The sport of trail mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors, get some simple exercise, and spend time with family and friends. It gained popularity even more during the pandemic when it was one of the few outdoor activities allowed by the government. It’s likewise suitable for beginners who are new to mountain biking or just looking for something different.
Mountain biking is easy because there aren’t any major obstacles in your way. There’s also no need for expensive equipment or training before participating, so it’s an ideal activity for anyone who wants to try something new.
If you’re a beginner, below is a compact guide to trail mountain biking.
What Is Trail Mountain Biking?
To understand the sport, you first need to know what it’s not. Trail mountain biking is not about going for speed. The sport is more about having fun and being in nature, which means you will be on foot with your bike in hand. Trail mountain biking usually involves climbing up hills and then coasting down them.
Trail bikes are built differently than road bikes. They handle jumps and drops better. For example, they often have longer wheelbases that help ride over obstacles without tipping over. They also have suspension systems that absorb bumps and knobby tires that grip onto rough terrain so that riders will not slip when going downhill.
How Is Trail Mountain Biking Different From Cross-country Biking?
Cross-country mountain bikes have steeper angles, more travel, and a lower bottom bracket for speed and efficiency on the flats. They are built for long days out in the saddle with a rigid front end that allows you to put the power down when attacking climbs.
Trail bikes are less extreme than cross country machines but still use slacker head angles and less travel to create a more stable ride through technical terrain. The result is greater comfort, control, and confidence when cornering on loose ground or crossing obstacles such as roots or rocks.
How Do You Choose The Best Trail Mountain Bikes?
Deciding which mountain bike to buy is a lot like choosing a car. Whether you’re buying trail mountain ebikes online or offline, you’ll want one with enough power but not too much. Other things to consider include:
- Wheel Size: The wheel size of your mountain bike is a crucial consideration, as it affects your ride’s performance and the rider’s ability to ride it. 27.5in wheels tend to be better for smaller riders, while 29in wheels are better for taller riders.
- Frame Materials: Mountain bikes have different frame materials, but aluminum frames are light, affordable, and durable enough to keep up with most riding conditions.
- Maintenance: If you want your ride to last longer than six months or so, regular maintenance is essential — and this includes cleaning out all grease fittings before use to prevent rusting.
What Do You Need For Trail Mountain Biking?
You’ll need specific stuff before setting out to ride on mountain trails. Here’s a list of the essential items you should take with you on your ride:
- A well-maintained bike. Ensure your suspension is in good working order and that the wheels are genuine before heading out.
- A helmet. It’s required by law to wear one while mountain biking, considering how many falls and crashes can happen on the trails.
- Spare inner tube(s). If you’re riding off the road or in an area where there might be thorny plants around, it’s best not to run into any surprises with a flat tire — always have a spare tube handy.
- Multi-tool. These days, some tools fit into as little as one ounce (28 grams), so don’t worry about carrying too much weight. Choose one that has everything from screwdrivers to tire levers built right into it, so nothing gets lost along the way.
- First aid kit. You never know when an accident could happen, so keep some basic first aid supplies.
Tips For A Safe And Effective Trail Mountain Biking
Although mountain bikes can be fun, they can be dangerous. Therefore, you should prioritize safety. Below are tips to follow to achieve a safe ride:
- Be careful of wildlife: As you take your bike off the road and into the wilderness, it’s important to remember that you’ll likely encounter all kinds of animals. Watch out for snakes, mountain lions, and other wild animals when riding on trails.
- Ride with others: If possible, go on rides with a group of friends or at least another person who knows what they’re doing. It can make your ride safer and more fun overall.
- Stay hydrated: Always bring plenty of water with you when riding so that if you get thirsty or overheated during the ride, there will be no danger in stopping to take a drink before continuing.
- Never overdo it: Listen closely to how your body feels throughout your ride. If something hurts or starts feeling without warning signs beforehand (such as pain radiating down one side), stop immediately so that further injury doesn’t occur.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to explore a new sport, trail mountain biking is definitely worth your time. It’s an exciting, challenging, and fun way to get fit and have fun outdoors. If you already enjoy camping or hiking, you’ll love being able to do those activities with more speed and intensity — and with the bonus of being able to take on more technical terrain.