Mountain Biking

If the sight of riders bombing down trails has you dreaming of getting off-road, here’s help to get you rolling…

• Choosing a Bike
• Necessary Accessories
• Optional Accessories
• Getting Out
• Trail Etiquette

Choosing a Bike

There are infinite options when it comes to bikes – riders are always tweaking their bikes to suit their individual tastes and needs. Keep in mind that the essential thing is to just get a bike and ride. As long as you're having fun, you’ll learn what you need through experience.

Cross-country

Lightweight bikes, with either hardtail (rigid frame and front shocks) or dual suspension, designed for speed and high-performance. They are suited for racing off-road, speeding through singletrack, and / or covering long distances off-road.

All-mountain

A mix of cross-country lightweight performance and freeride strength, these midweight bikes are either hardtail or dual suspension for smooth rides over rugged cross-country terrain. Ideally suited for long distance rides in rugged cross-country terrain.

Freeride

Heavier and sturdier than all-mountain, freeride bikes are either hardtail or dual suspension and are designed to cover distance and take the abuse of drops and stunts on the trails. They are good for riders who require a lot of suspension for going downhill but still need a bike they can pedal uphill.

Downhill

The heaviest and sturdiest of mountain bikes, downhill bikes are dual-suspension machines designed to endure the punishment of fast downhill trails and all the obstacles in the way. Used for downhill racing or a day at the mountain bike park – these bikes are not uphill friendly.

Bike-Buying Tips

• Set your budget. Depending on what type of bike you want, this may determine whether or not you buy new or used. Used bikes cost less but you should be able to tell the difference between a bike that’s in good shape and a bike that has been hammered.
• There are lots of used mountain bikes for sale at our Online Gear Swap. If you buy used, ask for proof of ownership (you don't want a stolen bike).
• Test ride lots of bikes.
• Read mountain biking reviews (online and in magazines).
• Talk to all different kinds of riders in local bike shops and ask questions.

Neccessary Accessories

Without a doubt, you’ll need the following items.

Helmet

Whether you go for the standard mountain-bike-style helmet with lots of vents, a multi-sport helmet, or a full-face jaw-protecting motorcycle-style helmet, for obvious safety reasons your helmet MUST fit properly. Read our article on Cycling Helmets to find out how to fit ’em.

Pump and Tool Kit

There’s a good chance that you'll get a flat and it won’t be close to the trailhead. A small mini-pump is fine for mountain bike tires. Your tool kit should include a patch kit, tire levers, a multi-tool, and at least one spare tube. A chain tool is also good to have. You should also know how to do basic repairs.

Water and Food

To carry these necessities, a hydration pack with enough room for snacks or even your lunch and some tools is a good option. You can also use water bottles (you’ll need a water bottle cage) and carry food in your jersey or an under-seat pack.

Gloves

Full-fingered or fingerless gloves with good padding will keep your hands from going numb and getting blisters, cuts, and scrapes. They're also good for nose wiping!

First Aid / Safety Gear

Always carry at least the basics for treating scrapes and cuts. If you intend on going into the backcountry, consider taking a Wilderness First Aid Course.

If you have a cellphone or any other device that can call help in emergencies, it’s a smart thing to bring along. Keep in mind, however, that your cellphone may not work out on the trails.

Optional Accessories

Armour

You can get arm and leg pads to protect your elbows, arms, knees, and legs in case of wipeout. If you are intending to go freeriding or downhilling, full-body armour is available.

Shoes and Pedals

You can choose to ride clipped in or with flat pedals. Flat pedals allow you to get away from your pedals in a crash. Clipless pedals give you more pedaling power during uphill climbs and help you keep your feet on the pedals. To learn more, read Clipless Bike Pedals.

Mountain Biking Clothing

Clothes made especially for mountain biking are built to withstand abuse and wipeouts – they are made with abrasion-resistant fabric and have a more relaxed fit to accommodate armour. You can get mountain biking jerseys, pants, shorts, skirts, and jackets.

Lights

If you’re planning on trail riding at night, you’ll need a 10- to 20-watt high-powered rechargeable light system. Read about Cycling Lights and Visibility.

Lock

If you intend on letting your mountain bike out of your sight, especially when you’re riding in the city, you’ll need a lock. If you’ve invested a lot of money into your bike, buy a premium u-lock and back it up with an insurance policy.

Consider using a combination of cable and u-lock – it’s pretty easy for thieves to pull off an unlocked wheel and wheels are expensive to replace. Read our article for tips on Locking Your Bike.

Eye Protection

Shatter-proof glasses are great for keeping flying debris and overhanging foliage out of your eyes.

Getting Out

If you're new to mountain biking, go to your local store and check out local guidebooks and maps. Talk to the staff – many are pretty experienced riders and will be happy give you info. They might also know about local mountain biking groups.

Some first-timer tips:

• Look at maps and familiarize yourself with the area before you ride it.
• Let people know where you're going and when you expect to return. If possible, bring a cellphone to contact people. Not all areas will have cell coverage.
• Don't ride alone.
• If you find yourself on a trail that is too difficult, swallow your pride, get off your bike, sling it over your shoulder, and walk.

Trail Etiquette

Respect others on the trails

• If you ride multi-use trails, when you see someone, such as a hiker, slow down and say hello.
• Give other riders room to ride and yield to those riding uphill.
• Try not to go so fast or so slow that you disrupt others (hikers and riders).
• When you stop, get off the trail, for your own safety and that of others.

Respect the trails

• Ride only on trails that are open.
• Try to ride where the ground is hard, not soft – especially during or after heavy rain.
• Leave undisturbed areas undisturbed.
• Travel in groups no larger than five or six. If there are more of you, break up and get together later. You'll reduce your impact on the environment and on other trail users.
• Don't take shortcuts across switchbacks. You're just digging rivers that aren't supposed to be there.
• When riding where there is no trail, spread out the group to lessen your impact.
• Take out everything you bring with you, plus any other garbage you find along the way. Volunteer for trail maintenance days.

Ride on!