| Many people are approaching the sport of mountain | | | | next rise. |
| biking for the first time due to their huge surge in | | | | 5. Learn about the local trails. There isn't much point in |
| popularity in recent times. It can be difficult to know | | | | buying a mountain bike and not knowing where and |
| what to look for and what to do when you're planning | | | | how to ride it. Mountain bike clubs are sprouting up all |
| to ride in a new environment even if you are used to | | | | over the world and they can recommend the best |
| riding road bikes. To get the most out of your mountain | | | | trails for you to ride on in your locale. |
| bike follow the 10 tips below: | | | | 6. Play it safe. It's inevitable that you'll fall sooner or later |
| 1. Take the time to select the bike that is right for you | | | | if you are riding your mountain bike hard. It's of most |
| and one that fits you properly rather than gravitating | | | | importance that sure purchase (and wear) a good |
| towards the first impressive looking mountain bike you | | | | helmet. Some mountain bikers like to make use of |
| see. To check the fit and comfort take the bike on a | | | | protective padding such as chest protectors, gloves, |
| test ride. | | | | 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. Select the correct wheels. Since the wheels will | | | | to the new experience and pace yourself as such. If |
| obviously take most of the abuse and wear, make | | | | you strain a muscle it could sideline you for weeks. |
| sure you choose the right tires based on the type of | | | | 9. Develop a taste for adventure. You can go to |
| terrain and trails you plan to ride on and how much off | | | | places you may never have thought of going before |
| road riding you think you will be doing. | | | | on your mountain bike. You can find advice on the |
| 4. Ease off on the brakes. To ride a mountain bike | | | | wide range of new riding experiences now open to |
| effectively you need to learn how to cruise. It may not | | | | you from bike shops, clubs and magazines. |
| feel that way, but in general, the faster you're going the | | | | 10. Have fun! While regular run of the mill bikes may |
| more stable you are. Let your bike take the strain on | | | | simply be a form of transportation, mountain bikes are |
| long downhill slopes and use that momentum for the | | | | all about having a lot of fun. |