Unless you have the right mentor, your first time mountain biking can seem daunting, even overwhelming sometimes. While there are many tips on how you should break, what to do when you come to a particularly challenging terrain and all other technical aspects of mountain biking, there are some not-so obvious things about mountain biking that no one talks about. Yet, these can be just as crucial as the right technique. They include the following – as suggested by Bike and Spanner Pedals Bike shop
- Don’t Wear Underwear
It may seem like a strange thing to say, but no underwear under the spandex mountain bike shorts is so much more comfortable. Even when you wear baggy shorts with a liner, leave the underwear out of the equation.
- Use Chamois Butter
You may not have heard of it before today, but trust me, it is the only way to prevent chafing on those long rides or even shorter ones if you are a beginner. You can find it at your local pharmacy or bike shop.
- Don’t Get On the Seat Before Pedaling and Don’t Rest your Butt on the Seat
It is very uncomfortable, not to mention you look like you don’t know what you’re doing. You’ll also soon find out that it can be hard to start pedaling when you are on the seat.
- Keep Your Fingers on Your Handlebars
You want to keep your fingers on the handlebars and not on the brake levers. This way when you get nervous and want to stop, you will avoid grabbing the front brake and flying right over the handlebars.
- Don’t Worry What Others Think
It may seem like everyone else on the trail is thinking you are going to slow but try not to think about it. In fact, they’ve probably walked their bikes though some tough terrains at some point in their lives. In fact, it is safe to say that no one understands where you are more than they do. Go at your own pace and remember that you are riding for you. So, stop when you need to and walk your bike when you need to. It may be safer that way than trying to keep up with the Joneses.
- Watch What they Do
While you should never conform to what other riders think of you, the best way to learn mountain biking is to watch other people do it. Follow a friend who is particularly good at a drop and do what they do. You may even ask them to show you their line so you can follow at a safe distance.
- Get Sunglasses
They are not just a fashion statement, but a great way to protect your eyes when on the trail. They protect you from the sun and also from scratched corneas.
- Make Good Use of Gravity
Going fast on an incline will help you gain the necessary momentum to ride gravity down the other side. Keep up a little speed to avoid getting stuck on a rock you might otherwise just roll off of.