Mountain Biking Tips for Beginners

Warmer weather has arrived and the bike trails are ready to be torn up. With spring here, it’s time to get back on the bike again.  For some of you, this means servicing your bike, airing up your tires, and getting down and dirty again, but for others this is just the beginning to a new hobby.  Riding a bike is a classic pastime that still holds true for many people, but it can be risky at times if you’re not careful. We understand the importance of preparing and riding safely and we want to provide you with some tips for any beginner about to jump on a mountain bike.

Finding Motivation

At first, finding that drive and inspiration to get back on your bike can be certainly difficult, but with the help of certain Garmin technology, we believe we can make your riding experience even more appealing and fun. Take for instance the Garmin Edge bike computers, where you can turn every ride into a race by competing on Garmin Connect and seeing your real-time results. Edge computers also offer a collection of connected features such as weather, live tracking, social media sharing and instant uploads when paired with your smartphone. Edge is perfect for anyone ready to take their cycling game to the next level. 

Pace Yourself

Riding your mountain bike is a great aerobic workout, which over time will help you improve your endurance so you can peddle for longer periods of time. If you are new to mountain biking, try to start cycling for around thirty minutes each ride. As your endurance increases, you can start cycling for lengthier intervals of time. Try increasing your cycling time by five to ten minutes per day every week until you are cycling an hour per day and five days a week.

Get the Right Gear

Whether you’re riding around the neighborhood or whipping around some dirt trails, you'll need some respectable equipment to protect you from the elements and keep you safe while riding. Always wear a helmet that's been certified by a safety association. Your helmet should fit securely and comfortably, and it shouldn't move when you tilt your head.  For riding apparel, padded shorts will keep you more relaxed on those extensive rides and a nice pair of gloves will help battle those awful blisters from forming. Lastly, a good pair of shatterproof lenses with strong UV defense will help protect and shield dirt from your eyes.

With the spring season now in our sights, we hope these tips will be helpful for you as you hit the great outdoors. We can’t wait to hear about your latest escapade on the trails. Remember to check out our many products that offer cycling data on garmin.com/edge and be sure to share your favorite rides and workout routines with us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #Garmin.

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