1. Got Wheels?
Select the right bike before you hit the trails. The bike needs to have wheels that can take the rough off-road conditions without causing your teeth to feel every bump. Buy a bike with front suspension, which is sometimes called a Rockhopper. Beginning riders need a bike that fits them correctly. To limit pain from the inevitable crash, make certain you have a few inches of crotch clearance when you're standing on the pedals. Also, look at the length of the bike to ensure you're comfortable when you're in the seat and your hands are gripping the handlebars. If you have to reach too far to grasp the handlebars, you may have balance problems.
2. Get Your Gear On
While body-hugging bike shorts may look tight and restricting, they are actually very comfortable. The material keeps you dry by removing sweat and keeping you cool. The shorts lack a seam, which means no chafing in uncomfortable places. Padding or armor may protect you from scrapes, bruises and more serious injuries. Manage dusty, buggy conditions with bike glasses. And if you wear nothing else, always wear a well-fitting helmet that meets safety standards.
3. Climb Every Mountain
Before going on a long and difficult ride, take some easy rides on off-road trails to learn to work the gears. Practice riding with your butt off the seat, a common mountain biking position. As you steer, look ahead at the trail, not down at your front tire. Once you start climbing hills, you'll need more than gears, though. You need to place body and bike in the right position. Lean down and forward with your seat on the front of the bike saddle as you start to climb a hill. Allow your weight to settle on your handlebars; you should feel like your pushing your handlebars up the mountain.
4. The Challenge of the Descent
You might think the challenge of mountain biking is going up the hills, but in reality, coming down a mountain is more difficult. Move your butt off and toward the back of the seat, keeping your weight in your feet by standing on the pedals. Use your hands to pull in slightly on the front and rear brakes. Don't pull too hard or you'll lose your balance. You need enough speed to have a smooth ride, but you still need to control the bike as you make your descent. Do most of your braking before and after the hardest parts of the trail.
5. Experience the Thrill of Switchbacks
Switchbacks, or turns on the trail, are one of the joys of mountain biking. For downhill turns, aim for the high side of the trail and lean into your turn. When making uphill turns, keep your body high and push it toward the outside of the turn to achieve forward momentum. As you come out of downhill and uphill switchbacks, straighten out your bike.
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