Tech tips »
Getting ready for the cycling season
In many parts of the world, the mountain biking season doesn’t really heat up until the wet and / or snowy winter conditions hibernate and cyclists start to brush off the dust and cobwebs from their rides. Of course, as local riding spots start to dry out, plenty of people are breaking in new rides and getting comfortable with new frames, forks, and other bits.
All of this stuff can be overwhelming if you haven’t done it before, and it can be a bit of a handful even if you have. To that end, I’ve compiled lists of past TBH entries that should help you on your way and get you rolling for a summer of shredding, charging, hammering, or whatever other way you describe mountain biking.
Getting started
- How to find the right bike helmet
- Making your first mountain bike purchase
- How to fit a mountain bike for a woman
- Buying a used mountain bike
- How to find the right saddle for your bike
- Dream cross country bikes
Recommended tools for keeping your bike going
You should be able to find most of these tools at any decent local bike shop.
- Essential tools for working on your mountain bike
- Essential tools for your trailside repair kit
- Optional mountain bike tools and accessories
Bicycle maintenance tips and techniques
- How to fix your mountain bike
- Regular bicycle maintenance saves you money
- Cleaning dirty bike parts helps them last longer
- Quick cable lubing tip
- When to replace a worn chain
- Setting the brake lever position on your bike
Honing those bike handling skills
Before you head out into the hills to huck large and jump the light fantastic, practicing some basic bike handling skills will help you shake off the rust that formed during the winter and give you a chance to get back ‘in touch’ with your bike before the season begins in earnest.
Be prepared for the weather
Spring riding conditions are nothing if not unpredictable. To that end, be sure to prepare for all different types of weather so you don’t get stuck in a tight spot that requires outside assistance to get you going again.
While these lists are anything but complete, they should get you moving in the right direction. The most important thing to remember is that we’re at the start of the season so go easy now and really give ‘er after you’ve been on the bike for a couple of months — the last thing you want to do is try something prematurely and break your body and /or bike.