| With mountain bikes currently enjoying a huge surge in | | | | 5. Learn about local trails. It's no good getting a |
| popularity, many people are approaching the sport for | | | | mountain bike for vacations and then not really |
| the first time - but even if you're used to riding road | | | | knowing how to use it. There are mountain bike clubs |
| bikes, it can be difficult to know what to look for and | | | | all over the world which can direct you to the best |
| what to do when you're planning to ride in a new | | | | trails near your home. |
| environment. Here are ten ways to get the most out | | | | 6. Play it safe. It's inevitable that you'll fall sooner or later |
| of your mountain bike: | | | | if you are riding your mountain bike hard. It's of most |
| 1. Choose the right bike for you. Don't go straight for | | | | importance that sure purchase (and wear) a good |
| the most impressive looking mountain bike you see - | | | | helmet. Some mountain bikers like to make use of |
| choose a bike which fits you properly. Take it for a | | | | protective padding such as chest protectors, gloves, |
| test ride to make sure it's comfortable. | | | | elbow and knee pads. |
| 2. Spend now, save later. You may not want to invest | | | | 7. Look after your mountain bike. Proper storage and |
| much money in a mountain bike before you're sure | | | | regular cleaning can make your bike last a lot longer |
| how much you'll enjoy riding it, and it's true that the | | | | and give you better performance. Investing a little |
| most expensive bikes really only offer an advantage | | | | effort will save you money on repairs. |
| to experienced riders, but it's worth investing in a good, | | | | 8. Build up gradually. You may feel tempted to spend |
| durable bike to avoid having to fork out on repairs later. | | | | all day riding when you first get a mountain bike. Your |
| Most good beginners bikes cost between six hundred | | | | muscles can become strained in unexpected ways |
| and eight hundred dollars. | | | | when riding on the trail. It's important that you get used |
| 3. Get the right wheels. Obviously, the wheels will take | | | | to the new experience and pace yourself as such. If |
| more wear than anything else. Choose the tires for | | | | you strain a muscle it could sideline you for weeks. |
| your mountain bike based on how much off-road riding | | | | 9. Develop a taste for adventure. Your mountain bike |
| you expect to do and the type of terrain you'll | | | | can take you to places you may never have thought |
| encounter on the trails which appeal to you. | | | | of going before. Mountain bike clubs and magazines |
| 4. Ease off on the brakes. To ride a mountain bike | | | | can advise you on the wide range of new riding |
| effectively you need to learn how to cruise. It may not | | | | experiences now open to you. |
| feel that way, but in general, the faster you're going the | | | | 10. Have fun! A regular bike may simply be a tool for |
| more stable you are. Let your bike take the strain on | | | | keeping fit or getting to work, but mountain bikes are all |
| long downhill slopes and use that momentum for the | | | | about having a good time! |
| next rise. | | | | |