Talking Truths About Mountain Biking

For some people, mountain biking is more than a pastime. It is a way of life. Many of us experienced riders are aware that there are some topics in the MTB community that we just don't really talk about. We're going to talk about them today! When we talk about our love and passion for the trails, there are some things that come to mind that are not always negative.

1. Bicycles Need To Be Maintained.

Like cars, bikes need routine maintenance. This may require servicing your front fork every few months (when was the last time you had your suspension serviced?) depending on how frequently and vigorously you ride. Among many other maintenance requirements are chain replacements a few times a year.

And let's face it, maintaining a bike is not inexpensive. Fortunately, you can learn how to do a lot of it yourself, but the parts are still expensive, so you'll need to replace them frequently and service components like the front and rear suspension, the brakes, and the dropper post frequently if you want to keep your mountain bike in top condition and get a good 3–4 years out of it.

2. It's Vital To Continue Stretching & Cross-Training

It's crucial to engage in some different types of exercise, such as lifting weights, swimming, climbing, or other sports. Biking doesn't do much for the core or arms, but it does engage a lot of the leg, hip, and lower back muscles.

Consider including three to five times a week at-home workouts. Stretching and doing short exercises can help you maintain your other muscles. Visit one of our other blog posts to learn about some stretches that can be of assistance to you.

3. Your Legs Will Forever Be Marked

Rarely does a ride end without at least one angry red sagebrush scrape or bloody pin hit on your lower half. Your legs won't be unharmed if you bike, especially if you ride frequently.

The terrible small pins that are 'supposed' to keep your feet attached to the pedal frequently bite your calves, shins, and even other areas that seem impossible. This is especially true if you opt to ride on flat pedals (as opposed to clipless pedals).

4. You Will Always Have Bike Envy

There will always be a better, newer, cooler bike to ride. You'll think "this is the best bike ever" with every upgrade. and you'll wish you had waited when you see the new model with the improved geometry in six months.

You guys, bike envy is a genuine thing.

5. Everything Seems Scarier Than It Actually Is

We're not telling you to jump off that massive drop right now, but once you muster the bravery to ride something—be it a big drop or a skinny line—usually it's not as difficult or terrifying as you imagined. When you do something once, you can usually repeat it without issue. The hardest part is getting past the fear.