel sideways."
Consider going along to one-day skills course - you'll make a dramatic difference to your riding.

Have your say

If you've got any Wise Words for newbie MTBers, send them in. We'll publish the best ones right here. Send your words of wisdom to info@everydaycycling.com with the words 'Wise Words - MTB' in the Subject line.

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