Ok so you want to start or recently started montain biking nothing to it right! Get a bike, find some trails and ride. While that certainly will work I’m sure you have many beginner mountain bike questions. While this won’t address them all here are some of the questions that I have either been asked by beginners or asked myself when I started riding.
Full Suspension or Hardtail?
Of course to even get started mountain biking you need a bike and the obvious first question is what to buy. There are two types: Hardtail, front suspension only and Full Suspesion, Front and rear Suspension. As a begineer I would suggest considering only the following:
Cost: Full Suspension bikes are going to be more expensive then hardtails. So what is your budget? As a ballpark, a decent hard tail can go for $1,500 and full suspecion probably around double that $3,000. Of course you can always spend more, but these are what I would suggest as entry level costs (minimum) as you dont want to go too cheap. After all you do get what you pay for.
Trails: What are the most common type of trails near you? Smooth singletrack or chunky rocky GNAR. My guess is you wont be starting out on very technical trails which is where the full suspension would be a better choice. Also hardtails are typically (not always) more efficent at pedalling uphill so consider the terrain as well as your physical fitness.
Typically I would recommend a hardtail for beginners. Beginners aren’t usually riding as aggressive and you can get better components (drivetrain and forks) at a lower cost. Could always consider used as well for either but maybe take a freind that knows bikes along when you look at one.
Finally, suggest not overthinking this too much when just getting started. Once you fall in love with the sport you will always be looking for your N+1 bike (N being how many you currently have).
How should I haul my bike?
Ok so you just spent all this money on a bike, so dont just throw it in the backseat or bed of the truck. Many options for this exist so this is just a high level overview.
Best budget solution is a tailgate pad, however you need to have a pickup truck. If you do go this route these come in two sizes depending on size of truck so get the right one.
If you dont have a truck you need at least a vehicle with a hitch as te other option is hitch racks. These do get pricey rather quickly but again you arent just hauling your bike you are protecting it as well. The two main types are tray and hanging racks. Many versions of each exist out there so spend some time doing some research.
Probably the biggest factor for me was the number of bikes I could haul as I have a family of 5. Also if you run any shuttles (some one drives you to the top of trails and drops you off ) its nice to be able to haul many bikes. Personally I use a tailgate pad and can haul 6 bikes! Try finding any other way to haul 6 bikes for ~130 bucks.
Bottom line is this is an expense you need to be aware of as it truely is important. I have seen many bikes damaged because of not transportng properly, which is an easy way to bend a derailluer hanger. If you do bend a derailleur hanger you can use these instructions to straighten it.
Clipless or Flat pedals?
Easy one flat pedals. Never start with clipless. There is alot more bakground on this topic here, check it out.
Helmet?
Absolutely. And yes I do see people just getting started that show up without one.
Types of trails to start out on?
Start on some reatively mild (not technical/rocky) trails get used to riding hills, shifting, braking, etc. Ride with some firends that know the trails and can show you some tips during the ride. Dont start on anything too technical as it may actually deter you from the sport. Trust me with time you will get there.
What to take with you on a ride?
Check out this post for a list of items to carry on a ride!
Feel free to submit any beginner mountain bike questions that you have in addition to these here.
