Mountain biking has something for everyone, honestly! Modern mountain biking has become a diverse creature and whilst that may be daunting to begin with, it means there really is a niche for everyone. You can make it hard or you can make it easy. It gets you outside, fit, it's low impact, good for mental health, you can do it with your mates, you can do it on your own, you can make new mates. The list goes on. Those that ride know how amazing it can be and I certainly think, "why wouldn't you ride mountain bikes." So why doesn't everyone ride mountain bikes?
There is no denying that mountain biking can become an expensive hobby but expensive doesn't necessarily mean poor value. As soon as you start thinking about your bike as a mode of transport and using it instead of a car then you're clawing back value. Consider the cost verses a gym membership and again it can start to look like a worth while investment of your hard earned cash. Why else don't people like mountain biking or any cycling for that matter? Well, it can make your backside a bit sore and of course mountain biking is dangerous. Isn't it?
So, you've made the right decision and you're going to try mountain biking, what do you really need?
A bike is probably a good place to start. If you are trying mountain biking for the very first time then hiring a bike is a great option as you're going to get a good quality, well maintained bike and a helmet with it. And if you really don't like it, you've only spent £30-40. Of course you will like it and then you'll want to buy your own bike. So where do you start? In short - a bike shop! There are lots of tips I could give you about choosing the best frame and not worrying about the gears etc. But with so many good entry level bikes out there, go to a few bike shops and sit on some bikes, pick one that fits you well. A bike that fits you well is going to have a much bigger affect on your enjoyment of mountain biking than what gears it has or what brand of suspension. Talk to the staff in the shop and try bikes from different manufacturers.
Sorted then! You have your mountain bike so off you go mountain biking! Well hold on a sec. There is one more absolute essential and a few more bits that are going to make your experience far more enjoyable.
No. 1 on this list has to be a helmet. Absolute essential! Make it a habit. Put your helmet on. When buying a helmet the same rule applies as with the bike. Go to a few bike shops and try on a range of helmets from different brands; see which one fits your head the best. Read a few online reviews if you want but make sure you go for a comfortable well fitting helmet.
Next up are a pair of gloves. When you fall off and we all fall off at some time or another, the chances are the first thing that will hit the ground are you hands. A decent pair of gloves are not only going to protect your hands if/when you fall but they make it more comfortable to hold on to the handlebars.
Ride for any length of time and yes your backside will hurt a bit. If you're someone who has done a bit of riding and been put of by this then cycling shorts are a must. If you've bought a bike and intend on doing a bit of riding, get yourself some cycling shorts! If you're reading this thinking "I wear cycling short and my backside still gets sore," then I would say stick with it, give it a bit of time and it will get better. Your body will get used to cycling. There is a massive range of cycling shorts with a massive price range to match but you can pick up a basic pair fairly cheaply. Cycling shorts come in two main shapes - normal waist type shorts and the rather odd looking bib short. Don't rule out bib short based on the odd looks. They are the comfiest if slightly more expensive. Whatever you do, don't wear underwear with your cycling shorts!
So you've got the bike, the helmet, a pair of gloves and the all important cycling shorts; anything else? The list could go on and on but you've probably got lots of stuff at home already that will work to get you going on your mountain bike journey. To get started lots of sports clothing will be ok on the bike. Anything that is wicking and dries quickly will work. Try to stay clear of jeans, joggers and anything else cotton as they'll end up heavy and cold when they get wet/sweaty and don't put your best trainers on because they are going to end up filthy. You might want to take some things with you and any small rucksack should do the job. And to fill it? A light weight waterproof or at least windproof jacket is a really good idea as things can get pretty wet and cold even in the summer if you haven't got a layer to keep out the elements. A snack and something to drink is a worthy addition and of course pop your phone in.
Ok, you had a go at mountain biking, you loved it so you've bought the essentials and a got few extra bits from home, now you need to go and get riding. Best place to start is probably going to be a trail centre. A trail centre is going to have waymarked trails of varying difficulty which is going to help you enormously for your first few rides. Pick up or download a map, read up on the different trails, follow the signs and go and have some fun.
Now I know some of you will be thinking; what about tools or first aid or pads or any number of other questions and points that I haven't mentioned. I've stopped my rambling there otherwise I could go on forever. But, don't worry the second instalment of "So you want to start mountain biking" will be coming soon. Next up though, we're going to talk about bike set up.
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