How to hop a log or rock on your mountain bike

We started a wiki a while back to share mountain biking "how-to's" on everything from mountain bike handling to maintenance and repair but since then we've realized the wiki format isn't really doin' it for us. Instead, we'll use the blog to share these articles and ask that our readers

How to change your MTB tire

Whether you're on the trail or in your driveway, it's no big deal to fix a flat mountain bike tire. In the ideal situation, all you need is a pump, tire levers, and a new tube. If your tire still has some air pressure left in it, release the air by

Mountain Bike Disciplines

When I started riding back in the early 1990s, there was basically just one flavor of mountain biking but today MTB categories can get a little confusing. I found this helpful chart over on the Turner website and I think it does a good job illustrating some of the divisions

How to Fit Yourself on a Mountain Bike Like a PRO

So, you're planning on purchasing or assembling your dream bike for the upcoming MTB season. What size should you choose? How long of a stem do you need? Should you get a setback seatpost? What's the right bar width? I'll try to answer all these questions and more in this

How to Find People to Mountain Bike With

From time to time we get requests for an online tool to help find mountain bike pals to ride with, and while we've considered the idea, there are just too many better ways for riders to connect. If you're looking for a new group to ride with this season but

How to Switch to Clipless Mountain Bike Pedals

Now that you know why you should switch to clipless pedals, all you need now are the right pedals and shoes plus a little bit of practice. Clipless Pedals and Shoes First, you need to buy the right gear: a pair of clipless pedals and a pair of shoes.As you can see

How To Clean Your Mountain Bike in 10 Easy Steps

Cleaning your bike after a ride can feel like a buzz kill but it doesn't have to take forever. Follow these tips and you'll get the job done quickly without damaging your bike. 1. Get your mountain bike dirty One of the reasons people end up doing more damage than good while

Hardtail vs Full Suspension Mountain Bikes

Hardtail or full suspension? This question comes up all the time on the Singletracks Forums so hopefully this quick list of the pros and cons of each of mountain bike style will help you decide which one will work better for you. My Perspective I will be 40 this year, and although

Leave No Trace Mountain Biking

"What does mountain biking mean to you?" This question is posed all the time in forums, blogs, videos, and magazines. It can be a tough question to answer because there are so many things that make mountain biking such a rewarding lifestyle. I know that for me, and for many of

How To Choose Your First Mountain Bike

Soon after getting bitten by the mountain biking bug, you will be ready to purchase your first 'real'mountainbike. The myriad of prices, models and types of mountain bikes available makes the process not unlike buying a car. This guide will give you the info you need to be an informed

Random Mountain Bike Tips and Tricks

Wanna look like a pro out on the trail? Here are 9 tips and tricks for getting dialed this spring. Tip #1:Line up the tire label with the valve - makes the valve easier to find. Centering the valve stem with the tire logo(s) makes it easier to find the valve when

How (Not) to Introduce Newbs to Mountain Biking

photo:oakridge.kval.com A TV newswoman in Eugene, OR does a monthly piece in which she engages in and documents her experiences in a variety of extreme, or somewhat extreme, sports new to her and her viewers. Recently, she tried mountain biking. For the piece, she contracted a local MTB guide/shuttle company to

Beginner Mountain Bike Trails, Western Edition: Part 1

When I first reviewed my favorite local trail here on Singletracks, I vividly remember what was written by the reviewer before me. He gave the trail one star, mostly bemoaning the lack of challenge, which I thought was funny given that the trail is anything but easy. Most people consider

Mountain Biking 101: Read the Path Ahead

How do you conquer those trail loops in one shot without having to stop over and over again to correct mistakes and catch your breath? You start out all excited to hit the singletrack today. After a bit of riding you are dodging tree trunks, going over bumps, and going around