| Mountain biking is an exhilarating and intense sport | | | | how to work the brakes correctly. This may sound |
| which is enjoyed by thousands across the globe. It is | | | | very simple however, during mountain biking and |
| one of the most versatile ways of enjoying cycling as | | | | especially the fast downhill sections, you will rely |
| mountain bikes can be used across nearly any terrain. | | | | heavily on your ability to brake correctly and if you go |
| Mountain biking can be dangerous at times but if done | | | | wrong, you may end up injuring yourself. |
| correctly, this only adds to the exhilaration when you | | | | 4. Choosing the right trails - As a beginner, you first |
| reach that downhill section and free-ride to the bottom. | | | | couple of rides are the most important. You are no |
| When becoming a mountain biker there are several | | | | longer just riding alongside the road with flat surfaces |
| things you need to take into consideration, not only to | | | | or through the woods; you have taken the next step |
| keep you safe but to make sure you get the | | | | onto a more unstable surface. There are specific |
| maximum amount of enjoyment out of it. | | | | mountain bike trails that have ratings of difficulty so it |
| 1. Research mountain biking - the more you know | | | | may be an idea to start with those well-known ones. |
| about mountain biking, the easier and more enjoyable | | | | To build up your confidence it is important to start on |
| you will find the whole process. There are plenty of | | | | the easiest ones and progress onto more difficult ones |
| mountain bike magazines and sites full with information | | | | slowly. You will find the trails a lot more challenging |
| about everything from the newest and best bikes to | | | | than ordinary riding and it is vital that you do not rush |
| buy, to the best places to ride and even places to talk | | | | onto a trail you are not ready for as it could result in |
| to fellow mountain bike fanatics. This may at first be a | | | | serious injury. |
| bit of information overload however, when you have | | | | 5. Find other people to ride with - The mountain bike |
| done the research, it puts you in a good position to | | | | community is vast and it is a good idea to find some |
| know what our looking for in a bike and understand | | | | companions to ride with. It is recommended by most |
| the difficulties in trails. | | | | mountain bikers to go riding with a friend. This is due to |
| 2. Buy the right type of bike - The first and most | | | | the safety factor and that it is better to have |
| important tip for any beginner mountain biker is to get | | | | someone preferably with more experience than you |
| hold of the best bike you can afford. Mountain bikes | | | | to come along and work a new trail together. This |
| come in an enormous range of styles and | | | | ensures that if you fall off or injure yourself, there is |
| specifications. As a beginner you do not need the | | | | another person there to call for help. It also tends to be |
| most expensive, top spec bike but it is recommended | | | | more enjoyable and satisfying to ride with another as |
| that you purchase the best bike at a reasonable price. | | | | you can experience something together and achieve |
| It is advised to go into a bike store and try out a few | | | | more by working as a team. |
| different styles to get a feel for the right bike. You | | | | This will give you a greater sense of satisfaction and |
| need to feel as comfortable as possible on this bike as | | | | give you that freedom to go out and try even harder |
| you are going to be riding some tough terrain. One | | | | trails. As a beginner it would be vital to go with |
| thing to invest in is a comfortable seat as this could be | | | | someone else when trying more difficult trails to |
| the difference between enjoying your ride and being | | | | ensure your safety. For those who are set against |
| so uncomfortable you never ride again. Commencal | | | | riding with others and feel they must ride alone, it is |
| bikes are recommended as they provide a huge range | | | | essential to leave a map of where you're going, take a |
| of specifications and designs to suit every body shape | | | | form of first aid kit with you and let someone know |
| and price band, so you are safe in the knowledge you | | | | where you are and your estimated time of return. This |
| are getting a great bike at the right price. The | | | | is because if someone is expecting you and you have |
| Commencal furious is a great starter bike as it | | | | not turned up for an hour because you are injured |
| provides all the specialist parts you need but is suitable | | | | somewhere, they will sound the alert and come looking. |
| for both beginners and more advanced riders so will | | | | Overall, mountain biking is a fantastic and rewarding |
| last you as you progress. | | | | sport which can provide hours of enjoyment every |
| 3. Learn to correctly ride your bike - if you have | | | | weekend. However it is important for those beginners |
| chosen a specialist mountain bike such as a | | | | out there to know what they are getting themselves |
| Commencal mountain bike, then the ride will vary | | | | into and be prepared as to not injure themselves and |
| enormously from that of a road bike. You need to | | | | ruin that enjoyment. |
| learn how to control the bike and most importantly, | | | | |