| Even if there are no mountains where you live, it can | | | | of them, of course, and that they're not just |
| make sense to buy a mountain bike, just because of | | | | "beaters." |
| the security they provide, even in urban areas. And | | | | Are you a beginner? |
| there's always the chance of a weekend ride in the | | | | If there's any mountain biking in your area, chances |
| country. | | | | are there'll be a club or two, which will cater to |
| If you're a bicycle enthusiast, but have only tried | | | | beginners. The best thing to do is seek out your local |
| cycling on the road, it's time you gave mountain | | | | bike shop. Anyone there can tell you what goes on in |
| biking a try. By mountain biking, I mean more than | | | | your area. In addition, most bike shops will have |
| heading down an actual mountain - although that | | | | racks featuring the brochures of local clubs, and bike |
| what most people think about when they hear the | | | | maps of the local trails, for free. |
| phrase "Mountain biking." | | | | Practice makes perfect |
| However, mountain bikes - light bikes with fat tires | | | | If you're not in shape - you can get in shape with |
| and front suspension - make it easy to go cross | | | | mountain biking... if you make a concentrated effort |
| country riding as well. | | | | to do so. Set yourself goals of miles to ride each day. |
| So even if you live in an area that has no mountains - | | | | If you don't have the time to ride an hour or so |
| get yourself a mountain bike anyway! Those fat tires | | | | everyday, but if you have a steep hill near your |
| make for a nice ride - and as long as they're properly | | | | home, you can always spend ten minutes or so doing |
| inflated they can go almost as fast as the thinner | | | | wind sprints up and down that hill. This will increase |
| tires of road bikes, but you don't need to worry | | | | your stamina and strengthen your leg muscles no |
| about going up curbs or down curbs. | | | | end. (Make sure you check with your doctor to |
| There are three styles of mountain biking - the one | | | | make sure you have no health problems that would |
| everyone thinks of which is downhill riding, free riding, | | | | limit vigorous exercise.) |
| and cross country. If you're a professional cyclist or a | | | | Don't get on a bike and then find the toughest trail |
| dedicated amateur you'll want to buy a bike | | | | and through yourself down it. Start with beginning |
| specifically designed for each style, but if you're a | | | | trails and work on your skills for a while. |
| casual cyclist who'll want to try one style one | | | | Staying safe |
| weekend and a different style the next, any good | | | | Riders fall. Face it - it's going to happen. So the most |
| mountain bike will do. | | | | important piece of equipment you have, after a good |
| Most people will buy a brand new tool whenever | | | | bike - is a good helmet. Never buy a used helmet - |
| they take up a brand new hobby. This is a mistake. | | | | you don't know what's happened to it. Also of use to |
| Examine yourself. Have you done this in the past - | | | | the mountain biker are goggles or other eye |
| decided on a hobby, bought all the equipment, used it | | | | protection, elbow and knee pads, and good shoes. |
| once - then stored it in your garage and never used | | | | Always carry a few dollars and some change in a |
| it again? | | | | pocket so you can call for help if need be, and make |
| So, if possible, rent a bike first - indeed, in so doing | | | | sure you have identification on you at all times. (That |
| you'll be able to try out quite a few bikes and decide | | | | last bit of advice is good for any type of biking, or |
| on which one you'd like to buy. Make sure that the | | | | jogging, come to that!) Always be prepared for the |
| people renting you the bikes have taken proper care | | | | worst to happen, and then it [probably] never will. |