Mountain biking can be a much different experience and calls for a different skill set than traditional cycling. Navigating the uneven surface of a trail requires quick reaction times and short bursts of energy in contrast to the constant endurance and gradual changes needed for riding on smooth pavement. With different conditions comes different bike specifications, from tires, to handlebars, to suspension, all affecting the how the bike conquers its terrain.
Whether an veteran rider or its your first time hitting the trail, here are some tips and tricks to make your mountain biking experience the best it can be.
1. Ensure your bike is ready to go
Run through a checklist to make sure everything is working properly and your bike has had the proper upkeep to tackle the ride of your choosing. Every ride puts stress on the bike but keeping up to date with maintenance helps to avoid unexpected issues when out on the trail.
2. Proper gear
Make sure you have the right gear to keep yourself safe during the ride. Every time you take it for a spin always have a properly fitting helmet, eye protection, a source of water, biking gloves, a first aid kit, a bike repair kit, and clothing and footwear made for mountain biking.
3. Know your route and trail etiquette
Plan ahead to know what to expect on your ride. Make sure that the trail, path, or track you choose is at your skill level and know what major obstacles lie ahead before your start. Also, be aware of others on the trail and understand the proper etiquette for encountering them while riding.
4. Work on body positioning
A common mountain biking saying is “heavy feet but light hands”. Keep your knees and elbows bent and chest low to make sure you have a low center of gravity, staying loose but stable. Allow your knees and hips to move independently of the bike and have a light but firm grip of the handlebars giving your better maneuverability and control while riding.
5. Always be prepared to brake
Make sure you stay alert and are prepared to slow down or stop whenever riding since obstacles may appear out of nowhere. Know your bike to make sure you can provide enough force to stop the bike if necessary. Rim brakes typically require more force than disc brakes but be aware of your bikes limitation before starting your ride.
6. Shift early and often
When riding, shift often to get in the habit of switching gears instinctually as the terrain changes throughout the ride. Make sure to shift before hitting a steep incline, to limit the wear and tear on the gears, derailleur, and chain that occur when shifting under heavy stress. Conversely, shift into a harder gear while going downhill to limit wasted energy and keep your speed.
7. Use momentum and cornering
Use descents and turns to your advantage. Not only can speed can make a ride easier and more fun, but it can also make it safer, as most crashes for beginners occur when they don’t carry enough momentum throughout the ride. Learn proper cornering techniques to get the most out of each curve to flow down the trail as smooth as possible while maintaining your speed.
8. Practice, practice, practice
The only way to get better at mountain biking is to keep practicing, so try to ride as much as you can, on as many different trails and conditions as possible. Master the basics, specifically braking, cornering, and body positioning, to ensure you have a strong foundation and can be ready for any situation you come across while riding.
9. Challenge yourself but stay safe
The more you push yourself, the faster your skills will improve. Step outside your comfort zone but make sure you are still prepared and have the ability to safely complete the ride you choose.
10. Join a mountain biking community
Joining a community of mountain bikers is one of the best ways to meet new people, try new rides, learn skills from others with different biking experiences. Look for local groups online or ask other riders for suggestions. Riding with others is always better than riding alone.
Source: Bikes, M. (2025, June 3). Mountain biking tips and Tricks | Montague Bikes. Montague Bikes. https://www.montaguebikes.com/folding-bikes-blog/2025/06/mountain-biking-tips-and-tricks/