Mountain Bike Trail Riding

Mountain Biking Basics: Getting Started Without Getting Overwhelmed

Mountain biking information has gotten complicated with all the bike types and skill tutorials flying around. As someone who remembers my first real mountain bike ride — bombing down a trail I had no business being on — I learned everything there is to know about what actually matters when starting out. Today, I’ll share the basics that would have helped me.

Types of Mountain Bikes (Simplified)

Probably should have led with this section, honestly.

Hardtails: Front suspension only, rigid rear. Cheaper, lighter, less maintenance. Great for learning because you feel the trail directly. This is where most should start.

Full suspension: Front and rear. More forgiving, more comfortable, but heavier and costlier. Wait until you’re committed.

For a first mountain bike? Get a hardtail trail bike. You’ll learn proper technique, spend less, and have a bike handling most trails.

Gear That Actually Matters

Helmet: That’s what makes helmets endearing to us survivalists — non-negotiable. Mountain biking specific helmets have more coverage.

Gloves: When you fall (and you will), hands hit first. Also improve grip.

Appropriate clothing: Stretchy shorts or pants. Avoid loose clothing catching on branches.

Water: Bottles or hydration pack. You’ll work harder than expected.

Basic Skills to Focus On

Body Position: Weight centered, elbows bent, looking ahead. On descents, push butt back and drop heels. On climbs, lean forward. Stay loose.

Braking: Both brakes, smooth pressure. Front throws you over bars if grabbed hard. Rear locks easily on loose surfaces.

Looking Ahead: Look where you want to go, not at obstacles. Your bike follows your eyes.

Trail Basics

Trails rated: green (easy), blue (intermediate), black (advanced). Start on green even if boring. Skills you build there make harder trails possible.

Yield to hikers and horses. Don’t skid — damages trails. Stay on marked paths.

Maintenance Basics

Before each ride: check tire pressure (25-30 psi), squeeze brakes, bounce suspension.

After rides: clean off mud, wipe chain, check for damage.

Where to Ride

Look for local trail systems on Trailforks or MTB Project. Start at well-maintained systems with clear signage.

The Learning Curve

Mountain biking has steeper learning curve than road cycling. You’ll feel sketchy at first. Everyone starts there.

Skills clinics help tremendously. A few hours with instructor can compress months of trial-and-error.

The Real Advice

Get decent bike that fits, find appropriate trails, wear a helmet, go ride. Technical skills develop through repetition. Confidence builds through experience.

You’ll crash, get frustrated, have days where nothing clicks. You’ll also have days where you clear something that scared you last month. Keep riding.