The Basic Guide to Mountain Bike Riding

Mountain bikes are built to be used on anything from unpaved roads to steep goat trails. Mountain bikes have a larger fork and a slacker head tube angle, which is the main difference between mountain bikes and conventional bikes. In the photo above, the mountain bike rider has a greater centre of gravity to take on bumps and steep descents by positioning his body in the middle of the bike. Mountain bikes can be used on the road for general use however are heavier and slower than road bikes which are engineered for road riding.

If the terrain and climate is right, you can mountain bike all year round. Some of the best mountain bike trails in Australia reveal themselves in the popular ski hills. This means the best time of year to get pedalling is a few months after the snow melts, allowing time for our trail crew to clear the trails. Australia’s ski season usually runs from June to September, and the MTB Cascades trail normally fully opens from November to April. Check out our guide for cyclists at Lake Mountain to see our range of trails.

The type of riding you plan on doing will greatly determine the type of mountain bike you will decide to buy or rent. If you know what style and terrain you plan on riding, that is a good idea of knowing what mountain bike would suit your riding adventures. The two major styles of mountain bikes are hardtail and dual suspension bikes. You will likely decide on a bike that falls into one of these two categories.

HARDTAIL MOUNTAIN BIKES

The defining features of hardtail mountain bikes are the front-end suspension fork and a rigid rear end. These bikes are best for use on less technical terrain, with the rigid rear allowing more simplicity and pedalling efficiency and the front suspension helping absorb bumps making it more comfortable more the rider.

Hardtail mountain bikes are often recommended to beginners starting as they are easy to get the hang of on lower-difficulty trails. With fewer moving parts to maintain they are also more affordable than other options.

Best suited for: Beginners and all-rounders on low-difficulty terrain.

Strengths: Easy to ride, all-around use, low maintenance and affordable.

Weaknesses: Not as good for bumpy and technical terrain.

Features: Front-end suspension and rigid rear end.

DUAL-SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKES

A dual-suspension mountain bike has shock-absorbing suspension forks at both the front and rear end of the bike, which helps smooth out a ride and boost traction. These bikes are built for steep and technical trails, with the dual suspension helping the wheels grip and roll smoothly, allowing the rider better overall navigation.

Best suited for: Intermediate to advanced riders on difficult and steep terrain.

Strengths: Full comfort, faster downhill and trail grip.

Weaknesses: Not great for riding uphill, heavyweight, and expensive

Features: Front and back suspension.

DOWNHILL TRAIL BIKES

High-energy downhill mountain biking is its little microcosm within the mountain biking world. Downhill trails are designed to be as challenging as possible with high speed and technicality, which means a specific bike is required. Downhill mountain bikes have better front and rear suspension. The rear is often a thick coil shock, allowing for maximum absorption to take on the toughest terrain at high speeds. These bikes also have heaps of travel, more than 120mm making it a more enjoyable ride.

Best suited to: Intermediate to advanced riders for difficult downhill terrain.

Strengths: High shock absorption and high speed.

Weaknesses: Uphill riding, heavy and expensive.

Features: Front suspension, coil shock rear suspension.

MOUNTAIN BIKE WHEEL SIZE

The two most common mountain bike wheel sizes are 27.5 inches and 29 inches in diameter. The larger 29-inch wheel allows the bike to roll over bumps and obstacles, and because of the larger diameter go faster. The smaller 27.5-inch wheel allows for more manoeuvring and control around tighter corners. For the average rider, the wheel size will not make a huge difference. As a rule of thumb, a larger rider will find the 29-inch wheel more comfortable than a smaller rider with a 27.5-inch wheel.

MOUNTAIN BIKE FRAME SIZE

Choosing the right mountain bike size is one of the most important decisions you will make. The best mountain bike is the one that fits you correctly as all bikes feel and ride differently. Mountain bike frame sizes generally range between 14 inches and 22 inches and the choice you make will depend on your ability, body shape and height. When choosing a frame size consider the three places where you make contact with the bike, for instance, hands on the bar, feet on the pedal and backside on the saddle.

MOUNTAIN BIKE FRAME MATERIAL

These days, bikes come in a vast array of materials including carbon fibre, aluminium, steel and titanium with each material having its pros and cons depending on your budget, goals and the type of riding you plan on doing. Aluminium is the most common frame material for it is lighter, cost-efficient, and durable, making it the popular all-around entry-level bike. Discuss your riding needs with your local bike dealer once you have decided to take an interest in riding.

When out on the trails anything can happen! It is encouraged to prepare yourself for the conditions you will conquer. When setting out on a bike be prepared for falls and mechanical issues. To best overcome these possible situations having an easy-to-carry first aid kit, multi-tool and a spare tube attached to your bike can be handy.

WHAT DO I WEAR FOR MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING?

Wearing the right clothing when mountain biking can greatly increase the enjoyment you get out of your experience. Technically, you can wear whatever you like, but having the right gear will offer better protection and make you feel overall more comfortable. This becomes particularly important as you progress to more challenging trails. We have detailed all the gear that will keep you safer and more comfortable on the bike in our article What To Wear Mountain Bike Riding, but for now, here is a list of the essentials you should consider for your next ride.

• Mountain bike shorts
• Mountain bike glasses
• Mountain bike jersey
• Body armour for riding
• Mountain bike gloves
• Mountain bike shoes
• Mountain bike jackets
• Mountain bike socks

There are some key mountain biking skills that all riders talk about which cover the fundamentals of the sport. Once confident with our Mountain Biking Tips For Beginners, you can focus on the 5 basic principles that make up a rider’s skill set. If you concentrate and work on these 5 skills, they will become second nature, helping you become a confident rider.

WHAT ARE THE FIVE ESSENTIAL MOUNTAIN BIKE SKILLS?

• Body positioning: Position your body in the middle of the bike, stand and lower torso along the bike as well as hover your bottom over the saddle when descending.
• Braking: When coming to corners or gaining an uncontrollable speed ensure to brake to gain control. Use the back brake over the front.
• Climbing: Adjust your body to keep your weight central. Heighten your saddle or extend your dropper post.
• Descending: Adjust your body to keep your descent controlled.
• Cornering: Looking ahead and leaning into the corner.

The beauty of mountain biking is feeling a sense of freedom and excitement while connecting with the surroundings. However, it is important to remain conscious of other people and respectful of the environment.

There are some common rules of etiquette within the mountain biking community that all riders should be aware of. We all have a responsibility to look out for the safety of one another, protect the natural environment we are lucky to be enjoying, and set a good example for others. The International Mountain Biking Association has a list of 6 Rules of the trail. These rules are recognised around the world and outline the foundational ideas to help promote environmentally sound and socially responsible mountain biking.

Mountain Biking Trail Rules

• Ride on open trails only
• Leave no trace
• Control your bicycle
• Yield to others
• Never scare animals
• Plan ahead

Regular mountain biking is a great way to increase endurance. If you’re just starting, why not hire a mountain bike for the day at Lake Mountain Resorts and see if it’s for you? We have bikes to suit all ages and skill levels and gear to keep you equipped and safe.