Beginner Mountain Bike Skills

Mountain biking is an exciting sport that can be
enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. 
Compared to the average bike ride, it does present
some danger.  Therefore, you should master these
basic skills before you hit the trails or the
dirt. 

You can practice these beginning skills at a local
park, school, bike path, or simply around your
house. If you can, try to find a location with
a steep hill.

Get a Feel for Your Pedals

Practice moving your foot away from the pedal,
first while sitting on your bike with one foot on
the ground.  Next, move on to releasing and
replacing your foot while pedaling around for a
bit.  Those with toe clip and clipless type foot
pedals will want to spend a bit more time
practicing.

Sit and Spin for Position

Simply sit on your bike and pedal around.  You
should keep your arms slightly bent.  You should
also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to
90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke
on the pedal.  Keep your body relaxed, as there
will never be a position where you should have
either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting Gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike.  The
higher gears are harder to pedal and will go
faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal
and will help you ascend hills.  As you get to
steeper hills, its best to shift before you get
to the hill rather than while your on it.

Coasting

You should spend a bit of time coasting while
standing on your pedals, without actually sitting
on the seat.  Keep your arms bent but don't lock
your knees.  Now, try experimenting with shifting
your body towards the rear end of the bike.

Pedal While Standing

You should get as comfortable as you can with
pedaling while standing on your bike.  Try lifting
yourself off the seat while standing on the pedals,
then crank them around.  You should try this in
higher gears on flat ground then again in lower
gears while on a hill.

Dropping Down a Curb

Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the
upper portion of it.  Practice at a moderate speed,
standing and coasting right off the curb from the
upper level to the lower level.  Try this at
different speeds until it becomes second nature.

Once you practice these techniques and get the
hang of them, you'll be able to hit the trails feeling
comfortable on your mountain bike.  Even though it
may take some getting used to, it'll become second
nature before you know it.

Store
Site Map
Introduction To Mountain Biking
The History Of Mountain Biking
Before Buying a Mountain Bike
Shopping for Mountain Bikes for the First Time
Buying a Mountain Bike
Notes When Buying a Mountain Bike
Sizing Mountain Bikes
Different Types Of Mountain Bikes
Mountain Bike Anatomy
Mountain Bike Designs
Mountain Bikes Frame Designs
Mountain Bike Framing Materials
Mountain Bikes Suspension Choices
Mountain Bike Disc Brakes Or Rim Brakes
Mountain Bikes Accessories
Mountain Biking Accessories Must Haves
Mountain Bike Upgrades
Beginner Mountain Bike Skills
Basic Mountain Biking Skills
The Bunny Hop Mountain Bike Trick
Mountain Biking Trip What to Bring
Mountain Biking Conduct and Etiquette
Mountain Biking Do's and Don'ts
Mountain Biking Five-Point Rule when Riding Downhill
Mountain Biking Safety Tips
Safety Tips For Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Survival Tips
Getting Ready for Mountain Biking Race
Things To Take With You On A Mountain Bike Ride
Mountain Biking Racing for the First Time
Mountain Biking Vacation
Safety Tips when Mountain Biking in Cold Weather
Stay Away from Danger when Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Bike Maintenance
Setting Your Mountain Bike Tire Pressure
How to Lube Your Mountain Bike
How to Use a Mountain Bike Chain Tool
Mountain Bike Wheel Truing
How Mountain Bike Gears Work
Mountain Bike Spring Tune Up Tips
Nine Types of Mountain Biking
Cross Country Mountain Biking
Technical Down Hill Mountain Biking
Night Mountain Biking for Beginners
How to Prepare for Winter Mountain Biking Adventure
Clothes For Winter Mountain Biking
Mountain Biking Keeping the Fun Side Alive
Top Reasons Why You Should Not Quit Mountain Biking
Gift Ideas for Mountain Biking Enthusiasts