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Riding a mountain bike is pretty much similar to riding any other type of bike. Except for the rocks, the streams, the fallen trees and the occasional mountain. In other words, mountain biking is the ultimate version of two-wheeling around the neighbourhood. It can be hazardous, so should be respected and even a little feared. If you want to hit the trails, you need to know mountain biking skills.
Mountain biking skills involve balance, agility and stamina. Review the following list of exercises, and look for a suitable place to practice. These can be done at home, at a park or school, on a bike path and ideally, at a place with a steep hill.
Now, Sit and Spin
In other words, simply go for a ride. Get on your bike and cruise around to know the best position for mountain biking. Both your arms should be slightly bent. Your legs should be 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal, so it may be necessary to adjust your seat lower or higher.
Get used to keeping your body relaxed because when you’re on the trail, your elbows and knees should never be locked.
Feel the Pedal
While on your bike, try to practice moving your foot away from the pedal. Do this initially while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground, then try releasing and replacing your foot while pedaling around. You’ll need to spend a little extra time with this exercise if you have toe clips on your pedals. There will be instances on the trail that feet will have to leave the pedals. Be sure you’re comfortable with this move, before you have to use your feet to balance yourself over a bumpy path.
Shifting Gears
Get used to switching gears. You’ll make use of them a lot on the trails. Using higher gears make the bike go faster, but it’s harder to pedal. Using lower gears make pedaling easier, so you’ll use these gear positions when climbing hills. Make sure to shift to a low gear before you reach the hill, rather than when you’re already climbing it.
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Drop a Curb
Ride down the sidewalk, and then look for a curb that’s easily accessible. Approach the curb at moderate speed, stand up and coast right down onto the street (look for cars first!) If you want to learn mountain biking, you need to learn how to handle sudden drops. Try this exercise at various speeds until it becomes second nature.
Coast is Clear
Coasting on a bike, in fact, can feel like flying. Get your bike up to a reasonable speed, stand on your pedals and simply cruise without sitting down. Remember to keep your arms bent, don’t lock your knees, and try to lean your body towards the rear end of the bike. Mountain biking entails very little sitting, so spend some time coasting to get used to the feeling.
Stand and Pedal
Similar to coasting, you’ll also spend a great deal of time pedaling while standing. While pedaling, just lift your body off of the seat. Or, start off standing on the pedals then begin cranking them. After you’ve mastered standing and pedaling on flat ground, begin to practice while climbing a hill in lower gear.
It’s very easy to learn mountain biking. You already know how to ride a bike, so now it’s about time to master these additional techniques. Once you’re comfortable coasting, dropping, pedaling, standing, spinning and switching gears, you’ll be ready to hit the trails, and tackle any challenge along the way.
Tagged with: mountain bike • road bike
Filed under: Bikes