Mountain Biking for BEGINNERS

What is something that gets your heart pumping, is easy on the joints, builds muscle, gets you out in nature, and puts you in a great mood? Mountain biking! Look, I know many of you might be intimidated by trying something new, but in today's video, I’m going to tell you everything you need to know about mountain biking. If you’re already a mountain biker, comment below and let me know what I’ve missed!

The number one question I get is, "What do I need to start?" Honestly, all you need is a helmet and a bicycle. It’s as simple as that! But let’s dive a bit deeper. I’ll start with my gear because, let’s face it: look good, feel good, ride good. For protective gear, I have my shoes, helmet, sunglasses, and knee pads. My clothing setup includes a shammy (aka butt pad), shorts, a jersey, and gloves. From head to toe, this is how I gear up and get ready to hit the trails.

Now, let’s talk about bikes. There are three main types: rigid bikes with no suspension, hardtails with suspension in the front, and full-suspension bikes with suspension in both the front and rear. Today, I’ll be riding a full-suspension bike. To give you a quick bike anatomy lesson, here are the basics: the top tube, down tube, seat tube, rear suspension, forks, tires, rims, nipples, hubs, bottom bracket, crank arms, pedals, and chain ring. The derailleur controls the gearing, and the cassette has your different gears. For braking, there’s the caliper and rotor, with levers up front to control them. Don’t forget about the saddle (seat), the seat post (or dropper post), and clever features like integrated storage for tools or snacks. If someone asks about a bike’s “travel,” they’re referring to how far the suspension compresses—mine has 150 mm.

Armed with all this knowledge, let’s hit the trails! If something looks intimidating, remember, there’s almost always a way around it. Be confident and have fun—if you’re not enjoying yourself, you can always hop off the bike. Once you get the hang of it, though, I promise you’ll love it. And if you don’t, there are other options like rollerblading or skateboarding.

When visiting a bike park for the first time, look for a skills section. This is a practice area with features you’ll encounter on the trails, like stairs, skinnies, and small tables. Don’t worry if something seems tricky—you can stop, regroup, and try again. For instance, the black trails often have bypasses for easier routes. Start with what feels comfortable and build your confidence.

As you ride, you’ll encounter different trail features. Chill trails are smooth and flowy, while others may have logs or jumps. For shifting gears, remember to use a soft gear for climbing and a harder gear for descending—it becomes second nature with practice. Florida Black Diamond trails, for example, require quick shifts for steep climbs and descents. Always stay hydrated and take breaks when needed.

Big thanks to Mega Cycles in Sunrise, Florida, for letting me demo this bike for the video. If you’re inspired to start mountain biking or upgrade your gear, they’re a great local shop to check out. Remember, perseverance is key. If a trail feature intimidates you, don’t give up—approach it with more confidence and try again.

What a day! Mountain biking is not only exhilarating but also a great way to stay active and connect with nature. If this video hasn’t made a mountain biker out of you, I hope it’s inspired you to get outside and move your body. Thank you so much for watching, and I’ll see you in the next video!