Getting Started in Mountain Biking
It all begins with an idea.
Mountain biking was once a niche, extremist sport relegated to the likes of daredevils and RedBull chugging thrill seekers, however that has all changed. Since sometime around 2015 the sport has grown to reach the interest of anyone from housewife’s and corporate executives and even dentists.
Today Mountain biking has become a main stream sport enjoyed by
millions of people all around the world.
How to get started in Mountain Biking 101. A foolproof guide to getting out on the trails with all the essentials.
So lets jump into this and talk about how you can get into mounting biking. First let’s dispel a few misconceptions about mountain biking.
You must live in the mountains to enjoy the sport. — Mostly False, you can enjoy mountain biking almost anywhere now a days. XC or Cross Country Mountain biking and Trail Riding is all about speed over a distance, not about mountains.
This is a young person’s sport. — the average age of riders today is around 35 years old.
Getting started in mountain biking can be overwhelming so here are the essentials to get you safely on the trails and your first ride.
HELMETS
Your very first purchase should be a quality helmet. Before you buy anything else, get a helmet. Get a good helmet, I wear a POC Kortal Race, mountain bike helmet. It is comfortable, well ventilated and come with top safety marks.
A helmet is the most critical piece of gear for any mountain biker. It provides protection for your head in case of falls or collisions, reducing the risk of serious head injuries. Safety should always be the top priority when selecting a helmet. In most every state and county park in the United States, you are required to wear a helmet to ride the trails. I’ve had a few really hard crashes and I was always glad I was wearing a helmet.
Recommendations:
•POC Kortal Race MIPS - My Everyday Helmet
Bonus Fullface Helmet - LEATT 3.0 V23 Enduro - My Fullface
(Certification - Look for helmets that meet safety standards and rating such as MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System ) CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials). These certifications ensure that the helmet has passed rigorous safety tests.)
SHOES
Next up we head to the opposite end of your body, Shoes! Mountain bike shoes are specially made for riding on spiked peddles. Mountain Bike shoes have a soul with a special composition to grip the pegs on your peddles. They ares differ then regular sneakers as well as having a tough exterior and a multi layered density soul to give good support to your feet.
Mountain bike shoes come with different sole types:
Flat Pedal Shoes: These have a flat sole with grippy rubber to provide maximum contact with flat pedals.
Clipless Shoes: These shoes have cleats that attach to compatible pedals, offering a secure connection and efficient power transfer.
Recommendations
My favorites Mountain Bike Shoes are the FiveTen FreeRider’s. I’ve tried a bunch of different shoes and I love the FiveTens. (Bonus, they are reasonably priced)
Knee Pads
Number three is Knee Pads, chances are pretty good that you will have a minor/ish crash as you get started and maybe more often than you expect. It’s goes along with the nature of the sport. A good pair of knee pads will help protect you from injury and give you a sense of confidence when attempting new features and skills such as jumps and drops.
Recommendations.
• Pearl Izumi Elevate Knee Pads as my personal favorite.
Fox Racing Launch Pro D3O Knee Guard: Offers excellent protection and comfort with the use of D3O impact-absorbing material.
Gloves
You only make contact with you bike at 2 to 3 points, You’re hands, feet and sometimes your butt. So a good pair of riding gloves are just as important as Riding Shoes. It is a fact that when your grips get wet and slimy they become slippery. Bare hands are not particularly good at gripping slippery grips, and this can be very dangerous. A good pair of gloves like the TASCO Ridgeliners will keep your hand firmly connected to you grips.
Recommendations
• Tasco Dawn Patrol (Cold Weather Riding)
• DirtPaw MTB Gloves - Great Alternative
The next two items we’ll talk about are Jerseys and Shorts, they can become an endless rabbit hole of options and personal preferences. So I’m going to stay close to the most simple and absolute examples for each of them.
Jerseys
Mountain biking jerseys are designed to wick moisture away from your body and provide comfort during rides. They often feature unique designs and graphics, allowing riders to express their style. Look for jerseys made from moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and breathable materials to keep you cool and dry. Even on cold morning you will heat up quickly, so it’s just as important on cool days and hot days to wear well ventilated, wicking clothing. Choose a jersey that fits comfortably and provides freedom of movement. Some riders prefer a loose fit, while others prefer a more tailored fit..
Recommendations
• Tasco Fantom Trail Jersey - The Best I’ve ever worn!
• KETL MTB Jerseys: ** Awesome variety of Jerseys with a lifetime guarantee. ** Comfortable, Well Ventilated, Cool Designs
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Jersey: Offers a comfortable fit and a stylish design.
Fox Racing Ranger Jersey: A versatile and affordable option for all types of riders.
Shorts
Mountain biking shorts are designed to provide comfort, freedom of movement, and protection during rides. They come in various styles, including baggy and form-fitting options. Look for shorts made from durable and moisture-wicking materials. Some shorts also include stretch panels for enhanced mobility. Consider shorts with a removable or integrated liner with padding called a chamois, for extra comfort during long rides.. You’ll thank me later.
Recommendations
• TASCO Fantom Ultrulite Shorts: Keep you cool and looking good. ** My new favorites, **
• KETL Skidmarks Shorts: Lifetime repair, stretchy, durable and they look awesome too!!
Leatt 4.0 -5.0: Offers maximum durability, comfortable fit and versatile style options.
Troy Lee Designs Skyline Shorts: A popular choice known for durability and comfort.
Finally a Bonus item.
Hip or Back Packs
Using a hip pack and a backpack designed to carry water while mountain bike riding offers a range of benefits that enhance both safety and enjoyment during your outdoor adventures.
Hydration on the Go: One of the most significant advantages is easy access to hydration. With water reservoirs integrated into these packs, you can sip water without having to stop or reach for a water bottle, ensuring you stay properly hydrated throughout your ride.
Enhanced Comfort: These packs are designed for ergonomic comfort. Hip packs sit snugly around your waist, distributing the weight evenly and reducing strain on your back. Backpacks with hydration reservoirs feature padded shoulder straps and breathable materials for added comfort during long rides.
Increased Storage: These packs often come with additional compartments and pockets, allowing you to carry essential gear, tools, snacks, and first-aid supplies. This added storage ensures you're well-prepared for various riding conditions.
I’ve recently switch to the EVOC Hip Pack after several other name brand packs failed to deliver on quality and longevity.
Recommendations
There you go! Now hit the trails, remember to ride within your ability. I know that sounds kind of boring but it is a great way to ensure you keep advancing your riding skills and don’t end up on the sidelines in a cast for the next 4 months!!
You can ask questions about any of the products I mentioned or about anything else related.
Enjoy the Ride!
Stephen