Tips for Beginner Mountain Bikers

Learning to ride can be frustrating, but today we're talking about some beginner Mountain bike tips for new riders. We'll cover how to shift, line choice, cornering, body position, and many other basic MTB skills.

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[jeremie]

I've been riding for a couple years, but your video remains to be very helpful and informative. Thank you, sir. Awesome videography, btw.

[joshwhitee]

This is a great video Phil, will definitely be sharing with customers that are new to mountain biking at my shop!

[e_p-seven]

Seriously, the edit is tremendous. So much work for a video. Much respect.

[MaYbYleR]

3:20 my brakes are non binary too

they identify as a screeching velociraptor most the time

[rupedog]

Been riding for years, but still watched this, just cos its phil!😁

[ANHRO]

Got myself a 500€ bike about 6 weeks ago after 22 years without one and I want to thank you for all the advice. You and Seth's Bike Hacks are unbelievable rich sources of information for new riders. I've already managed to rip my chain twice, but had the right tools at hand to fix it in minutes cause I've followed your tips on what to take with you on a ride. I also got an Idea on what to practice before going into the woods what has most likely prevented some stupid injuries. Your work is much appreciated and I wish you all the best for the future.

[alhypo]

I've been playing bikes for a long time now but only recently realized something that has helped me improve more rapidly. It's easy to lock yourself into mindset that you need to find the best line on a trail and always take that. But the best line on a more gnarly trail might be the equivalent of the worst line on a casual trail. So by always taking the best line, it's easy to stunt your progression. You'll have the tendency to avoid technical trails where even the best line is just slightly beyond your comfort level. But you can push your skill on comfortable trails by taking the more challenging lines there. If it turns out to be too much, you can just revert to the line you are good at without being committed to an entire trail that is above your skill level. Unless I'm in a race or just want to focus on flow, I now try to take the most difficult line I think I have a chance at tackling. Gradually, more difficult trails where there is no easy option become much less intimidating.



This approach has been especially helpful with technical climbing. I've even gotten a few "woahs" riding up some punchy, rooty sections from riders who smash super gnarly DH trails like they are nothing. That feels pretty good since I'm usually the one giving out all the "woahs".

[lonewolf]

I’m new to MTB and this video is the best . You used a entry level bike and showed

[mtbcyclist]

Been mtbing for 25+ years and find this is a great beginner video. One comment is that you also put your outside pedal down when taking turns to not only get good traction but to not clip the inside pedal on the ground. I like that this is filmed on an entry level bike too as it makes it more relatable to beginners. Keep up the great work.

[mistacheeze]

I'm glad you mentioned not to cross chain

[patrickmbarker]

I remember when my brakes came out to me as non binary. I was so concerned and confused, but I quickly learned to accept them and love them.

[Jeremiah]

After my first mountain biking experience (at least true one with trails specifically made for it) I had just gotten a mountain biking/ dirt biking/ motorcycle helmet. On my first wipeout I ended up smacking a rock with my head, at the jawline. Hard enough that it put a bit of a gouge in the plastic. Just saying, the little bit of extra money on the helmet meant I didn't have to go to the hospital. I am waiting for the armor to come in before I go again though, as impacting the handlebars and the rocks of the trail with my chest and back have put me in quite a bit of pain (no, nothing broken, probably some bone bruises though.) My train of thinking, if you are going to put a few hundred bucks into a bike, why not put a hundred or so into a proper helmet and armor to avoid medical expenses? Just food for thought.

[ShutUpandRideMTB]

Phil's always looking after us. Thanks Phil.

[toddshafer]

Well done Phil. I've been riding a long time but I still like to see videos like this. It helps me remember the basics that are vital. Keep up the good work!

[JuanWayRock]

Wow....I still remember when a GT AVALANCHE was once one of the Best Hardtails on the market. (that was way back in 1995 and the Avalanche 'with polished finish' was the choice of a lot of Pro MTB racers sponsored by GT) - From Pro Race Bike to NOW entry level Mountain times have changed.

[jim]

I remember back in the day when I was a beginner I watched this Video, and now it recommend it again.

Nostalgia.

[derekmatthewtutorials]

1:18-1:40 he mentions certain gears to avoid, so for example, if I am in my
Lowest gear setting on the left,
Avoid the 3 highest settings on the right ? (So for me it would be 7, 8, 9)? And then if I am in the Highest gear setting (which for me is 2) on the left, avoid 1, 2, 3 on the right ?

[yodecaf]

This is useful. I started a year ago and have tried watching your videos, but I always know it's many of those skills are a few years away for me. This video taught me basic stuff I didn't know! Really like that you used a hardtail beginner bike.

[underoverated]

VERY helpful video. I didn't see this before going on some of the trails that I went on this past weekend but ended up learning a lot of them the hard way. Every last one of these are good tips and will be used on practically any trail you go on. You've got a new subscriber.

[SKPhoto]

Another badass video. Phil is a better teacher than out there. His ability to clearly explain and demonstrate these concepts is second to none. Definitely doing the job right