Beginner Mountain Bike Skills
Mountain biking can be enjoyed by anyone who knows how to ride a bike. It does present
some added dangers so you need to master some basic mountain biking skills. You can practice
your beginning mountain biking skills at a park, school or bike path. Try to find a
practice location that has a steep hill.
Get a feel for your pedals
Practice moving your foot away from the pedals. First while sitting on your bike
with one foot on the ground. Next, practice while pedaling around. Make sure you
practice on your left and right side.
Sit and spin for position
Sit on your bike and pedal around. Your arms should be slightly bent. Adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to
90 percent extended at the bottom of every pedal stroke. Try to stay relaxed.
Your knees or elbows should never end up in a locked position.
Shifting gears
Get a feel for shifting gears with your bike. The higher gears let you go faster
and are harder to pedal. The lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you
when climbing hills. Shift into a lower gear before you start climbing the hill.
Coasting
You need to spend some time coasting. You should be standing on your pedals.
Your arms and knees should be bent. Don't lock your knees or sit on the bikes
seat. Practice coasting while shifting your body weight towards the front and
rear of the bike.
Pedal while standing
You need to get comfortable with pedaling while standing on your bike. Lift yourself off
your bike seat, stand on the pedals and then crank them around.
Practice standing and pedaling in the higher gears on the flat areas and lower
gears on a hills. Remember, don't lock your knees or elbows.
Dropping down a curb
Practice at standing and coasting off a curb at various speeds.
It will take some time but practice these basic mountain biking
skills until they become second nature to you. Then you'll be able to hit the
mountain trails feeling comfortable on your mountain bike.
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