Mountain Bike Beginners ... Get Your Information here.

Mountain Bike Beginners

This portion of the website is designed to help Mountain Bike Beginners. The advice I offer would most likely not help Pro's and Semi-Pro's as they already have everything figured out. While not a Pro or Semi-Pro, I have figured a few things out about this sport and I am willing to pass them on to you.

Mountain Bike Beginners come in all shapes and sizes. I started when I was 49-years old. I rode up Strand Hill behind a 7-year old in Crested Butte, Colorado. A 66-year old mountain-biker crossed my path on the Prospector Trail in Saint George, Utah.

Do you have to be a super-athlete with massive legs to ride the trails? No way! Are you the proper age to try this healthy, exciting sport? Of course you are!

Old Mountain Bike Beginner Beginner
Mountain Bike Girl Beginner Beginner
MTB Scout Beginners Beginners

I chose mountain biking because it offered many of the same rewards as hiking, yet was faster paced. I found I could easily bike 20 miles of trail in the same time I could hike 5 miles, while experiencing many more streams, mountain vistas, waterfalls, and meeting more people. To read about how I got started in this pleasurable sport click: When I was a Mountain Bike Beginner.

When many people decide they want to try mountain biking, the first thing they do is go to their local department store or bike shop and buy a bike.

Futuristic Bike Department Store Bike?

You can get a much better bike for the same price (or less) if you have a little patience. This might sound kind of elementary but ... the most important aspect to enjoying this sport is to GET A GOOD MOUNTAIN BIKE!

Old Dutch Bike Don't Get This One

A quality bike can make all the difference in how you experience the trail. While I am not here to sell you a specific brand, I can help you decide the type of features you might want on a bike.

Wood Frame Bike Wood Frame Bike?

To read more information on this subject click: The Right Type of Bike for You.

Once you have determined the type of features you want on your bike, you must now set out a strategy for finding one. Are you the type that walks into a store and buys whatever the salesman recommends? I believe Mountain Bike Beginners can do better than that ... you just have to do a little research and be patient! I will share the strategy I used to get a great deal on a used bike. To learn more click: How to Buy Your Mountain Bike.

Yellow Mountain Bike Helmet
Yellow Mountain Bike Helmet

The next most important item for Mountain Bike Beginners would most likely be the helmet. I wore a helmet and it saved my life! Does it matter which helmet you get? Does the color really matter? Does the most expensive helmet offer more protection? How should the helmet fit? For some information about helmets click: Choosing a Mountain Bike Helmet.

Diodora Mountain Bike Shoe

For a couple years I mountain biked in tennis shoes, with platform pedals. After riding with bikers in Crested Butte I decided to get some cleated pedals and riding shoes and ... have grown to love it! To find out what I recommend please click: Mountain Bike Shoes and Pedals.

When I meet new riders I try to ask them questions. I am always trying to learn more about my sport. To read many of the ideas I have collected over the years click: Mountain Biking Tips.

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What is Mountain Bike Diaries?

This site is, in large part, my mtb diary, documenting my mountain bike trips for those interested in reading up before their own adventures. But it's called Diaries for a reason. This site is made exponentially more useful because of your own contributions. So ... got a ride story to share? Please do!


Joe's Best Rides

  1. Wasatch Crest
    -Park City, Utah
  2. Trail 401
    -Crested Butte, CO
  3. Rock Creek Canyon
    -Mammoth, CA
  4. Flag Creek
    -Crested Butte, CO
  5. Noble Canyon
    -San Diego, CA


Timely Tip




Who's Joe?

Joe Unden

That's me, Joe Unden, your guide on this site. Since 2005 my favorite activity has been mountain biking. In 2011 I decided I wanted to share my biking experiences with others online, to make it easier for people to learn about the trails I love.

You can learn more about me and what has led to this site here.

And, if you've got a mountain biking question you want to ask me, feel free to use the button below.