7 tips for making your first MTB ride more enjoyable
Are you literally gearing up for your first mountain bike ride, but still a little unsure of whether you've considered everything you need to? Follow these 6 quick tips to help get the most out of the experience.
1. Use the right protection for your type of riding
If you’re just starting out with mountain biking, it might be tempting to wear the equivalent of a suit of armour. It’s likely that you won’t be going too quickly for your first few rides though, so it’s a good idea to balance manoeuvrability with protection.
Lots of padding will make it harder (and hotter) work to pedal, so if you’re concerned about falling, knee pads are a good idea, and shin guards if you have pedals with pins to grip your feet on to them (it can be painful if your foot slips and they hit your shins!).
A helmet is a very good idea for mountain biking, as there are more potential obstacles than riding on the road. You don’t need a full face helmet unless you plan to go downhill really fast or hit big jumps. Going uphill in a full-face lid gets very warm! Try wearing a neckwarmer underneath for a bit more added warmth and comfort.
2. Set your seat height correctly
The ideal saddle height for riding on the road is one where your leg extends almost straight when your pedals are at the bottom of the pedal stroke, with just a slight bend at the knee.
However, when negotiating off-road obstacles (especially going downhill) it’s a good idea to drop your saddle a fair bit, allowing you to adopt a more flexible ring position and have a lower centre of gravity. There are even ‘dropper’ posts available that allow you to change the height of your saddle with the flick of a lever.
3. Choose a good saddle
This can involve a bit of trial and error. Just bear in mind that a very padded saddle isn’t always the most comfortable. Soft cushioning can lose its bounce quite quickly, meaning the hard support rails will cause discomfort. Some women prefer a saddle with a cut out section to avoid soft tissue pressure.
4. Carry a puncture repair kit
Not sure how to repair a puncture? Here’s a handy guide.
It’s a good idea to do a dummy run of fixing or replacing a damaged inner tube in the comfort of home, so you’ll find it easier to do when you’re out on the trail.
5. Invest in some mountain bike specific clothing
You don’t have to spend the earth, but it’s worth borrowing or buying some off-road specific clothing, especially if you think you’re going to catch the mountain biking bug. Cycling shorts (no underwear underneath!) with leggings or mountain bike shorts over the top will give you some added comfort.
Check the day’s report before heading out, so you know what conditions to expect, and what clothing to take along. It’s always better to take off a layer and carry it, than be caught out on top of a chilly hilltop!
6. Check the weather
Check the day’s report before heading out, so you know what conditions to expect, and what clothing to take along. It’s always better to take off a layer and carry it, than be caught out on top of a chilly hilltop!
7. Plan where you’re going
It may sound obvious, but it can be easy to get carried away when you’re having fun on the trails.
Taking some time beforehand to study a map or use a predefined route will help you to match your ride to your level of fitness and the time you have available.
Why not select one from our collection of British Cycling accredited off-road routes?
