Trying to get into MTB

[barrelgal]

Mountain Biking and I have a troubled past, I tried to get into it about 5 years ago on a borrowed bike who's chain kept coming off. We parted on bad terms after I fell off and cracked three ribs on about my 4th ride. I haven't spoken to mountain biking since.

However, my boyfriend has just convinced me to give it another shot. I'm a better road cyclist then I was 5 years ago and understand much more about bike balance, shifting, etc. For the time being he's lending me his bike since he just ordered himself a new mountain bike. We talked about it last night and think it will hopefully fit me as I'm 5'9" and he's 6'.

What do I need to know, what advice does everyone have? I'd like to be able to do this with him on occasion although I suspect that the road will continue to comprise most of my saddle time. I am looking forward to increasing my bike skills.

[thekarens]

I'd take the bike to a shop to get fitted first. It's amazing how much difference that makes as far as comfort goes. My second suggestion is to start with the easy trails, Houston has several, and build your skills and confidence.

That's my .02 as a total newbie. My partner jumped in with both feet and has far exceeded me with skills, but she's also far exceeded me with injuries. My personal motto is slow and sure wins the race.

Now the people who actually know something can offer better advice

[barrelgal]

My boyfriend is the main fitter at my LBS so I think he'll be able to get the bike fit to me. I haven't let him fit me to a bike before, usually preferring to go see a lady fitter that I love at another LBS for any road bike fit issues, but I think for just starting out he should be able to get me close enough on his bike. I'm guessing he's going to move the saddle to his new bike, as well as his pedals so I guess I'll have to pick up new ones of those. I probably wouldn't like his saddle anyhow.

[indysteel]

My advice is to find a local mtb clinic or skills course if you can. Even if you have to travel a bit to find one, I think it's worth it. Certainly, some learn just fine from a significant other, but if your experience ends up being like mine, it can turn pretty tense, too. My husband "knows" how to mountain bike, but that doesn't mean he can break down the skills for a new rider or is otherwise using the best technique. And certainly, some people are self taught, but that road is often paved in needless frustration and injury. The best way to learn, IMO, is from a trained instructor. Even if all you cover the basics, they'll get you headed in the right direction.

[barrelgal]

Thanks Indy, I've been thinking this as well. I've had bad experiences learning other things from SO's in the past so I don't think I'm going to let him be my only source of instruction. Thekarens has luckily pointed me in the right direction in our area for a beginner skills clinic, but I already have plans that day. I'll keep my eyes open for more oppertunities.

[Irulan]

First of all I would have someone other that your BF asses the fit of his loaner. Having coached many women over the years, I have seen so much frustration because someone was on a bike that was too big or too small to start with. I get not buying a new bike; just make sure it fits.
Here are my other recommendations:
Skip the clipless shoe/pedal combination. The new mountain biking shoes with sticky soles work so well that there's no reason that you should use clipless. You will be much more confident if you can put a foot down any time you want.

Basic skills: Now I don't know what kind of a guy BF is. Some guys are great teachers, others are more of the "don't grab your front brake and just point it down the hill" type. There are a few basic skills that will really make a difference for a beginner.
-Braking: how to do one finger braking, feathering and using modulation (gentle squeezing)
Basic Body Position: is NOT sitting on the saddle. Mountain biking is very dynamic and involves being loose, moving with the bike and terrain, and changing your center of gravity. This video here,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAkB...M&feature=plcp is excellent instruction in body position basics. Don't let the big bikes or big air in the into scare you - what they teach in the video is the very basis for all successful mountain biking.
-last but least, you might look for a basic skills clinic. I cannot underscore the foundational skills for mountain biking success.

I.

[barrelgal]

Irulan, I hadn't even thought of skipping clipless. I'm so used to it on the road bike that I just assumed it would be better on the MTB too. It makes sense though, one less thing to have to worry about while learning, and I can always put clipless on later. Thanks for the video

[Irulan]

I rode clips with MTB for years. The thinking is changing, mainly because of new material out there. All the professional mountain bike coaches I work with ( I'm a volunteer) gave them up. Especially for beginners, it's just one less thing to think about. Many racers still use them.

[thekarens]

I rode clips with MTB for years. The thinking is changing, mainly because of new material out there. All the professional mountain bike coaches I work with ( I'm a volunteer) gave them up. Especially for beginners, it's just one less thing to think about. Many racers still use them.

Not to hijack this thread, but Irulan, can you recommend a brand(s) that would be good to check out for women. I know there are several mountain bike platform shoes to choose from, just not sure where to start.

[Irulan]

Ugh. It will all depend on what your foot fits.
The "standard" that everyone goes by is the 5-10 line, Impacts and Karvers. Those are too wide for me, , even the women's.
Teva Links
Adidas
and there are some others, Vans etc.
Mainly you want a stiff, sticky sole.
I just purchased some Teva Links, in a kids 6.5 because I have a narrow small foot. Zappos and Shoebuy.com will be your friend if no one carries these kinds of shoes locally.

[tealtreak]

First of all I would have someone other that your BF asses the fit of his loaner. Having coached many women over the years, I have seen so much frustration because someone was on a bike that was too big or too small to start with. I get not buying a new bike; just make sure it fits.
Here are my other recommendations:
Skip the clipless shoe/pedal combination. The new mountain biking shoes with sticky soles work so well that there's no reason that you should use clipless. You will be much more confident if you can put a foot down any time you want.

Basic skills: Now I don't know what kind of a guy BF is. Some guys are great teachers, others are more of the "don't grab your front brake and just point it down the hill" type. There are a few basic skills that will really make a difference for a beginner.
-Braking: how to do one finger braking, feathering and using modulation (gentle squeezing)
Basic Body Position: is NOT sitting on the saddle. Mountain biking is very dynamic and involves being loose, moving with the bike and terrain, and changing your center of gravity. This video here,
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tAkB...M&feature=plcp is excellent instruction in body position basics. Don't let the big bikes or big air in the into scare you - what they teach in the video is the very basis for all successful mountain biking.
-last but least, you might look for a basic skills clinic. I cannot underscore the foundational skills for mountain biking success.

I.

Second and third on this good advice- and if you can find a women only clinic that is the most awesome experience ever! I would cast a vote to be open minded about clipping or not- all the Luna chick ladies I have had the pleasure of riding with and learning from ride clipped. Actually, they are the ones who talked me into it, and I would never go back. My sons are evenly divided on that preference- and they all catch much more air than I do (:

[thekarens]

I rode clips with MTB for years. The thinking is changing, mainly because of new material out there. All the professional mountain bike coaches I work with ( I'm a volunteer) gave them up. Especially for beginners, it's just one less thing to think about. Many racers still use them.

Plus one on this. I know for me just knowing I can put a foot down if I need to boosts my confidence 100%.

[thekarens]

I also have to super narrow feet, but long. My running shoes are a 9.

[Irulan]

Narrow? I'd start with a Teva links, or 5-10 Guide Tennie ( approach shoe)

[indysteel]

I am currently using the 5 10 Impact shoes with Straighline AMP pedals FWIW. I also tried the Guide Tennies, but liked the fit of the Impacts a bit better. Sizing is a bit weird though. I'd suggest ordered from a place like Zappos where shipping and returns are free. You might have to take a few stabs at it before you find a pair that fits. When I first started, I used regular hiking shoes and the pedals that came on the bike. Not ideal, but it didn't hold me back from getting started. I do not wear shin protectors, although a lot of people who use bmx type platforms do. I've yet to tag myself in the shin, although I'm sure it's just a matter of time.