| Even if there are no mountains where you live, it can | | | | Are you a beginner? |
| make sense to buy a mountain bike, just because of | | | | If there's any mountain biking in your area, chances are |
| the security they provide, even in urban areas. And | | | | there'll be a club or two, which will cater to beginners. |
| there's always the chance of a weekend ride in the | | | | The best thing to do is seek out your local bike shop. |
| country. | | | | Anyone there can tell you what goes on in your area. |
| If you're a bicycle enthusiast, but have only tried cycling | | | | In addition, most bike shops will have racks featuring |
| on the road, it's time you gave mountain biking a try. By | | | | the brochures of local clubs, and bike maps of the local |
| mountain biking, I mean more than heading down an | | | | trails, for free. |
| actual mountain - although that what most people think | | | | Practice makes perfect |
| about when they hear the phrase "Mountain biking." | | | | If you're not in shape - you can get in shape with |
| However, mountain bikes - light bikes with fat tires and | | | | mountain biking... if you make a concentrated effort to |
| front suspension - make it easy to go cross country | | | | do so. Set yourself goals of miles to ride each day. If |
| riding as well. | | | | you don't have the time to ride an hour or so |
| So even if you live in an area that has no mountains - | | | | everyday, but if you have a steep hill near your home, |
| get yourself a mountain bike anyway! Those fat tires | | | | you can always spend ten minutes or so doing wind |
| make for a nice ride - and as long as they're properly | | | | sprints up and down that hill. This will increase your |
| inflated they can go almost as fast as the thinner tires | | | | stamina and strengthen your leg muscles no end. |
| of road bikes, but you don't need to worry about going | | | | (Make sure you check with your doctor to make sure |
| up curbs or down curbs. | | | | you have no health problems that would limit vigorous |
| There are three styles of mountain biking - the one | | | | exercise.) |
| everyone thinks of which is downhill riding, free riding, | | | | Don't get on a bike and then find the toughest trail and |
| and cross country. If you're a professional cyclist or a | | | | through yourself down it. Start with beginning trails and |
| dedicated amateur you'll want to buy a bike specifically | | | | work on your skills for a while. |
| designed for each style, but if you're a casual cyclist | | | | Staying safe |
| who'll want to try one style one weekend and a | | | | Riders fall. Face it - it's going to happen. So the most |
| different style the next, any good mountain bike will do. | | | | important piece of equipment you have, after a good |
| Most people will buy a brand new tool whenever they | | | | bike - is a good helmet. Never buy a used helmet - |
| take up a brand new hobby. This is a mistake. | | | | you don't know what's happened to it. Also of use to |
| Examine yourself. Have you done this in the past - | | | | the mountain biker are goggles or other eye protection, |
| decided on a hobby, bought all the equipment, used it | | | | elbow and knee pads, and good shoes. Always carry |
| once - then stored it in your garage and never used it | | | | a few dollars and some change in a pocket so you |
| again? | | | | can call for help if need be, and make sure you have |
| So, if possible, rent a bike first - indeed, in so doing you'll | | | | identification on you at all times. (That last bit of advice |
| be able to try out quite a few bikes and decide on | | | | is good for any type of biking, or jogging, come to that!) |
| which one you'd like to buy. Make sure that the people | | | | Always be prepared for the worst to happen, and |
| renting you the bikes have taken proper care of them, | | | | then it [probably] never will. |
| of course, and that they're not just "beaters." | | | | |