Mountain Biking For Beginners - The KÜHL Way To Bike!

By KÜHL Editor on June 19, 2023
3 min read

Remember that fantastic feeling when you received your very first bicycle as a child? Learning how to ride a two-wheeler was a rite of passage. When the training wheels came off, you were given the freedom to travel faster and farther than your two feet could carry you alone. That rush of excitement, feeling the wind blowing through your hair, and feeling like you were flying were a huge part of childhood.

You'll get the same type of sensations when you take up the exhilarating sport of mountain biking, the most popular bike people own nowadays. Just like when you were younger, you'll need a proper helmet and some other basic gear to ensure you're safe and well-equipped on your new adventures. Let's start at the top and work our way down.

Best Bike Helmets

The Best Mountain Bike Helmets of 2019 by SwitchBack Travel offers a comprehensive list of choices. With newer models landing in the $50 to $300 range, you're paying for:

  • Improved head coverage
  • Better safety technology
  • A snug fit
  • More protection

You'll find plenty of different colors, styles and sizes to choose from. The vast majority are ventilated, specifically designed for comfort, and aerodynamic so they won't slow you down. If this is your first time shopping for a helmet, visit a brick-and-mortar store to ensure a proper fit.

Mountain Biking For Beginners - A man and a woman riding a bike in KUHL cycling clothing.

Get A Grip

A good pair of gloves provides a better grip, protection from the elements and protection from injury. 10 Best Mountain Bike Gloves 2019 from Bicycle Advisor is a good resource for beginners and compares prices and features for some of the most popular brands. Models include those with and without full finger coverage (known as half-finger gloves). When it comes to cost, brands like Fox and Firelion are popular and pricey.

CheqFatTire Jill
KÜHL Cyclist Jill Cederholm wears full-fingered gloves in Cheq Fat Tire Festival

Finding The Right Bike

First of all, what's the difference between a mountain bike and a more traditional bicycle? Often called a road, street or racing cycle compared to a mountain bike, the definition is found right in the title. Without going into an unnecessary description or comparison between the two, there's one important thing to note: while a mountain bike performs perfectly fine on the street, the same is not true in reverse when it comes to a traditional bicycle.

It's important to find one a bike that fits you correctly, is comfortable, and blends with your style and drive. They're all designed to be rugged, handle rough trail conditions and perform to perfection under a variety of circumstances.

Mountain bike reviews from Adventure Digest divide models into the following categories:

  • Affordability - At just $300, the budget-friendly Vilano Blackjack 3.0 29er Mountain Bike is perfect for beginners
  • Children - If kids are part of your newfound interest, consider the HASA 18-Speed Kids Mountain Bike
  • Compact Storage - When space is limited, the Montague Paratrooper 24-Speed Folding Mountain Bike is an excellent choice
  • Lightweight Durability - One of their top choices is the BEIOU Carbon Fiber 650NB Mountain Mike

With a price tag of nearly $5,000, the Diamondback 5C Carbon Full Suspension Mountain Bike is highly recommended for its suspension, but should be considered only by the most serious of cyclists.

Avoid Trail Tribulations

There are literally hundreds of thousands of miles of mountain trails and dirt pathways found all around the United States and around the world for both bikers and hikers to explore and enjoy. Similar to other endeavors, if you were to start mountain climbing, you wouldn't attempt Mt. Everest on your maiden journey.

Beginners should check out The Best Mountain Bike Trail In Each US State For Beginners. From Alaska to Wyoming, you'll find Singletracks' number-one recommended spots to try out your new skills on a platform that won't be too challenging.

For Canadian travelers, tourists or even residents, consider Sacred Rides' 6 Canadian Mountain Bike Towns You Should Visit.

Worthy Wardrobe Choices

As the name suggests, when mountain biking, depending upon the time of year, location and other factors, temperatures may be a bit nippy when riding. Consider some of these wardrobe choices while out and about:

For more information on everything about mountain biking, check out GPX Adventures. You'll find details on the best mountain biking trails, hiking trails, outdoor gear and other useful data on this spectacular outdoor sport. Stunning scenery, luscious landscapes and breathtaking backdrops are just part of this amazing new adventure you're about to embrace.

Featured image by David Hellmann.

KÜHL Editor
KÜHL Editor

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