Mountain Biking Tips

Mountain Biking Tips

by Colette Thyman

If you're looking for a truck or SUV to explore the countryside, you're thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills.



Today's popular "mountain bike" style was developed, as the name suggests, from bicycles that were designed for cruising up and down mountains. Obviously, racing down a mountainside can be a serious adrenaline rush, but it can also be quite dangerous. If you're actually considering taking on a mountain pass, you must invest in a bike designed to accomplish such a task. Using the right equipment and some common sense, mountain biking can be a fun sport for the entire family.

Find your Style

When shopping for a mountain bike, you'll need to choose one of three basic styles, including the cross-country, freestyle and downhill. The styles vary in many ways, but each demands a great deal of skill. Know your own personal riding style before you try to pick the mountain bike style. Don't buy a heavy downhill bike if you plan on busting moves with your buddies. If trick riding is your passion, choose a lighter freestyle model.

Practice Makes Perfect

Mountain biking requires personal stamina and endurance and stamina. You'll also need ambition and a fair amount of courage to take on nature's tricky courses. And, like any sport, mountain biking also involves time and lots and lots of practice. Don't expect to ride around the block a few times and then cruise right into scaling rocky hills and maneuvering winding trails. Be prepared to acquire a few bumps and bruises before you're ready to ride with the big kids.

Location is Key

Mountain biking and paved surfaces rarely go hand in hand. A good mountain bike is built to take you beyond the blacktop and carry you virtually anywhere you want to be. Many North American parks offer designated biking locations, but check the rules and regulations before hitting the trails in a park or conservatory. You might find trail maps that are available to bring along on your trek. Look into joining a local mountain biking club or group trail ride, or taking part in a competition. This information should be available from local bike shops, and you can search online or check your local papers. Biking clubs and groups range from beginner to advanced, so make sure you're joining a club that matches your skill level.

Choose your Ride

Once you've determined whether your mountain biking style is cross-country, freestyle or downhill, the bike you choose basically comes down to personal choice. Today's market is flooded with a huge variety of makes and models. Take the time to compare styles, sizes and price.

Be sure to consider the quality of the bike and the reliability of the manufacturer, but don't be fooled into thinking the most expensive models are necessarily the best bikes. The Internet can be a great tool in shopping for a bike, as some compare quality, features and prices for you.

When you've find a bike that you like, ask for a test drive. To be a great mountain biker, you need to feel "as one" with your bike. Make sure that the seat and position are comfortable and that the gears and brakes are suited to you.

A mountain bike can be a big investment, so ask around and do your homework before you buy.

Safety First

Mountain biking can be dangerous on unpaved roads and through unexplored territory. It's impossible to know what's waiting around the next bend. Always wear a helmet no matter where you're riding. Kneepads, elbow pads and riding gloves are also good choices to keep you safe and comfortable, and you should wear goggles if you're riding in the woods or following a group. Always keep a few band-aids in your pack, just in case.

Whether you're cruising around the county or traveling cross-country, mountain biking is a great way to see the sights and stay in shape. Wear a helmet, play safe and have fun!

Author Colette Thyman writes for numerous Internet sites, on recreation and leisure and discount shopping themes.

Article Source: BestDailyArticles.com

If you're looking for a truck or SUV to explore the countryside, you're thinking two wheels too many. To get really close to nature, have a blast and keep in shape, grab a mountain bike and head for the hills.