New to mtn biking- some advice please

[Tri Girl]

Hello-
I'm just starting to mtn bike and have some questions on technique. I'm a roadie (serious road rider = never had to maneuver any climb/descent that wasn't flat and smooth). This is a whole new ballgame, and I'm figuring out that I know NOTHING about mtn biking. I'm riding beginner trails now for a change of pace (not too steep descents/climbs/obstacles), and have some questions about how to handle climbs/descents.
I've read that when descending, to put your weight back (the further back the steeper the descent), is that right? How about climbing up? Do you put all your weight forward (while standing to pedal)? Is there a right/wrong way to climb (in saddle vs. out of saddle)? Is there a technique for riding through deep sand (aside from my current technique of fishtailing and then walking my bike to a harder surface)?

Sorry for so many questions, but I think I really like the change of pace that mtn biking offers (and it works totally different sets of muscles in both my upper and lower body than road riding). I just need to figure out some tips to make it a little easier (and prevent me from walking so many ups and downs). The downs terrify me, and the ups intimidate me.

Oh, and I'm riding my Target special right now (hardtail, not clipless or cages). My tri lifestyle won't allow for another big bike investment, but I think I may add clipless shoes/pedals to my mtn. bike for better control. It's a hardtail, but has decent front suspension (aside from the fact that it's 200 lbs heavier than my road bike).

Thank you for any advice!!!

[spokewench]

Well, you will learn that there is less traction when you are riding a mountain bike than a road bike so especially when you are new to it, you are probably better off sitting rather than standing when you are climbing.

If you stand, you will have a better chance of breaking loose your rear tire and then you've lost traction and forward momentum. All mountain bikes have a little bit different "balance point", but practice will let you find that point. On steep uphills you have to keep the traction over your rear tire to keep from spinning it so you should try to stick your butt back a bit and then bend your elbows more and lean over your front end to keep the front of the bike from coming up. Once you understand that you have to move around a lot on your mountain bike you will be a lot happier and successful. It is not like on the road when you just pedal and pedal some more. Keep your spin nice and smooth and round and this will help you keep traction and moving forward. Also, remember to shift earlier on the mountain bike than on the road. Look ahead and anticipate the terrain ahead and if you have to shift, shift early since if it gets real steep you will not be able to shift on the hill once you are on it. Of course, it if it is gradual you can shift, but always look forward and anticipate what is coming at you when you are mountain biking. It takes more concentration than riding the road.

Downhill, yes, pretty much you should shift your weight back off your saddle as you descend, more for steeper. But remember, you need to move that weight around sometimes so be flexible. bend your elbows and bend your knees so they take up the impact of rocks, ledges, etc. and most of all try to relax. Sometimes, it helps to talk to yourself like okay, get back, bend your elbows, get off the front brake! It sounds crazy but until it becomes second nature, it helps to do this. I've been mountain bike riding for about 20 years and I still talk to myself sometimes. Again, look ahead and be aware of what is coming at you. if you are on single track, do not look at hte rock you don't want to hit. IF you look at it, you WILL Hit it. Just be aware that it is there and then look ahead to steer past it thru, it or over it.!

That's all I can think of for now in this short post. IT takes practice, and perseverence, but it is really well worth it! IT will make you a better road rider too

[bcipam]

Probably the hardest thing I had to learn is what Spokewench mentioned, the fact in mountain biking you can't mash you must learn to spin up a hill and use those low gears. This doesn't mean your cadence should be 80 or 90 like in road riding, but it is important to be consistant. When approaching a steep or technical hill, put the bike in low (not necessary lowest) gear and fine a easy pace. You might also want to pull up forward on the saddle, body bent toward the handlebars to put weight on the front wheel - helps to keep the wheel from lifting up off the ground. Also it depends on the type of bike you are riding - rigid, HT or fully. If on a fully, you definitely want to stay seated while climbing.

Descending is a skill and art. A fully takes alot of jolts out of the descent and you can stay seated more often. If riding a HT or rigid, you will be off the saddle, butt back over the rear wheel, torso level to the top bar for a lower center of gravity and using your legs as shocks. If on a fully, you still need to get the weight off the front wheel and allow the front shock to do its job. It's amazing all the stuff the wheel and bike will roll over. If the descent is steep, your body and weight should be off the saddle back over the rear tire.

I found mysef a steep but very short hill to practice technique. Descending is still not my favorite, I rather climb, but I'm getting better at it. It takes patience and experience and rememeber (yeah like its easy) never panic!

[SalsaMTB]

Welcome to the world of mountain biking. I'm sure once you get the hang of it, you'll love it!

All the advice already provided is really good, so I won't repeat it. The really important thing that was noted was to not look at the rock you're trying to avoid. Look where you want to go, not where you don't want to go. Also, make sure you're looking ahead and picking the best/smoothest line at all times.

For sand, DON'T USE YOUR BRAKES!!!! It's very tempting, but you have to learn to not use your brakes in the sand. If you see sand ahead and want to slow down, hit the brakes before going in the sand. Try to float right through it, use your body weight, not the handlebars, to navigate. Also, shift down to spin quicker through the sand helps a lot. You don't want to be in a hard gear, you'll lose traction!

Good luck!

[bcipam]

There's is that little joke about not looking at the rock... don't look at the rock, don't look at the rock... darn I looked at the... WHAM down.

One of the biggest difference between road and MTB for me is the concentration level. Sometimes I just need to get out on the road so I can relax (to a degree) and zen-out. While MTB I'm alert all the time thinking about my pedaling, breathing, my line etc.

Living in So Cal we deal with sand and silt, well you have no choice! I equate it to skiing, allow the bike to ride through, never correct or turn the wheel (just like skiis in heavy snow)! Just Trust me on that one! Once on a line stay in that line. Your gearing should be low enough you can spin through the sand. If worried about speed, brake before the sand pit, not during or a header you will be taking!

I've always been a roadie but these last two years I find myself out on trails more often. I've really gotten the bug!

[Trekhawk]

Hey Tri girl - from another new mountain biker I would say the following:
1. Try to get out for a ride with an experienced mountain biker. It really makes a world of difference (Sadiekate was gracious enough to come out with me and its amazing how much I learned on one ride).

2. Get a copy of the DVD Performance Mountain Biking with Ned Overend (if you are like me techniques sink in a little better if I can see what people are talking about). Also its a great reference to have when you screw up on a ride and cant quite work out why.

Good luck and enjoy those trails.

[Tri Girl]

Thank you all so much for all the GREAT advice!!! Sounds like it will take some time for me to get not only comfortable, but skilled...
Thank you, thank you, thank you! You ladies are the best!
Now I'm going to go practice....

[DirtDiva]

The other thing about sand... KEEP THOSE PEDALS TURNING! Seriously, the moment you stop, it's all over.

[SadieKate]

It's also not recommended to start laughing at the person in front of you as she skies around in the sand and ricochets off pine cones. Both of you will grind to a halt every time.

[fatbottomedgurl]

If you have to stop on an uphill, getting started can be rough. One of my friends shifts up a couple gears in the back while she's off the bike, picks up the back end and spins the pedals to move the chain to the new gear. This gives her a little more oomph to start pedaling. I situate my bike where I can keep a tiptoe on the ground, put some weight on my saddle, and start peddling with my other foot. There's a trick to it.

[Luci]

I'm just getting back into mountain biking after a year of not riding at all and several years of not doing much of it. Last night on my ride I had a chance to be reminded about just how much I love flying down the steep stuff.

Bumpy steeps are a matter of balance and I guess that's what I enjoy about it. I ride a hard tail and I like the floating feeling of the bike on downhills, but you have to trust your equipment so you can let go and rely on your balance points. The bike will then float under you as you negotiate rocks, ruts, roots etc. You have to balance the bike with your legs that are taking the shocks, hands (no death grips keep a light feel), and the balance point of using your weight -a little more to the back for a hop over rocks on a down etc. all together.

I can't imagine trying to climb without having the advantage of pulling up with a clip or cage. If you can pick up an inexpensive cage it will make your life much easier. Same on down, to not have your foot secure will make it harder.

I get up speed and gear way down when I hit sand so that I am already peddling fast when I enter it. It's hard not to laugh at your friend though! (Hehe and even more so at your DH )

Good luck and have fun!

[griffsmom]

I started mt. biking about 10 years ago, although I too have been out of the saddle--almost 5 years for me following the birth of my son. I vowed to get back into it this year and have been really enjoying myself rediscovering how much I absolutely love being out on the trails!!

Regarding your pedal question: I would go straight for the clipless pedals. You're a roadie, so I'm assuming you're already familiar and comfortable with clipless. You'll reap the same efficiency benefits mt. biking with clipless that you do on the road. I'd skip cages completely. They're not as efficient as clipless and if you miss getting your foot in a cage at a crucial (i.e., technical) moment, the cage can spin around so that it is now dragging on the ground and could scrape and catch on something and send you off balance and down onto the ground--something I personally learned the hard way when I was first starting out oh so many years ago!

[bcipam]

Look for a pedal with a platform - Crank Bros makes the "Mallet". I use Time "Z Control". SPD's also have one. So much better for mountain biking.

[psycholist]

HI to all
Wow, it always amazes me how I can come on here and find the answers to my questions. I am new to biking but have learned so much from all y'all. The info I just got off this thread was exactly what I was getting ready to ask. Thanks to all.

I did laugh when I read about the rock thing - cuz that is EXACTLY what I do! Tomorrow I will NOT look at that stupid rocdk ~ HA!

Thanks again ~Janice