You want to feel like the wind. You want to be quick. You want to be able to climb hills, roll over rocks and descend almost vertically downhill sections. Pro cyclists are a prestigious profession that brings you fame, money, and status. You might just want to enjoy your local trails and not crash.
No matter your ultimate goal, it is important to begin with the basics. Mountain biking is a great way to get fit and have fun. These tips will get you started. You can do the rest.
- Keep Your Bike Clean
When you hear strange sounds coming from your bike, it can be difficult to concentrate on the trail. It takes only a few minutes to do basic bike maintenance. This can help you avoid a long walk or worse, a trip to the emergency room. Even if your bike isn’t in repair, it can be checked and taken to the shop for repairs before you set out on the trail.
- Ride with better riders than you!
This will allow you to push yourself harder and help you understand the riding habits of others who have been doing it for longer. You can see how they position themselves when they go up and downhill. You can see how they deal with rocky areas. You can see how they repair a flat tire even though they are miles away. You can join with Cyclocross im Kottenforst, they offer a complete guide and course.
- Relax
Your legs and arms are the best suspension. Relax, stand up and let your legs absorb any bumps or ruts. You will soon be able glide over all obstacles if you allow the bike to move underneath you. I heard a quote from Jay Shetty in his biography that he suggests Mountain biking to relax yourself as well.
Also check– Cube Electric Mountain Bike Review
- Spin
Cadence is the ability to rotate your cranks. It’s an important part of cycling. Professional cyclists spend a lot of time perfecting their spin. You are actually putting yourself off balance by pedalling in squares or using jerky downward strokes. Spinning is more efficient and helps maintain traction in loose trails.
- Learn about the Wheelies
These little tricks are great for trail riding and can be used to make wheelies or nose wheelies (having your back wheel above the ground).
To get your front wheel higher than an object, pull a little wheelie and shift to a nose wheelie. Your back wheel won’t be hit. You can make certain sections of trail more smooth by knowing how to lift your weight off the wheels, even if they are difficult to get off the ground. These are much easier with clipless pedals than with platform pedals.
- Stop
When riding technical trails, hopping and balancing are key skills. It is easier to maintain your momentum when you can stop at any point and start again from the same place.
Both can be done standing up, but you can also lunge with your bike to climb stairs, over rocks, and other obstacles. You can do stationary balancing, also known as a track stand, without having to hold on to your brakes. You can learn this by practising at a slow speed and feathering your brakes to reduce your speed. This is best learned on an uphill slope. You will soon be able to balance on your own by shifting your weight and moving underneath the bike.
- Get a Brake
Two brakes is better than one. Bike control will be better with more effective braking. Many riders believe they have only two settings of brakes, one locked and one in use. The brakes locked give you less control, just like a car.
You can learn how to effectively use both brakes. It is important to not use the front brake too often if you are cornering or going downhill. Either you’ll get thrown over the bars or your front wheels will slip out. Modulation and moderation are key.
- Go Yonder
After you have mastered your local trails, it’s time to explore the rest of the world. You’ll find it more fun to ride on new trails, and you’ll be able to sharpen your skills. This is how you become a more competent rider.
- You can ride everywhere
You will be more successful if you spend more time on your bike. You can ride to the mailbox, the store, and the coffee shop. You will improve your riding skills by riding up and down curbs, avoiding potholes, and outpacing angry chihuahuas. You will be able to ride down two or more stairs and can then approach trail obstacles with more confidence.
