Mountain Bike FAQS
Answers to Frequently-Asked Questions about mountain biking
Contents
- How does mountain biking differ from road biking?
- How does a mountain bike differ from a road bike?
- What's the best way to learn off-road biking?
- Is it really possible to bike down a flight of steps?
- Will road biking help me become a better mountain biker?
- What is the National Off-Road Bicycle Association?
- What is meant by singletrack biking?
- How do I get over a log or rock?
- What about coming down off a ledge or step?
- If it's so often better to have your weight farther back, why aren't mountain bike seats located farther back?
- Is it okay to use the front brake while going downhill?
- Why did I get sour looks from others when I let my tires skid?
- Why do I keep hitting obstacles so often?
- I thought I was in good shape, but I still have trouble on hills. What's the secret?
How does mountain biking differ from road biking?
The clearest difference is emphasized by two alternative names for mountain biking: Off-road biking or trail biking. It involves getting onto unpaved roads, trails, and terrain.
Beyond that, other differences frequently, but don't always, exist. Mountain biking often involves hillier terrain than road biking, but it doesn't have to. You can go road biking on a mountain bike (though it will take more effort); you'll soon get in trouble, though, if you try serious mountain biking on a road bike.
The two activities are better thought of as different parts of a spectrum, rather than as entirely different activities. When we go biking in Iceland, for example, we use mountain bikes because the route includes everything from paved and unpaved roads to fields of volcanic ash. But most people would consider this more of a road biking than a mountain biking trip.
Back to questions at top
How does a mountain bike differ from a road bike?
There are lots of differences. Here are some of the main ones:
Mountain bikes have fatter tires, which are not as highly inflated, to give you better traction on dirt.
They often have a lower granny gear, for more power going up hills.
They commonly have shock absorbers for one or both tires.
They're sturdier, less delicate.
Handlebars are usually horizontal, not dropped, as they are on some road bikes.
Mountain bikes are usually smaller, for a person of a given height, than road bikes.
Back to questions at top
What's the best way to learn off-road biking?
From someone who not only knows how to do it, but who knows how to teach it.
You can just hop on a bike and pick up quite a bit on your own. But you'll undoubtedly pick up some bad habits. You'll soon hit a plateau, as those habits keep you from advancing. If you've ever taken ski lessons, you know that a few well-placed words from an instructor can quickly help you learn a new technique. It's the same with mountain biking.
You can also improve your technique by biking close to a more skilled companion, and watching his or her moves carefully.
Back to questions at top
Is it really possible to bike down a flight of steps?
You'd be amazed at what you can bike dow. Yes, provided the steps aren't too steep, and you have suitable experience, a flight of steps is quite feasible. It's just a matter of keeping your speed under control (neither too fast, nor too slow); your weight back; and your joints flexible as you bounce along.
But don't make this your first ride! Get some experience, find a good coach or teacher, and try a very short flight of steps before you head down a long one.
Back to questions at top
Will road biking help me become a better mountain biker?
Absolutely. Part of mountain biking is the skill and judgment to maneuver on off-road trails. But part of it is simply strength and stamina. The more you have, the longer and better you'll bike. You'll develop these faster from an intense session of road biking, than from time on a mountain bike.
Back to questions at top
What is the National Off-Road Bicycle Association?
Better known as NORBA, the National Off-Road Bicycle Association is a division of USA Cycling that governs mountain-bike events such as racing, and offers news for mountain bikers. After you've acquired some off-road biking experience, you'll find these events are a fun way to meet others who share your interests.
Back to questions at top
What is meant by singletrack biking?
Mountain bikers often travel along dirt roads, wide enough to pass one another. But some off-road trails are little more than a narrow rut, formed by dozens or hundreds of bikers over the years; that's singletrack.
On singletrack, you'll generally have no choice about your route: You've got to stay in the track. There may be rocks, roots, tight turns, and puddles to negotiate. If the track is deep, the pedal will hit the dirt if you time your downstroke wrong. In short, singletrack adds new challenges and excitement to mountain biking. But it's not the best terrain on which to learn.
Back to questions at top
How do I get over a log or rock?
First, approach it at a right angle. Now keep your speed up and don't brake -- hitting either brake will keep your front tire from raising. As you reach the obstacle, pull up with your arms to help the front tire get up. Now shift your weight forward, then use a lifting motion with your legs to help the back wheel get up.
This must all happen in a quick, fluid motion, so start with small obstacles and work up.
Back to questions at top
What about coming down off a ledge or step?
Again, it's important to maintain a reasonable momentum. Adjust your speed, if necessary, before reaching the edge. Don't brake once you're there; if your front brake is applied when the wheel hits, you're going over the handlebars. Keep your weight back the whole time. Practice on a single, small step, then work up.
Back to questions at top
If it's so often better to have your weight farther back, why aren't mountain bike seats located farther back?
Off-road biking requires continually shifting your weight. On descents, yes, you want your weight well back. Otherwise your center of gravity can too easily end up in front of the front wheel -- and that's when you'll sail over the handlebars.
But at other times, you need your weight more forward. You can't steer if the front wheel isn't getting sufficient traction. On ascents, you need your weight more forward or you'll do a wheelie. The standard seat position works well most of the time, and puts you in a good position to shift your weight when you need to.
Back to questions at top
Is it okay to use the front brake while going downhill?
Yes. In fact, you'll need it if you want to really control your speed.
Misusing or over-applying the front brake can send a rider over the handlebars. That's why some cyclists believe they should rely only on the back brake. But when much of the weight is on the front wheel, it's the front brake that will provide the most stopping power. To effectively control your speed on a downhill, you need to shift your weight back (even to the point of actually placing your butt behind the seat, on a really steep descent), then use both brakes.
The rear wheel may skid in such situations. Once it's skidding, it's not providing much stopping power. As soon as you detect a skid, briefly release the rear brake and gently re-apply it.
Back to questions at top
Why did I get sour looks from others when I let my tires skid?
There are several downsides to skidding, and no benefits (unless you think it makes you look cool). First, a tire that's skidding isn't providing any steering or braking control. Second, it's eroding the trail, which is environmentally unsound, and will detract from the experience of other bikers. Finally, if that's not enough: You're wearing out your expensive tires!
Back to questions at top
Why do I keep hitting obstacles so often?
Chances are you spend too much time looking at the obstacles, and not enough time looking ahead.
By all means, you need to spot the rocks and roots that you wish to avoid. But don't watch them; you'll unconsciously bike toward whatever you're looking at. Instead, look ahead at the route that you want to follow.
Back to questions at top
I thought I was in good shape, but I still have trouble on hills. What's the secret?
Newer cyclists assume that going up hills is all a matter of having good leg muscles. That helps -- but technique and mental attitude play a big role. We've had many Floridians on trips, who were experienced cyclists but had never biked on hilly terrain. The first day, they had trouble on hills and were the last ones to reach the top. Within a few days, they were out in front. Their legs didn't get that much stronger in a couple of days; their technique and approach changed. Here's what they learned.
Use those gears! Switch to your lowest gears before you need them. If you're spinning too fast, it's easier to switch into a higher gear.
Adjust your weight properly. You want most of your weight on the back tire, to get traction, but you need to keep enough on the front to provide traction for steering. Experiment with different positions, to see what works for your body, your bike, and this incline. Many cyclists find that a semi-standing position, with their crotch just in front of the saddle and above the horizontal bar, works well.
Breathe! It's natural to hold your breath during a tough stretch; but it's self-defeating. Breathe deeply, exhale fully.
Look ahead! Watching each foot of road or trail as it passes below you is discouraging. Look at where you're headed. This provides a psychological boost, and you'll also steer better.
