New to mtn biking- some advice please

[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.