Beginner's Guide to Mountain Biking

Want to know some tips and secrets about your favorite sport of mountain biking. Watch this beginner's guide to mountain biking and learn how to tackle any trail in this free video clip.

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Select bike based on height
Use proper helmet to protect head
Keep elbows bent and body relaxed
Choose the correct trail for your skill level

About this Author

Pancho Herrera is passionate about cycling. Pancho races for the SLO Nexus Club on road and mountain bikes. Pancho also has 25 years cycling experience as a competitor and pro shop mechanic.

PANCHO HERRERA: This is Pancho Herrera with the beginners guide to mountain biking. Well, we have selected our bike and we have chosen one that is an appropriate size for us. In this case, at about 5'10", I've chosen a 17 inch mountain bike. If you are taller, you will ride a bigger bike, if you are shorter, you will ride a shorter one. I have raised the seat to a correct level. Normally, we can judge that by sitting on the saddle, putting our foot on the pedal at its lowest position and looking for just a slight bend to the knee. My stance on the bike is comfortable, I've got my elbows bent and my upper body is relaxed. That is the best way to ride a bike most comfortable, and will allow us to hit a variety of terrain and stay in control. Okay, we've got the bicycle covered; now let us cover our personal safety gear. Helmet is the number one item. Let us make sure that it fits well, doesn't move when we move, the straps are adjusted to meet below our ears, and to be comfortable at the chin and let us make sure the visors' positioned so that we can see properly in all directions. Eyeglasses, always a good safety measure. Let us make sure we have some protection there, flying debris, the odd bug that might fly at you. Beyond that, let's make sure we have a good set of gloves, that is a cycling essential. If you were to fall off the bike, that does protect your palms. Your palms are the first thing to hit the ground when you take a tumble, and it also makes you a little more comfortable. As a beginner mountain biker, it is important to choose the right terrain and the right type of road or trail. In this case, we've chosen a fire road or a dirt road that is relatively flat and away from traffic. We want to make sure we get a good feel for the dirt, without any conflicts or obstacles. As we advance in the sport, then we can move up towards single track rail riding and the more advanced terrain.

Beginner's Guide to Mountain Biking Video

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