I’ve been riding mountain bikes for over a decade, and I still love it. It’s one of the most versatile forms of transportation because you can use it on roads, dirt paths, paved bikes trails-anywhere there’s a surface that will support two thin tires.
It’s also great exercise: cycling uphill burns about twice as many calories per mile as running.
(And downhill? Forget about it!) But my favorite thing is what happens when you get to the top of a hill or mountain pass and see something spectacular in front of you–whether it’s an incredible view of an enormous rock garden.
You’re so high up that everything looks small and manageable, which gives your brain a break from being worried all the time about trivial things. Instead, it can relax and focus on the big picture of your life–things like adventure, travel, friendship, and freedom.
Mountain biking is cool because you can take these exhilarating experiences from the trails and use them to make better decisions at home or work: How can I have more fun? How do I make a living doing something I love? And how can I help other people do the same thing?
That’s why I’m writing this “Bike-momentary” to share some of the things that have helped me. Trust me, there are lots more things out there than you ever realized!
I’ll start by answering questions like:
What type of mountain bike is right for you? What do you need to know about brakes, tires, gravel bikes, and suspension? And where are the best places in the world to ride a bike?
I’ve been riding mountain bikes for over a decade (with breaks between injuries), and this is what I’ve learned.
1. What type of mountain bike is right for you?
If you’re new to mountain biking, the first question you need to ask yourself is: What kind of trails are you going to ride?
The most important distinction is whether it’s a “trail” or an “enduro.” That refers to how much climbing and descending there is. If it’s mostly climbing with steep ascents and descents, then it’s more like an enduro.
Trails have more climbing than downhills. And that makes a big difference! If you’re going to spend most of your time pedaling up and down the hills, don’t waste your money on expensive parts. It’s a lot easier to ride without suspension than with it. Plus it’s easier to control your bike when it’s not going 30 mph.
If you’re going to be riding more downhill than uphill, then you want both suspension and high-quality brakes. I recommend disc brakes for all-around mountain biking because they don’t wear out as fast as cable or hydraulic systems. That means you won’t have broken cables affecting your performance right when you need it the most.
Your other big decision is whether to get a hardtail or full-suspension mountain bike. Hardtails are cheaper and lighter, but they don’t absorb bumps like suspension does. They also take more energy out of your legs because there’s less weight on each wheel.
Full-suspension bikes absorb bumps better, but they’re bigger and harder to handle on technical terrain. Under hard braking, your suspension can compress slightly and change the way steering works. Also, full-suspension bikes are much heavier than hardtails because there’s extra metal in the pivot points between each wheel and frame tube. That makes them less efficient because it takes more energy to go up and downhills.
Long story short: If you’re just getting into mountain biking, don’t spend a ton of money on high-end parts. You’ll be better off with a hardtail until you decide exactly how much riding you want to do. And if your riding is mostly downhill, then you’ll still be able to have fun with a hardtail.
2. How to choose the perfect mountain bike
After answering the question above, you can get a better idea of what type of mountain bike you want!
If your riding will be a mix between climbing and descending, then here are the main things to consider:
What do you plan on doing most? Climbing or descending? The more you spend on suspension parts, the better they will be. If you’re going to split your time between climbing and descending, then I recommend going with a hardtail because of the weight it will save you.
If money is no object, consider splurging on high-end parts that last longer than cheap ones: disc brakes (instead of cable or hydraulic systems), an oversize rear axle (for better power transfer and strength), a one-piece crankset (instead of modular chainrings), tubeless wheels (for reduced weight) and a tapered head tube junction with external bearings. That way you can use less grease in the joints, which will make maintenance easier over time.
If you’re going to be riding more downhill than uphill, then here are the main things to consider:
Do you want or need bunny hop? I recommend trying a bike with a suspension fork because it makes it easier to clear obstacles. You’ll also be able to ride faster and smoother over roots and rocks. This will be more important if you’re new to mountain biking!
3. The benefits of a mountain bike
Mountain biking isn’t just for downhill fans or cross-country racers! It’s a lot of fun to ride on all kinds of terrain.
With mountain bikes, you can take on the trail less traveled: fire roads, singletrack, technical trails, and even jumps! Because they’re lightweight and comfortable, these bikes are also great for commuting to work, exploring the neighborhood with friends, and hitting the skatepark.
And you can utilize one bike for almost anything: from touring across town on paved paths to riding up your favorite mountain trail.
Mountain bikes also help reduce stress on your joints by taking pressure off of them. Because a wider tire distributes force evenly, you’ll feel a lot more comfortable riding all day long!
Finally, the price of mountain bikes is comparable to other types of bikes. But because they’re so versatile, I think it’s worth the cost to own one.
Here are some spinoff benefits that will help with your riding:
It reduces stress on your joints
It helps you have fun doing what you love
It encourages exercise and outdoor activities
It’s safer than using your car or public transportation
And that’s not all. As a nation, we’ve gotten less healthy over the years because it’s become too easy to stay indoors and sit on our butts! It can be hard to get up the motivation to exercise. But when you add mountain biking into your life, it becomes easier to get outside and enjoy the fresh air while working out!
What benefits have you noticed from riding a bike? What do you like most about mountain biking? Leave a comment below and let me know!
4. How to ride off-road with confidence
Riding off-road can be a lot of fun, but it’s also dangerous! By following these tips you’ll have more control and know how to handle any situation that comes up.
If other riders are ahead of you, let them know which lines they should take. And if you notice dangerous obstacles in the trail, call out an “on your left!” or “on your right!” so other riders can avoid them.
When you need to stop, slow down before coming to a complete halt. Then put a foot down and use it as leverage for stopping your bike. Don’t pat the brakes—the pads could lock up, sending you flying over the handlebars! And finally, don’t stand still until you’ve brought your bike to a complete stop.
If you’re going around a blind corner and can’t see what’s ahead of it, slow down or even stop. When other riders approach from behind, wait for them to pass before riding away again.
5. Mountain bikes and downhill biking
Downhill biking can be a lot of fun, but it’s also dangerous! By following these tips you’ll have more control and know how to handle any situation that comes up.
If other riders are ahead of you, let them know which lines they should take. And if you notice dangerous obstacles in the trail, call out an “on your left!” or “on your right!” so other riders can avoid them.
When you need to stop, slow down before coming to a complete halt. Then put a foot down and use it as leverage for stopping your bike. Don’t pat the brakes—the pads could lock up, sending you flying over the handlebars! And finally, don’t stand still until you’ve brought your bike to a complete stop.
If you’re going around a blind corner and can’t see what’s ahead of it, slow down or even stop. When other riders approach from behind, wait for them to pass before riding away again.
6. Where are the best places in the world to ride a bike?
Whether you’re looking to explore the mountains, woods, or coastlines with your bike, there are plenty of great places in the world to do it! Here are some ideas for riding destinations:
The Swiss Alps with its spectacular vistas and craggy peaks promises an unforgettable experience for any cyclist. The region is well-known among cyclists for the high standards of its mountain bike routes.
You’ll find excellent roads to ride in the mountains here as well, so it’s great for road bikers too. Some routes run parallel to one of Brazil’s most popular rivers, the Piracicaba River, which can be seen from some stunning vantage points on paved roads and trails alike.
There are some great options for mountain bikers of all levels here, as well as road cyclists and those looking to explore the area by bike in general. Bike rentals can also be found at several locations around the city. A good place to begin your bicycling adventure in Toronto is at E.T. Seton Park.
The road from Dublin to Rosslare goes through the Kildare countryside. This is a mostly flat road, with some gently rolling hills. It’s great for both mountain biking and road cycling!
While many travelers arrive in Ireland by plane, you can also take a ferry from England or France and travel by bike instead of car – that’s my favorite way to start a cycle tour in Ireland.
7. Tips on how to buy a good used Mountainbike (eBay, Craigslist)
While Craigslist and eBay may seem like good places to find a great deal on a used mountain bike, it’s important to take steps to ensure that you can avoid getting scammed or buying an unsafe used bike.
I’ve learned the hard way that there are a lot of people out there looking to make some extra cash by selling stolen bikes or even bikes that have been severely damaged in a crash. I’ve also heard of people buying bikes on Craigslist and eBay that had the brakes or gears deliberately broken, so if you’re not careful you too could end up with a useless bike!
Here’s some advice from someone who has seen it all:
Buy from sellers with many positive reviews: These are your best bet when it comes to avoiding scams.
To find a seller with many positive reviews, type in the keywords “mountain bike” and look for local sellers who have received many positive 5-star reviews in a short period of time. This will give you an idea of how trustworthy they are.
The more stars, the better the seller: Just like movie ratings, a 5-star rating means that people who bought from this seller were happy with their purchase! A low number of stars could indicate a problem.
Have a friend inspect the bike before you buy it: If you’re buying locally and can meet up to see the bike in person, bring along a friend who knows about bikes. He or she can give you an idea as to whether the bike is in good condition and inspect it thoroughly for you.
If you’re buying from someone online, make sure they allow you to return the bike if something’s wrong: This is especially important when buying from overseas sellers on sites like eBay. If something’s wrong with the bike, you want to know that you can return it.
When negotiating a price for an online purchase, make sure they are selling a bike in good condition: If something is not right about a local sale, try your best to find out what the dealbreaker is ahead of time before you even go see the bike. You can learn how to do this in a video I’ve posted on my channel.
It’s not possible to cover everything that you need to know about buying an affordable bike online, but if you follow these steps you’ll be much less likely to get ripped off or end up with a faulty bike!
8. What are the advantages and disadvantages of a Single-Track mountain bike?
The main advantage of this type of bike is its ability to handle very tight and twisting trails. They’re less aggressive than some other types of mountain bikes, but they are still capable of taking on most kinds of terrain with ease. These bikes are great for beginners because they can help you develop your skills by practicing on smaller trails.
The main disadvantage of this type of bike is that they don’t handle well on muddy trails or any other surface where there’s a lot of loose dirt or mud along the ground. It can also be difficult to get through some larger puddles without getting your feet wet! However, most riders will find that a good pair of waterproof boots can prevent these issues from becoming too much of a problem.
The evolution of mountain bikes has been fascinating to watch over the years, and it’s fun to look back at some of the old models that were once used in the competition! If you’re a fan of vintage bikes for sale, you’ll find plenty more information by searching online or checking out antique shops near your home. With a little bit of information, it’s easy to get started with the hobby of collecting bicycles.
I also want to say thank you for being a part of my video audience! I hope that if you’ve ever been thinking about starting on your own or building an online business that this has been helpful for you. You can check out my mountain bike video right here.
So, drop a like on this video if you found it helpful and share it with your friends who might be interested in learning how to fix a bike! Also, let me know what kind of content you want to see from me in the future in the comment section below by hitting that “thumbs up” button!
9. Best brands for beginners
If you’re shopping for your first mountain bike, it’s important to make sure that you buy an affordable bicycle from a reputable brand. You’ll find that many of the most recognized brands in biking have very reasonably priced beginner bikes and they often provide helpful resources online as well!
The best brands in my opinion are:
Trek – this is a company that has been around for decades and they are one of the most well-known brands in biking. They make very affordable beginner bikes and also sell plenty of upgrades so you can get into some more advanced riding as your skills improve! See my mountain bike video right here.
KHS – this brand is known for its affordability, so they are a great option for beginners. It’s also a good brand for riders who want to upgrade their parts in the future. See my mountain bike video right here.
CANNONDALE – this company is one of the most popular names in biking, and they have plenty of affordable bikes as well as more advanced models that are perfect for intermediate and experienced riders! They also sell plenty of upgrade kits for competitive bikers, and they specialize in women’s models as well. See my mountain bike video right here.
Kona – this brand is great because they have a wide selection of affordable bikes that are perfect for beginners and casual riders. They also sell plenty of upgrades so you can continue to improve your skills. They also have a ton of resources for beginners on their website. See my mountain bike video right here.
Diamondback – this brand offers affordable bikes that are perfect for casual riders and beginners! Many people find that they have great customer service as well. This is a company that specializes in women’s models in particular, so if you’re a girl, this is definitely the brand to consider. See my mountain bike video right here.
You can also check out some of these other popular brands:
Saracen – this company has been around for years and they make affordable bikes that are perfect for beginners. The company specializes in women’s models, so if you’re a woman, this is the brand to consider. See my mountain bike video right here.
BULLS – this is another good option for beginners who are seeking an easy-to-ride bicycle that won’t break the bank. This company also sells plenty of upgrades so you can continue to improve your skills as well!
10. Avoid buying these 3 types of bikes if you’re new to mountain biking
Now, you should also know that some types of bikes aren’t as suitable for beginners. In fact, I don’t recommend buying any of these three if you’re a newbie:
Downhill bikes – this bike is designed to go fast and downhill riders need quick acceleration so they can control their speed. These bikes have very wide handlebars and fat tires so they are harder to control and maneuver. If you don’t know how to ride uphill, it can also be hard to get these bikes going on an incline.
Enduro/gravel bikes – this type of bike is designed for off-road rides, but it can also be used for hitting the single track. These bikes are great for more aggressive riding because they have a long front fork that provides plenty of suspension and comfort. Unfortunately, these bikes aren’t as easy to control for newer riders because they are often on the heavier side.
Downhill/enduro forks – this type of fork is designed to help handle downhill riding, which can be very fast. This type of fork offers some nice comfort features, but it also makes handling more difficult for novices. If you have any doubt about your abilities, I don’t recommend buying this style of bike and fork until you’ve had a chance to improve your skills.
11. How to maintain your bicycle (cleaning, oiling, replacing parts)
You should also know that these steps apply to any bike you buy in the future, not just a mountain bike:
It’s important to keep your bicycle clean since this prevents rust and corrosion from damaging your parts. Wash your bike with warm water and mild soap as soon as you get home, or at least wipe down the frame after each ride. Rinse your bike with fresh water after you wash it so you don’t leave any soap behind.
If you keep the chain and gears clean, they will last much longer than if they are neglected. You can purchase specific cleaning kits that are made for this purpose. You should also apply a light layer of oil to your chain before each ride to prevent rust and corrosion. Ideally, you should do this every few days.
Your brakes are another important part of your bicycle that needs to be cleaned and maintained as well. You should apply some graphite dust to them from time to time so they don’t get stuck or squeak when you need them the most! Get used to brushing your bike off after you ride it. Not only will this help keep your bicycle looking great, but it can also prevent rust from forming on your bike frame.
Do not use any cleaners that contain ammonia or alcohol-based substances since these chemicals can damage the paint on your bike! And never attempt to clean a disc brake yourself. Disc brakes work similarly to a brake system in a car, so you should only perform this task with the guidance of an experienced professional.
12. How to store your bicycle properly during winter months or when not in use-safe storage tips and tricks.
When you’re done riding your bicycle for the day, it’s a good idea to give it proper storage. Always lock your bike in a safe place instead of leaving it out in public view or outside your home when you aren’t there. Bike thieves look for bikes that are easy targets, so make sure yours isn’t an inviting one!
If you live in a climate that gets cold during the winter, it’s important to store your bicycle indoors. Make sure you avoid leaving your bike in your garage for extended periods of time since extreme temperatures can cause damage! If possible, look for a covered area outside where it should be safe from snow and ice.
When storing your bike indoors, make sure you leave plenty of room for air to circulate it. If you have a basement or large closet, this is the best storage place. You should also remove your seat and keep your kickstand up so your front wheel doesn’t touch any other surfaces.
13. How much does it cost to have someone build me my own custom-made bicycle?
If you choose to have someone build your bicycle for you, your options are almost limitless! You’ll need to visit a bike shop that sells used or second-hand bike parts and inventory.
The internet is also full of listings for used bicycle parts, but you’ll need to make sure they’re compatible with the frame and fork you have in mind so this will take some research on your part.
You can always spend a little extra money upfront for brand new parts since used ones may not work as well or could be missing essential pieces. It’s always beneficial to buy the best quality parts you can afford.
Mountain bikes are a great way to get around and explore the outdoors. With just one bike, you can go on casual hikes, do some off-road biking with friends or even try your hand at downhill mountain biking! No matter what type of riding you prefer, these bikes provide a fun way for both veteran riders and beginners to enjoy the trails.
These 13 tips should help give you an idea of how to buy or maintain your own bicycle so it lasts a long time while also providing hours upon hours of enjoyment in all types of weather conditions. We hope this article has helped consider which tip will work best for you–let us know if we need to cover anything else that’s not listed here!