Setting some goals is the first step towards becoming a better mountain biker. Always compete against yourself, not other riders. This way, you control your motivation and will avoid frustration if other riders pass you by.
When training on a trail, try to ride over or around obstacles instead of around them. It will boost your self-assurance and help you become a better bike handler.
Get a Good Bike
A well-fitting mountain bike is the foundation of any rider’s progression on the trail. Many bikes have extra features like disc brakes, tubeless tires, and other innovations that make them more fun to ride.
Beginners, however, frequently have to catch up in the details of componentry, suspension, and wheel size. Instead of purchasing the most costly bike before trying mountain riding, it is essential to go to a Professoinal Mountina Bike Training facility.
Get a Good Helmet
Whether or not you’re a beginner, getting a good helmet is one of the most critical parts of any mountain bike. Helmets are designed to protect the head in the event of a crash, and established tests measure their effectiveness.
Most modern helmets have adjustable visors (peak) and may feature eyewear stowage locations. While helmets don’t wear out, their colors and graphics can fade from exposure to the sun.
Get a Good Saddle
Saddles are a crucial bike part and can make or break your ride. Getting the right one for you can take some trial and error.
Look for a saddle with a relief channel to reduce pressure on the perineal area. Also, consider width based on your sit bone distance. Most bike brands have a guideline on how to measure this.
Get a Good Fit
In mountain bike racing, a rider’s heart rate is elevated for several minutes, requiring a different type of strength. MTB skills training provides a great way to replicate this demand on the body’s muscles.
Increasing training volume rather than average intensity is a more sustainable way to improve performance over the long term. It is the approach that world-class athletes across endurance sports periodize their training.
Get a Good Seat Post
A good seat post will make it easier to control your bike. It should be compatible with your height and leg length and easily fit into the seat tube.
Some posts like the OneUp V2 and PNW Loam feature a travel adjustment so riders can reduce their travel in 10mm increments. It is an excellent option for riders who want to save weight on their bike.
Get a Good Brake
Braking is one of the most crucial mountain bike skills to learn. You can have the best stopping gear on the market, but you need to learn how to use it to be fast.
Most all-mountain and enduro bikes have more oversized rotors on the front so the bike can stop faster. Learning to rely on the front brake is vital for getting faster.
Get a Good Tire
The tread (also known as “lugs”) on a mountain bike tire plays a considerable role in how it performs on different terrain and conditions. Different manufacturers use their technology to add flat protection and durability to the sidewalls.
Tires optimized for mud have more expansive, shorter, spiky-shaped knobs to ensure muddy conditions don’t crowd up and limit traction. They also tend to roll faster than tires designed for dry conditions.
Get a Good Shift
A good shift is essential for mountain biking. You need to be able to change gears quickly and smoothly to get the most out of your ride.
You’d like to follow a structured training plan that balances strength and high-intensity conditioning with time on the bike.
Get a Good Brake Lever
The brake lever angle, or lever throw, is one of the most overlooked bike adjustments. An angled lever can often make all the difference in preventing arm fatigue.
Please make sure the levers are angled so they rest naturally under your extended index finger when you’re in the attack position. It may require some tinkering, but it is well worth the effort. It’s an instant improvement.
Get a Good Shift Lever
The shift levers on a mountain bike are often located at the end of the bars or down the tube. They are indexed, meaning that one click equals one gear change. Swing the left-hand shifter (behind the brake lever) inboard will shift the front chainring to a larger cog.
Shifting will allow you to keep your cadence or the speed at which your legs turn over the pedals, steady while climbing steep hills.
