New to MTB?

Learn the gear and skills you need – and the etiquette and safety guidelines to follow.

Getting Started

Ready to have fun on the trail? Starting mountain biking can be pretty intimidating, but we’re here to help so you can have a blast. See you out there!

Mountain Biking Gear

Bike

No need to drop $5k on a new mountain bike. All you need is a safe bike equipped to ride off-road to get rolling.

SAFE – Your bike should be the right size for you and have working brakes and the nuts and bolts properly tightened. Take it for a test ride before heading out to the trails. If you have a new-to-you used bike or are dusting off one that hasn’t been ridden in several years, consider taking it to a bike shop to assess its condition and replace any damaged parts. Expect to spend $50-$250+ at the shop.

HARDTAIL OR FULL SUSPENSION – Front suspension is recommended, rear suspension is optional.

OFF-ROAD TIRES – Have 2-inch or wider tires with knobby traction on your bike.

PEDALS – As a beginner, flat pedals are a safe choice. Mountain bike flat pedals have little metal spikes that help you keep traction on the pedals.

BRAKES – Old school mountain bikes were equipped with rim brakes, but now disc brakes are standard. Disc brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic. Hydraulic brakes cost more, but are easier to operate. All types of brakes will stop a bike, the difference for the rider is how hard it is to squeeze the brake levers.

Bike

No need to drop $5k on a new mountain bike. All you need is a safe bike equipped to ride off-road to get rolling.

SAFE – Your bike should be the right size for you and have working brakes and the nuts and bolts properly tightened. Take it for a test ride before heading out to the trails. If you have a new-to-you used bike or are dusting off one that hasn’t been ridden in several years, consider taking it to a bike shop to assess its condition and replace any damaged parts. Expect to spend $50-$250+ at the shop.

HARDTAIL OR FULL SUSPENSION – Front suspension is recommended, rear suspension is optional.

OFF-ROAD TIRES – Have 2-inch or wider tires with knobby traction on your bike.

PEDALS – As a beginner, flat pedals are a safe choice. Mountain bike flat pedals have little metal spikes that help you keep traction on the pedals.

BRAKES – Old school mountain bikes were equipped with rim brakes, but now disc brakes are standard. Disc brakes can be mechanical or hydraulic. Hydraulic brakes cost more, but are easier to operate. All types of brakes will stop a bike, the difference for the rider is how hard it is to squeeze the brake levers.

Clothing

You don’t need a new wardrobe to get started, but here are some clothing and gear choices that will make you more comfortable and help keep you safe on the trails.

Clothing

You don’t need a new wardrobe to get started, but here are some clothing and gear choices that will make you more comfortable and help keep you safe on the trails.

HEAD – Get the lowest-priced helmet that fits you properly. There should be no movement once you snug it down. Your trusted bike shop person can show you how to fit it. Sunglasses help you see clearly when it’s sunny out, and also protect your eyes from tree branches, dust, rocks, and insects. Most cycling glasses have larger lenses in order to enhance your peripheral vision.

BODY –  Go for a breathable, moisture-wicking t-shirt or biking jersey up top and stretchy, durable bottoms. Many riders like padding in their shorts, and some mtb shorts come with low-profile chamois. Full finger bike specific gloves are a good idea for gripping the handle bars, wiping away sweat and crash protection. Knee/ elbow pads can be a skin saver but are not necessary.

FEET – Wear running shoes or sneakers, or upgrade to mountain bike shoes which have a stiff sole for easy pedaling.

PACKS – A backpack-style hydration pack with a bladder/hose system is a good option since it’s difficult to grab a water bottle during a mountain bike ride. The pack can also hold all your tools, rain jacket, and snacks. A regular pack or fanny pack paired with water bottles will also do the trick. 

Pack

Having the right tools & equipment (and knowing how to use it) can save you from a long hike out of the woods. Community Cycles offers affordable bike repair workshops. 

NECESSITIES

– Hydration pack or a backpack/ fanny pack and water bottles
– Spare tube in your tire size
– Air cannister & valve
– Tire levers
– Multi tool
– Phone (with map app)
– Snacks

NICE TO HAVE

– Rain jacket
– Tire pump
– First aid kit
– Sunscreen
– Duct or electrical tape
– Patch kit
– Quick link

IF YOU HAVE EXTRA ROOM

– Shock pump
– Tire sealant
– Chain lube
– Tire pressure gauge
– Light
– TP

Where to find a bike

Borrow from a friend

See if any of your friends have a bike you could take on a spin. They might even offer to show you the ropes and lead you on your first MTB ride!

Rentals

Try a mountain bike without commitment. Most bike shops offer rentals or bike demos by the day, costing $50-$125. Many shops offer a rent-to-buy program meaning that the cost of your rentals are deducted from the price of a bike should you buy.

Earn-A-Bike Program

Check out if you qualify for this program from Community Cycles.

Buying Used

Great deals can be found on used bikes, especially in an area like the Front Range. You’ll just want to make sure that the bike is in good condition and won’t need $100’s of dollars in repairs. Check out Craiglist, Facebook Marketplace, Facebook Front Range Bike Swap, and Pinkbike.

Buying New

Find a bike shop who treats you with respect and who really listens to your needs. A good entry-level bike should be about $700 for a hardtail to about $1500 or more for a full suspension bike. Hardtails are perfect for fire roads and smooth flowy trails. Full suspension bikes handle rockier terrain more easily. Our BMA bike shop partners are here for you.

Where and how to ride

Take A
Skills Clinic

See Where
to Ride

Know Trail Etiquette

Take A Skills Clinic

Learning fundamental mountain bike skills will help you ride better faster and with more confidence. BMA offers affordable skills clinics as well as some tips to get you started!

See Where to Ride

Check out the “I’m a total beginner. Where should I ride?” section on our Where to Ride page. You will find suggestions for true beginners and kids to start rolling.

Know Trail Etiquette

Good interactions means more open trails. Please take one minute to read our guide to trail etiquette before you get rolling.

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