How To Start Mountain Bike Riding

Mountain biking is a great way to get outdoors and enjoy the fresh air. It is also a great way to exercise and get in shape. If you are looking for a way to start mountain bike riding, this article will provide you with some helpful tips on how to do so.

The first step in starting mountain bike riding is buying a mountain bike. You can find these bikes at many different places, such as your local bike store or online at sites like Amazon. The next step would be going on a test ride of the bike before deciding if it is the one for you.

Is mountain biking hard for beginners?

As a general rule mountain biking is easy to learn and hard to master. As a beginner you should focus on the essential skills first and be patient, it takes at least one or two years of riding to master the basic skills needed on trails. The key is to be consistent.^[1]

How hard is it to mountain bike?

Just like any form of exercise, mountain biking can be physically challenging especially when you’re just starting out and your muscles aren’t conditioned to riding a bike. As you explore more trails, you’ll also come face to face with features that you can’t fathom ever being able to conquer.^[2]

How long does it take to get fit on a mountain bike?

Because it seems to take about three months to get into proper mountain biking shape and about three minutes to get out of it and because you’ll be hauling up Vail Mountain in the grueling XC Mountain Bike race before you know it (June 9), here are a few tips to help whip you back into bike shape.^[3]

Can I start mountain biking at 40?

In fact, mountain biking can help you age gracefully and keep up your strength. A well-trained rider can keep on doing mountain bike trails, regardless of their age. That being said, it’s important to understand that the body of a 40-year-old is different from that of a 20-year-old.^[4]

What skills do you need for mountain biking?

Body position. Braking. Climbing. Descending. Cornering.^[5]

Is mountain biking harder than hiking?

While cycling burns more calories on harder terrain, hiking burns more during the easier parts. They are both excellent if you want to stay in shape and manage weight. Even though bikepacking tends to be more expensive, you can enjoy both with basic gear that won’t break the bank.^[6]

Is mountain biking harder than running?

Mountain biking doesn’t get you as many injuries as running. You’ll last longer on a mountain bike compared to running and doing both is a great way to prevent you to plateau. Everything depends on the intensity of your training. You can burn more calories on a mountain bike but burn more calories also when running.^[7]

Can you lose weight by mountain biking?

Mountain biking is a weight loss option that many people rarely consider. However, it offers many benefits that make it a fantastic form of exercise that can also serve as an equally fantastic hobby.^[8]

How healthy is mountain biking?

Mountain biking uses large muscle groups that require a lot of oxygen. This makes the heart work steadily, increasing your heart’s fitness by 3-7%. Mountain biking is a low impact sport, meaning it puts less stress on your joints than other aerobic activities such as running.^[9]

How do I strengthen my legs for mountain biking?

Walking Lunges with twist. Lunges are great for developing individual leg strength and work all the muscles used for cycling. Ball pushup. Upper body strength is often a weak point for mountain bikers. Deadlifts (and single-leg variation). Renegade row or TRX row. Side plank drops (with reach).^[10]

What does biking do to your body?

Regular cycling stimulates and improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. Cycling strengthens your heart muscles, lowers resting pulse and reduces blood fat levels.^[11]

How many times a week should I mountain bike?

Mountain biking can definitely be classified as a form of aerobic exercise, so with this in mind, if you what to lose weight you should be riding at least three times a week if your riding sessions are 60 minutes.^[12]