How to Get Into Mountain Biking: The Ultimate Guide (2024)

Mountain biking is full of adventure and excitement, but it can be quite difficult for a beginner. Fortunately, knowing what gear and skills you need can make your journey significantly easier. There are plenty of different trail riding styles, bike materials, wheel textures, and many other details to keep in mind before you get started.

This article will be your ultimate guide on how to get into mountain biking.

To get into mountain biking, choose your mountain biking style, find the bike that suits you, and pick the right wheel size and texture. Wear the proper gear to protect yourself and hone your mountain biking skills. Choose an easy, flat trail to learn the ropes before taking on rugged terrain.

Throughout this post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to get into mountain biking, including gear recommendations, skill suggestions, and safety tips. Enjoy!

Choose Your Mountain Biking Style

There are many different types of mountain biking, including cross-country, enduro racing, trail bikes, electric bicycles, and downhill bikes. All of these mountain bikes are unique and use different parts and mechanics. It’s best to know what style of mountain biking you prefer before looking at new bikes or heading to a local trail.

Let’s talk about each of these mountain bikes below.

Cross-country mountain bikes: This style is best for those who want to cover longer distances on their bikes. They’re much lighter than most mountain bikes, making them easy to handle. However, they’re not the top choice for people who want to climb steep hills and extremely rugged terrain.
Enduro racing mountain bikes: Jenson USA claims enduro racing is a competitive form of mountain bike racing. It covers various terrains over multiple distances. These bikes are the middle ground between most of the other options on this list. They also cost a bit more because they’re designed for speed and adaptability.
Trail bikes: These bikes are for those who don’t prefer any specific type of mountain biking. They have decent speed and climbing capabilities, but they don’t have the best of anything in any category. Furthermore, they’re a bit cheaper than some of the high-end bikes with specific abilities.
Electric mountain bikes: If you prefer a little more assistance while climbing hills and riding over rough terrain, electric mountain bikes are the way to go. They don’t provide too much of a boost to the point where you don’t have to put any effort, but they definitely help out quite a bit. These bikes are typically on the higher end of the price range.
Downhill bikes: As the name suggests, these mountain bikes are for those who constantly go downhill at high speeds. If you prefer starting at the top of a mountain and descending to get to the end of the trail, these bikes should be at the top of your list. They have high-quality brakes and smooth suspension systems.

The Schwinn High Timber Mountain Bike is a trail bike that has the best of both worlds. It combines and steel and aluminum frame with 21 speed settings and multiple sizes to choose from. These bikes are designed for people who range between 5’5 to 6’ tall. Refer to the company’s size guide to know which model you should choose.

Once you know what kind of mountain bike you prefer, you can choose the proper size. Your feet should be able to plant firmly on the ground while you’re sitting on the seat. That being said, your knees shouldn’t be at a 90-degree angle. It should be as if you were sitting at a slight squat on the bike to prevent your knees from getting too high when you cycle.

Consider the Wheel Size

Choosing the right wheel size can make a huge difference. Mountain bike tires should be knobby and textured. This pattern helps them grip the ever-changing terrain while climbing over various obstacles. However, the two main wheel sizes (27.5 inches and 29 inches) are quite different from each other.

27.5-Inch Wheels

According to Two Wheeled Wanderer, 27.5” mountain bike wheels are more agile than their larger counterparts. They’re better for sharp turns and constant direction changes, but they’re not quick enough for some cyclists. If you have a small or medium-sized mountain bike frame, 27.5” wheels are typically the way to go.

29-Inch Wheels

While they take a little getting used to, 29” mountain bike wheels are excellent for countless cyclists. They provide additional speed, stability, and handling. They’re the best choice for people who encounter a lot of inclines, declines, and bumpy terrain. You can put 29” wheels on any mountain bike frame, but it’s important to be able to keep your feet planted on the ground.

Find the Right Bike Material For You

Believe it or not, your mountain bike’s material is just as important as its frame size and wheels. Before you choose your preferred material, you should consider whether you prefer durability, flexibility, or reduced weight. Each material has its pros and cons, so let’s review all of them below.

Aluminum

Aluminum was once believed to be the best mountain bike material. It’s lighter than steel and quite flexible. Aluminum is also the cheapest material for most mountain bikes. However, it’s not too common in high-end frames because there are better options on the market. It’s an excellent choice for beginners on a budget.

Steel

Steel mountain bikes are classic. They’re one of the most durable bike frames, not to mention their nostalgic appeal. These bikes have one primary downside: they’re the heaviest material for a bicycle frame. This makes steel mountain bikes a real challenge for those who don’t have developed leg strength when going uphill.

Carbon Fiber

Carbon fiber mountain bikes were a breakthrough. They’re lighter than steel and more flexible than aluminum. These bikes are usually more expensive than steel and aluminum, but they’re cheaper than titanium. They’re often seen as the best choice for casual mountain bikers, but they’re often preferred by professionals, too.

Titanium

Titanium is undoubtedly the best mountain bike frame material for most people. These bikes are more durable than steel, but they’re significantly lighter. They last significantly longer than any other cycling material, too. The only major downside of getting a titanium mountain bike is that they’re undeniably expensive compared to the other materials.

Now that you’ve chosen your frame and wheels, it’s time to talk about how you can protect yourself on the trail. Although it’s all about having fun, safety comes first when you’re mountain biking.

How to Protect Yourself While Mountain Biking

To protect yourself while mountain biking, follow this process:

Get a high-quality helmet. The Fox Racing Speedframe Pro is a top-of-the-line helmet that comes with a multi-positional visor, optimal ventilation to prevent overheating, and front-to-back protection. It comes in several sizes and a wide variety of colors and designs to pick the perfect match for your gear.
Stick to the center of the trail, but keep an eye out. The middle of the trail is the most worn part, which means there won’t be as many unexpected rocks, roots, and debris. It’ll also be the flattest spot on the trail. You can stay safe and keep an eye out for everything around you from the middle.
Consider additional padding. It doesn’t hurt to wear knee pads, elbow pads, and wrist pads. Falling is an expected part of mountain biking, regardless of your skill level. It’s better to have a few extra pads than a few extra scars. You can also pad your seat if you want a more comfortable ride.
Watch the weather patterns. Strong winds, rainstorms, and extreme temperatures directly impact your cycling experience. You can protect yourself by avoiding the trail when it’s too hot or when there’s a lot of mud and deep pools of water that might slow you down or cause unwanted accidents.
Master your mountain bike’s gears. Many mountain bikes have several gears. These gears adjust the way the bike handles adversity. Higher gears are better for going downhill, whereas lower gears are better for going uphill. Sticking to the middle of the gear range is best for flat terrain.

Safety is the utmost important part of getting into mountain biking. This sport requires quite a bit of physical excursion, not to mention the varying and unpredictable terrain. These tips will bring you one step closer to having a blast on the trail. If you’re unsure where to start or what to look for, head to the next section.

Choosing Your First Trail

Riding your first trail can be intimidating. Not only is mountain biking completely different from road cycling, but it also feels a lot bumpier. You can choose bicycles with the excellent suspension to reduce the bounciness and discomfort, but you’ll quickly find it’s a unique process. The good news is that we have you covered with everything you need to know to find your first spot.

Here’s a list of what you should look for in a beginner mountain biking trail:

Find the flattest, smoothest entrance possible. It’s much easier to start a trail when it’s flat and easy to navigate. You should avoid downhill starts and slopes that are covered in debris. You don’t have to hit the most popular mountain biking trail. Consider a flat patch of dirt at a local park to get used to it all.
Look for a wide-open trail without too many obstacles. There’s no need to dive into the most intense dirt trail you can find. Mountain biking takes a while to get the hang of, so it’s worth starting on an open pathway. The trail should be wide enough for several cyclists to pass you by if needed.
See if you can find a few slopes after the initial flat spots. Once you’re used to the feeling of cycling on dirt rather than pavement, it’s time to familiarize yourself with going uphill and downhill. Stay away from roots and rocks if possible. Test the gears and find out which ones are the best for you with varying angles.
Go on a day when the ground isn’t wet. Rainy days make mountain biking significantly more difficult. Not only will you increase the chances of getting stuck in the mud, but you’ll also have to pedal much harder. Some trails aren’t accessible during or after a rainstorm. Always call ahead after it rains if possible.
Research low-traffic trails in your area. The last thing you want is to feel like you always have to move at someone else’s pace. Try your best to know the optimal time and place for a beginner cyclist on the trails near your home. Remember to pull to the side if you feel like you’re slowing down other people on their mountain bikes.

Once you get the hang of your first trail (after a few full run-throughs), you can head to an intermediate trail. Look for places with a bit more rough terrain to advance your skills. Speaking of which, let’s discuss what you need to learn to get as good as possible on the trail below.

What Skills Do You Need For Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking requires quite a few unique skills that you wouldn’t use elsewhere in your daily life. Practicing the essentials will make you tremendously more comfortable on the trail, not to mention a reduced injury risk. If you want to know where to focus your time and energy, you’re in the right place.

Keep track of these five skills:

Balance: According to MTB Fun Planet, your balance is the most important skill to master on the trail. You need to know when to lean forward, back, or to one side over the other. Balance is crucial when navigating steep hills and sharp turns, both of which require immediate changes in your movements.
Effective pedaling: Much like road cycling, mountain biking requires a vast knowledge of when and where you need to pedal. For example, you don’t always have to push yourself as hard as possible when going downhill. However, going uphill requires heavy-duty pedaling and a lot of effort.
Jumps and weight shifts: Mountain biking means you’ll encounter a lot of dips, bumps, roots, and other obstacles. Shift your weight up when you hit the obstacle, then down when you’ve moved over it. You’ll have to shift your weight much more than you would if you cycled on the road. Weight shifting works hand in hand with balance.
Know the mountain: Keep your eyes on the trail and look for obstacles, turns, other cyclists, and animals. Mountain biking requires constant changes in the way you move, but you can’t influence the trail. Learn how to read the trail to see what’s ahead instead of paying too much attention to the handlebars.
Speed management: There’s no reason to go as fast as possible around the clock. Mountain biking provides countless incredible experiences. Going too fast makes you miss some of the opportunities, but it also increases the likelihood of injuries. Slow down when you encounter obstacles or extreme inclines and declines.

Advanced mountain biking requires a lot of high-end skills, but all beginners have to start somewhere. You don’t need to be a master at all of the previously mentioned abilities. Do your best to get comfortable on the trail and try to learn how to be prepared for anything that might lie ahead.

What Should You Know Before Mountain Biking?

Before mountain biking, you should know that every trail can be different from one day to the next. You never know what (or who) you’ll encounter. Mountain biking requires constant focus, attention, and an ability to adapt to ever-changing conditions. Before you think about heading to an advanced trail, make sure you know what to look out for.

You should know these key points beforehand:

Never lock your knees on the trail. Whether you’re constantly changing elevations or you’re gliding over flat dirt, it’s important to avoid locking your knees. Your bike’s suspension will undoubtedly help your joints feel better, but locking your knees is a surefire way to risk injuries and falling off the bike.
Mountain biking requires immense leg strength. You can improve your leg strength off the trail by incorporating leg presses, squats, and lunges into your workout routine. Remember, you shouldn’t train your legs more than three times a week. They need time to rest and recover. If you mountain bike twice, stick to one heavy leg day weekly.
There are multiple ways to stay hydrated. You can use a clip-on water bottle on the frame or under the handlebars. Another option is to wear a hydration backpack with a built-in water pouch and a straw. Your hydration should be at the top of your list of priorities when you’re getting into mountain biking.
Mountain biking is an extreme form of exercise, therefore a proper diet and rest are required. Make sure you spend a couple of days resting before hitting the trail again. On that note, eat enough carbs and protein before cycling. It’s also a good idea to increase your electrolyte intake on your mountain biking days.
Road cycling feels entirely different. You can’t compare these styles of cycling, regardless of the fact that they’re both on bikes. Mountain biking has much more drastic and intense terrain changes, not to mention the unpredictability. Don’t expect that just because you’re great at road cycling means that you’ll be the same on a trail.

None of these issues should worry you. Countless people have a blast mountain biking, so there’s no reason you can’t. Following the necessary safety recommendations and staying ahead of the game will make a world of difference. If you want to train properly, your training frequency is crucial.

How Often Should You Mountain Bike to Improve?

You should mountain bike between two to four times per week if you want to improve. Beginners shouldn’t exceed two times per week because they’ll work their muscles too hard. However, you can increase your frequency to three or four times per week after a few months of practice. Make sure you listen to your body and slow down if you’re always sore.

Ask yourself these questions if you’re unsure whether or not you’re practicing enough (or too much):

Are you sore the following day after each trail session? It’s best to avoid the trail if you’re always sore. Wait until your body heals. Cycling while sore too often can lead to injuries, which will keep you off the trail for a few weeks. A little bit of muscle soreness is fine, but don’t ignore joint discomfort.
Do you have any injuries from mountain biking? We highly recommend reducing how often you mountain bike if you’re always injured. Rough terrain leads to joint injuries that can worsen if you don’t take a break. If you find that you’re always injured, consider reducing how often to ride to one or two days weekly.
Do you find it difficult to focus on the trail? Riding too often can be exhausting. You should be able to keep your eyes focused on what’s ahead to prevent injuries. If you can’t focus when you’re mountain biking, think about reducing the frequency. If you’re good to go, you can stay near the 4-day/week plan.
How long are you mountain biking each time you hit the trail? If you can only go for about 30 minutes, it’s not a bad idea to cycle four or five days a week. Most health experts recommend about 150 minutes of weekly exercise. However, if you cycle on a trail for multiple hours each time, you might want to only go twice weekly.
What kind of terrain do you encounter? If you’re always riding over smooth terrain, your body should recover relatively quickly. However, those who mountain bike on rough terrain should stick to two or three weekly rides. Mountain biking too often can quickly take a toll on your body.

It’s important to rest and relax in between mountain biking days. Give yourself one to two days before hitting the trail again. Going back to back too many times can cause excessive soreness and discomfort. There are many other things you should avoid when mountain biking, all of which we’ll discuss in the following section.

What to Avoid While Mountain Biking

While mountain biking, you should avoid deep mud pits and puddles, stopping at the wrong place or time, and not keeping up with your bike’s maintenance. It’s also important not to overexert yourself anywhere on the trail. You wouldn’t want to run out of energy and drag yourself through the rest of the session.

Let’s take an in-depth look at everything you need to avoid while mountain biking:

Failure to maintain your bike can cause long-term problems. Redbull shows you need to clean and repair your mountain bike frequently to avoid trail issues. If you don’t listen to your bike, you’ll break chains, gears, wheels, and many other parts. Don’t let your mountain bike stay soaked or dirty for too long; otherwise, it’ll rust.
Cruising through steep slopes and deep puddles isn’t worth it. It might be tempting to cycle as fast as possible for the experience, but leave these activities to the pros. If you push your bike through questionable terrain, there’s a good chance you’ll get stuck, damage your bicycle, or injure yourself.
Extreme energy expenditure can ruin your mountain biking experience. Never go as hard as you can right away. Take it slow and gradually build your speed and direction. Mountain biking is exhilarating, but you won’t make it half as far if you put all of your efforts into the first mile on the trail.
Never underestimate the trail. Just because it starts off easy doesn’t mean the whole ride will be a cakewalk. Map out the path you want to take and keep an eye out for potential changes. Fallen rocks, natural debris, mud, sand, and many other things can change the trail from what you thought it would be.
Don’t try to outperform your skill level. One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is when they get too comfortable. You might feel like you’ve mastered a trail or a style of cycling, but don’t try to push yourself further than what you’re used to. Wait until you’re comfortable, then try slightly more challenging trails.

Find your pace and work towards constant improvement, but don’t forget to have fun. Mountain biking shouldn’t be about trying to avoid everything you come across. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries, but remember how essential it is to know your own limits. You’ll experience gradual improvements along the way.

Final Thoughts

Once you’ve learned all of the key points in this article, you can start mountain biking on your favorite local trails. Remember, most experts explain that it’s easy to start mountain biking, but it’s very difficult to master it. Take your time and follow our steps to get the most out of your mountain biking experience.

How to Get Into Mountain Biking: The Complete Guide

Choose Your Mountain Biking Style