Getting started with mountain biking, especially if you’re coming from road cycling or have little experience on rough terrain, means approaching a completely different learning curve. But don’t get discouraged: MTB can become a second playground, where technique, control, and variety offer a unique dimension to cycling. In this article, we present 5 essential things to know before getting started with a mountain bike.
1. Forget steady pace
On a road bike, you’re used to maintaining a stable rhythm, often based on watts, anaerobic threshold, or heart rate zones. In MTB, everything is much more irregular.
Short and steep climbs, technical descents, tight corners, natural obstacles: your body must constantly adapt. You can’t just switch to autopilot in one zone and pedal. You’ll need explosiveness, the ability to accelerate again, and most of all, adaptability.
How to train:
- Include HIIT sessions on unpaved trails
- Do repeated short climbs on uneven terrain
- Work on accelerations coming out of corners or slope changes
Get used to “active recovery”: in the slower phases, you need to adjust your posture, manage your breathing, and anticipate what’s next.
2. Managing your MTB based on the terrain
You may have 350 watts FTP, but without technique, you’ll get stuck at the first wet root. MTB is not just about physical ability: it requires balance, terrain reading, and fluidity. Your center of gravity is constantly shifting, and your weight distribution must adapt to the terrain.
🔼 On technical climbs
- Stay seated to maintain traction on the rear wheel
- Move your torso forward to keep the front wheel grounded
- Use a smooth cadence, avoid jerking, and adjust your gearing based on traction
🔽 On descents
- Heels down for better stability
- Look far ahead to anticipate obstacles
- Arms bent, let the bike move underneath you
- Stay relaxed, absorb shocks with your arms and legs
➖ On neutral terrain (flat but technical)
- Pedals horizontal, balanced position (3 o’clock / 9 o’clock)
- Centered weight, not too far forward or backward
- Active position: slightly bent legs, mobile hips
- Modulated braking, before obstacles (not during)
Tip: Train on varied terrain and don’t hesitate to dedicate an entire session to technique. A few small adjustments can radically improve your control… and your enjoyment.
3. Initial bike setup: suspension, pressure and comfort
The modern mountain bike is a mechanical masterpiece, but it only performs at its best when properly adjusted – and tailored to your riding style. A good initial setup will let you ride more smoothly, comfortably, and safely.
Tire pressure
The right pressure depends on your weight, terrain type, and tire volume:
- Trail / All-Mountain: 1.4–1.6 bar in tubeless is a good starting point. Less pressure offers more grip but increases the risk of pinch flats.
- XC / Cross-Country: slightly higher pressure, usually between 1.8 and 2 bar, to reduce rolling resistance.
Use a reliable pressure gauge. Adjust slightly between front (lower pressure) and rear (higher pressure) for better grip and more stability.
Suspension settings
- Adjust the SAG (the amount of compression under your body weight at rest) to 25% to 30% of total travel.
- Use a high-pressure pump made specifically for suspension for more accuracy.
- Check pressure regularly, especially after big temperature changes.
- If your bike has dials (compression, rebound), start in “open” mode if you’re unsure about the settings.
Brake position and comfort
- Set your brake levers slightly angled downward, aligned with your forearms in riding position.
- Make sure your position on the bike lets you stay in control on descents without straining.
What is the optimal tire pressure for bikes?
4. Quick pre-ride check
Even with a good initial setup, it’s essential to spend a few minutes checking your bike before every ride. These simple checks help avoid unpleasant surprises and keep you riding safely.
- Tires: Make sure they’re still properly inflated. If you haven’t defined your ideal pressure yet, refer to the previous section.
- Headset play: Hold the front brake and gently rock the bike back and forth. If you feel movement in the handlebars, tighten or have it checked.
- Chain: It should be clean, lubricated, and rust-free. A neglected chain increases the risk of breakage or derailment.
Don’t forget your basic gear: a spare tube or tubeless kit, a pump, tire levers, a multi-tool with chain breaker, water, a charged phone, and some snacks. If the weather is uncertain, bring a waterproof jacket too.
5. Brake less, brake earlier, brake better
Braking is one of the most overlooked technical aspects for beginners – and yet one of the most crucial for MTB progression. Knowing how to brake properly means more safety, control, and flow.
Classic mistake: braking too late and too hard
Many cyclists brake at the last moment, often in panic, which can cause:
- Front wheel lockup (loss of control and crash)
- Rear wheel lockup (uncontrolled slide)
- Braking mid-turn, which causes the bike to skid
Golden rule: brake before the turn, not in it
Always anticipate. Brake on stable, straight, and predictable ground. Once in the turn, focus on your line and grip.
Basic braking technique
- Use one finger (index) per lever to keep a solid grip on the handlebar while controlling your braking
- Brake progressively, not suddenly. Start gently and increase pressure if needed
- Shift your weight on descents: lower yourself, move hips slightly back, and bend arms. This gives you more stability and reduces front wheel load
- Use the rear brake more to slow down, and the front brake to control – but don’t lock it
Confidence comes with experience
Start on rolling or gently sloped trails. Practice braking early and smoothly, and pay attention to how your bike responds. Over time, you’ll develop the instinct to brake at the right moment – without losing speed unnecessarily.
6. A trail doesn’t have to mean jumps or extreme descents
Many people avoid MTB thinking it means jumping off rocks or tackling drops. That’s not necessary. There are flowy trails, beginner-friendly routes, and rideable paths with minimal technical slope.
How to choose a good trail:
- Use Trailforks, Komoot, or Strava to evaluate difficulty
- Start with green or blue trails
- Avoid riding after heavy rain or on muddy terrain
Conclusion
MTB can greatly enrich your overall sports experience. You train differently, develop new skills, connect more with nature, and rediscover the joy of pedaling. Yes, it takes adjustment. But if you approach it gradually, this discipline gives back a lot.
And the most important thing when starting MTB? Have fun! And if you’re with friends, even better – sharing the ride makes the experience all the more rewarding. Learn, explore, enjoy – the rest will come with time.
Have you already added off-road goals to your 2PEAK plan?
Log in to your profile and choose your next MTB challenge in the race calendar. Your plan will automatically adjust.
Happy training!