Mountain biking is a thrilling experience that only the brave, the daring and the adventurous would love. While it is fun and may need some technical expertise, it is very easy to learn the basic skills required for this thrilling activity. If you are new or want to learn more about how to become an experienced biker, It is important to learn the basics first.
Although it is easy for anyone to pick up basic skills in riding, it is important to get more tips in addition to the basic skills a new rider may have.
This article would serve as a guide to keep you informed about the basic techniques for beginners that are certain to give you a head start.
Braking
Utilizing the brakes needs you to make use of your instinct especially when taking a descent. It involves you using great judgment to determine how much or how little you squeeze the brake levers. The breaking power of a tire is determined by the weight it carries.
When moving downhill, the front wheel carries much more weight than the back. Using the front brake helps you remain in control without skidding. It’s best not to overdo it and throw yourself over the handlebars accidentally.
The rear brakes should also not be neglected. When descending, move your weight back over the rear wheel so you can maximize your rear braking power as well. This brings about a balance of power to both breaks and provides you with maximum control.
Good riders should learn the amount of their weight to move over each wheel and to apply appropriate braking power to each break.
Riding on the flat
Riding on the flat can be done in sitting or standing position. But you choose, make sure you keep your pedals at a steady pace. Try to keep the pedals level when you coast as they are less likely to bump into tree humps and low rocks.
It is important to look ahead even when you are on the best mountain bike. It’s ideal to look further down the trail and not just in front of you. The way you get to see obstacles, descents and climbs arriving and you will have ample time to prepare for them.
Descending or going downhill
Its best to keep your legs and arms flexed while standing up on the pedals. They will act as extra shock absorbers so that you can take in bumps with ease. Make sure your body is kept low, and your knees and elbows are bent while you move your hips backward so they are elevated and a little behind the saddle.
The pedals should be kept level, but your heels should be dropped so you can be braced against them. This means that when you brake and bash a bump, you can take in the force of your body pressing forward utilizing your legs, put your arms on the handlebars, which would hold you steady and prevent you from being tossed over the handlebars if you need to stop unexpectedly.
Climbing
Stare ahead, prepare for the incline and drop into an easy gear beforehand. It's ideal to sit and spin at a stable speed in an easy gear up hills instead of standing and pedaling hard as you are less likely to lose traction and stop.
The traction and the ability to steer is needed when elevating steep hills. Your weight is needed on the back wheel for traction and needed in front for steering. The compromise is to remain seated but moves your bum forward, so you are seated on the nose of the saddle. Your shoulders should be dropped forward and low and pulled down and back on the bars as you pedal.
Cornering
Your speed should be controlled when getting close to a corner, brake before the corner, get into a speed that is convenient for you and roll through. Bikes go great through corners when you lean them over, but in using a mountain bike it's ideal, you keep your weight over your tires, so they hold onto the trail. Remain standing and keep your knees flexed and open wide. The outside foot can be dropped, and this would push down on the tire to provide additional traction.
Rolling over small obstacles
Bikes are created to roll over blockades and obstacles like roots and rocks. This is made easy by its fat tires and suspension. When you are getting to an obstacle, look ahead of it, then stare on to your point of exit. It’s best to try not to look at the obstacle while riding through it.
Stand up, keep your legs and arms flexed and your pedals level and control speed before you get into it so the obstacle can be rolled over without braking. You will be through with ease in no time.
After learning the basic techniques, it’s left to look for where to ride and perfect your skills. These basic techniques are sure to give anyone who wishes to learn mountain biking an upper hand.