Just got your first mountain bike and don’t know wherer to start? Mounting biking is an entertaining and exhilerating sport, but for those who are just starting out, conquering any type of terrain can be intimidating. Fortunately, you don’t have to be an expert to get out there and enjoy the trails. In this blog we’ll be discussing 4 easy but essential mountain biking skills that will help you hit the trails with confidence.

1. Brake

One of the most important mountain biking skills is learning how to brake correctly. Braking in a controlled and timely manner is essential for staying safe and in control on the trails. When applying the brakes, it is essential to do so in a gradual manner as this will give you more control and help you to slow down more quickly.

“ Use both brakes simultaneously. Squeezing the brakes too hard can cause you to skid or lose control, while not applying enough pressure can cause you to crash.”

Tip 101

The key is to apply pressure gradually and evenly, as this will give you the most control over your speed. It can also be helpful to practice braking on a flat surface until you get the hang of it. With practice, you will become a more confident and capable biker.

2. Cornerning

Cornering is an essential skill for mountain bikers to master as well. When you’re approaching a turn, you want to lean your body into the turn and use your body weight to help guide your bike as this will give you more control and help you stay balanced. However, it’s important to remember that cornering isn’t just about leaning; you also need to look ahead, stay relaxed, and practice good body positioning. Keep your pedals level, your arms bent, and your back slightly arched. You also want to avoid over-correcting or over-braking during a turn, as this can cause you to lose control of your bike and crash. You’ll be able to feel when you’re in the right position and when you need to make slight corrections the more you practice cornering on your own. Follow these steps and you’ll soon be cornering like a pro!

3. Shifting Gears

Shifting gears is another important skill for anyone who is getting ready to embark upon a mountain trail. When you’re going uphill, you want to shift into a lower gear so that you can pedal more easily. This is because the lower gear gives you more leverage, making it easier to turn the pedals. On the other hand, when you’re going downhill, you want to shift into a higher gear so that you can take advantage of the natural momentum of the hill and go faster. A higher gear requires less effort to turn the pedals. This means you can rest your legs while maintaining good speed. However, It’s essential to first practice shifting gears in different terrains so that you can become comfortable with the process and the way your bike responds to different gears. It’ll be a lot easier to make smooth shifts when you need to.

4. Getting On And Off Your Bike

This may seem like a no brainer but there are actually right and wrong ways to get on and off your bike. When getting on your bike, the most important thing to remember is to step onto your pedal with your heel. Make sure that you have a firm grip on the handlebars and frame to maintain a safe and stable position. With one foot on the pedal use your other foot to push off from the ground while keeping your upper body steady . This will help you maintain your balance and keep you from falling over. 
When getting off the bike, make sure you slow down and come to a complete stop. Before getting off, place one foot on the ground to steady yourself. Then, place your other foot on the ground and slide off the seat of the bike. Once you are off the bike, stand up and move away from the bike to avoid accidentally getting caught in any of the parts. Following these steps will ensure that you get on and off your bike safely and securely.