Mountain Biking For Beginners: What To Know Before You Ride
Mountain biking is a great way to exercise, have fun, and connect with nature. Riding off-road lets you escape the hustle and bustle of city life and explore dirt paths, forest trails, and rugged landscapes. You don't need to live near mountains to enjoy mountain biking – there are trails for everyone, from beginners to experts, in all kinds of terrain.
Ready to give it a try? We’ll cover the basics of mountain biking, including different styles of riding, what kind of bike to get, where to ride, and what gear you need.
Let's dive in and answer some common questions:
What are the different styles of mountain biking?
What type of mountain bike should you choose?
Where can you find trails to ride?
What should you wear when mountain biking?
What essential gear do you need to get started?
Mountain Biking Styles
Mountain biking is a diverse sport with different styles of riding to suit every rider's preference. Here are some common styles:
Trail Mountain Biking: This is arguably the most common type of bike riding. Perfect for riders who enjoy a mix of climbs and descents on varied terrain. Trail bikes are versatile and suitable for all-around riding.
Cross-Country Mountain Biking: If you love fast-paced riding and climbing hills, cross-country biking might be for you. These bikes are lightweight and efficient for longer rides.
All-Mountain/Enduro Mountain Biking: For riders who like challenging climbs and thrilling descents, all-mountain/enduro bikes are designed to handle technical terrain with ease.
Downhill/Park Mountain Biking: Downhill biking is all about adrenaline-fueled descents on steep trails. These bikes are built for speed and durability, with heavy-duty components and full-suspension. They don’t climb well, so downhill parks usually have lifts to get you to the top.
Fat-Tire Biking: Fat-tire bikes have oversized tires that provide traction and stability on snow, sand, and rough terrain. They're a fun option for beginners and experienced riders alike. They also offer excellent traction through snow and sand.
Choosing the Right Bike
When choosing a mountain bike, consider the type of terrain you'll be riding and your riding style. Here are some key factors to consider:
Suspension Type: Decide whether you want a rigid, hardtail, or full-suspension bike based on the trails you'll be riding.
Wheel Size: Choose between 26-inch, 27.5-inch, or 29-inch wheels depending on your preference for maneuverability and terrain.
Electric Bikes: E-Bikes are rapidly gaining popularity. They enable you to go further and assist with uphill riding.
E-bike classes are a way to categorize the speed, power, and throttle levels of electric bikes. The classes are primarily for regulatory reasons and help manufacturers offer models that reach certain speeds while adhering to local and state laws or different park rules and regulations. Be sure to check that your e-bike class is legal for the trails you plan to ride.
Class 1: pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.
Class 2: pedal-assist up to 20mph + throttle assistance up to 20mph.
Class 3: pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph.
Class 4: may have a top speed of over 28mph and motor wattage over 750W.
As with any bike, be sure to observe proper trail etiquette when passing others.
Trail Difficulty Rating
Mountain bike trails are graded according to skill level. The following descriptions are based on the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) guidelines.
Beginner trails, symbolized by a green circle, are generally smooth. They usually average no more than a 5% trail grade and feature trail obstacles no taller than a few inches.
Intermediate trails, symbolized by a blue square, are variable in their surface. They usually average a 10% grade or less and feature obstacles up to eight inches tall.
Advanced trails, marked by a black diamond, may have many trail features, and can be up to a 15% grade, with steep sections.Obstacles can be up to 15 inches tall, and there may be man-made features.
Expert trails, often denoted by double-black diamonds, are highly variable and may be unpredictable. They may be very steep—15% or greater—and feature obstacles that are taller than 15 inches, loose rocks, and have many technical features. These trails are for the most experienced riders.
Where to Ride
Mountain biking trails come in all shapes and sizes, from smooth beginner trails to technical expert trails. Look for trails with skill ratings that match your ability level, and don't be afraid to explore new areas and try new trails.
For route recommendations and FREE access to Ride With GPS trail app, visit our Ride Guide page.
What to Wear
Dress comfortably and appropriately for mountain biking, with clothing that wicks away sweat and provides protection from the elements. Consider wearing padded shorts, a moisture-wicking jersey and socks, gloves, knee pads, and sunglasses or goggles.. A helmet is essential for safety.
Essential Gear
Pack a few essentials for your mountain biking adventures, including a spare tube, a pump or CO2 inflator, a multitool, plenty of water, and snacks.
Be sure to download your trail map or carry a paper map (apps don’t always work in the woods and limited cell signal areas)
Optional: A small first aid kit with hand sanitizer or wipes is a good idea, just in case.
Now that you're equipped with the basics of mountain biking, it's time to hit the trails and start exploring! Remember to ride safely, respect the environment, and have fun out there.
Questions? Ask one of our experts at The Line for a full run-down of bikes, trails, gear, and more!