Getting Started Mountain Biking

So this can be very difficult. There are a lot of different brands out there and it is hard to choose which is the best. The truth is, is that most bikes in the same price range have the same level of components (brakes, shifters, etc). So, the only real difference between the bikes is the frame. The best way that I have found to decide on a bike is to test ride everything you can find. Even if you test ride one and decide you really like it, don't buy it until you test ride a few others. It is also a good idea to check out the reviews on MTBR . If you still feel lost in the search for your bike, check this site out Complete Bike Buying Guide its a good resource, and sure its around 15 bucks, but it's a lot cheaper than buying the wrong bike. But always remember, the most important thing about buying a bike is the way it feels to you.

There are many great websites to find different trails in the area. Many towns have off road clubs, Dallas Texas has Dorba, and Austin Tx has ridgeriders. Most major cities will have a club. Their websites have great reviews and info on where to find trails. The best websites I have found for information on trails is MTBR and Trails.com is decent but requires a membership. MTBR is a great resource for many things. Once you find a few trails it won't be long until you find many more by word of mouth out on the trails.

The best way to find people to ride with is either at bike forums, local clubs, or just meeting people out on the trails. Bike Mojo is a good forum to meet people that ride. The local clubs are also a lot of fun because many of them help maintain the local trails, so it gives you an opportunity to give something back and do some trail work. And from my personal experience everyone out on the trails are very nice and love to find new people to ride with. Obviously if you are just a beginner and you see someone training for the race this weekend, you might want to get a little better before making him your new riding buddy.

So I am sure this is going to make you sick hearing it for the thousandth time, but the most important thing is practice. However if you were like me when I first started you are probably fairly clueless. I thought that How To Master Mountain Biking was a great resource. It gave me a place to start and something to work on out on the trails, but even if you read this don't expect to be immediately better. PRACTICE! After you get some basic skills down you should start trying to ride with people a little better than you. It's a great way to push yourself and learn some new skills.