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Mountain Biking Tips

A mountain biker navigating a rocky trail in a lush forest, surrounded by green trees and sunlight filtering through the leaves. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and biking gear, showcasing an adventurous outdoor activity.

Climbing is tough enough! Here are 3 ways to eliminate rear wheel slip

Learn three practical techniques from MTB coach Josh Whitmore to reduce rear wheel slip on technical mountain bike climbs through dynamic body positioning and movement.

A person riding a blue mountain bike is navigating between trees in a wooded area covered with pine needles. The biker is in mid-motion, leaning slightly forward as they approach a gap between the trunks, with a road visible in the background.

Nose wheelies might be a more practical mountain bike skill than we think

Mountain bike skills coach Josh Whitmore teaches us how nose pivots and front-wheel skills can help us navigate tight switchbacks and technical terrain.

A close-up image of a wrist wearing a smartwatch displaying health metrics, including heart rate variability (HRV) readings. The watch shows a current HRV average of 50 ms and indicates it is balanced, along with baseline values and last night’s average. The wrist is partially covered by a black glove, with a blurred background of outdoor scenery.

Don't stress over HRV: Here's how to look at the data

Heart rate variability tracking can indicate when riders need rest. And to improve it, you probably need less stress, not more miles.

See More Tips:

Beginners | Bike Fit & Setup | Fitness & Training | Health & Nutrition | Repair | Skills | Trail Building

Mountain Bike Skills

A mountain biker maneuvering down a rocky and wooded trail, leaning into the turn as they ride a black and teal bike with large tires. The scene features trees in the background and loose earth and leaves on the trail.

Conquer loose trail conditions: 3 essential mountain bike skills from a pro coach

MTB coach Josh Whitmore shares essential techniques for riding loose trails: proper body positioning, strategic braking, and smart line choice to improve control.

A mountain biker in blue athletic gear stands on a rock in a wooded area, holding his bike. The surrounding forest features tall trees and lush greenery, creating a vibrant outdoor setting.

Improve your MTB skills: Tips and flow state secrets from expert coach Josh Whitmore

Mountain bike skills coach Josh Whitmore discusses what separates good riders from great ones, how to practice skills effectively, and why being taller on the bike matters.

A mountain biker in a blue checkered shirt and patterned shorts leans into a turn on a woodland trail, with trees and greenery surrounding the path. Dust rises from the tires as he navigates the terrain, showcasing an action-packed moment in a natural setting.

An athletic stance and an open mind can go a long way toward perfecting your MTB skills

Mountain biking is not the place for a rigid body — or a rigid mind for that matter.

A person riding a mountain bike on a rocky trail surrounded by trees. The cyclist is focused on navigating the terrain and is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt, with shorts and sturdy shoes. The landscape features scattered rocks and sparse foliage in a natural setting.

These eMTB-specific bike skill tips will keep you riding smooth and fast

Skills coach Dylan Renn shares tips for transitioning your bike skills from regular mountain biking to eMTB riding.

A mountain biker traverses a winding dirt trail surrounded by lush green trees in a forest setting. The biker, wearing a helmet and a backpack, leans slightly forward as they navigate the path. Sunlight filters through the leaves, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

How to get better at turning your bike both directions

It's natural for mountain bikers to have a preferred side for low and high-speed turns. We asked the experts why, and how to fix it.

A cyclist in a black shirt and helmet rides a mountain bike on a pump track, navigating a curved section of the path marked with a red stripe. Lush greenery surrounds the track under a cloudy sky.

3 crucial MTB skills you can perfect at the pump track

Skills practiced on a pump track don't just transfer to flow trails — they're applicable on tech trails, too.

A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and padded gear for safety.

At age 55, Lee McCormack is still getting faster, and helping other riders do the same

"Professor Shred" shares his tips for unlocking next-level mountain bike performance... and bliss.

A mountain biker navigating a narrow, uneven trail surrounded by lush green ferns and foliage. The rider is wearing a helmet and a colorful long-sleeve jersey, carrying a backpack as they climb the trail on their bike. The scene captures the essence of outdoor adventure and mountain biking in a forested environment.

Climb the Steepest MTB Trails with These Skills, Tricks, and Tips

Ryan Leech teaches us how to climb the steepest trails on our mountain bikes.

A cyclist rides down a rocky, dirt path surrounded by greenery and trees, with a scenic landscape visible in the background under a blue sky dotted with clouds. The cyclist wears a helmet and is equipped with biking gear and bags.

Pro Rider Dylan Johnson on How to Descend Trails Better with Drop Bars

Mountain biker Dylan Johnson shares a few tips about racing and descending trails with a drop bar bike.

Mountain Biking Fitness and Training

A smartphone displaying fitness tracking data on a bed of gravel. The screen shows heart rate, sleep duration, steps taken, calories burned, and weekly activity stats including running and cycling distances.

Is Garmin Connect+ worth the money?

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A mountain biker performing a jump on a dirt trail surrounded by tall grass and trees, with a clear blue sky in the background. The rider is wearing a helmet and padded gear for safety.

At age 55, Lee McCormack is still getting faster, and helping other riders do the same

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A pair of feet wearing colorful sneakers, resting on a textured reddish-brown rock surface. The shoes have turquoise and pink laces, with visible detailing on the sides and soles.

In addition to mountain biking, do you run too?

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A young child in a blue shirt and helmet rides a Specialized Riprock mountain bike on a dirt jump track, maneuvering over a small ramp in a grassy park with trees in the background.

Mountain biking by the book: MTB might just be the perfect physical activity

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A smiling cyclist wearing a black and green cycling jersey and helmet is riding a mountain bike on a grassy trail, with a blurred background of other cyclists and a scenic rural landscape featuring fields and barns.

So, You Don't Have Time for MTB Training. Welcome to the Club

Two mountain bikers navigating a rocky trail surrounded by shrubs and trees, with a scenic view of hills and fields in the background. One biker is crouched over a green mountain bike, climbing uphill, while the other rides further down the path. The sky is partly cloudy and bright.

Mountain Biking Alone is Not Enough to Keep You in Peak Shape

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A runner's foot in bright red trail shoes navigating a rocky path surrounded by lush green trees in a forest setting.

I Can Ride my Bike 50 Miles, But I Can Hardly Run Two. What Gives?

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A cyclist walking a mountain bike along a rocky dirt path in a rugged, barren landscape under a cloudy sky. Sparse grass and scattered stones are visible, with hills rising in the background.

The Barriers to Mountain Biking That Make it Better

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A smiling cyclist wearing a helmet and a blue long-sleeve shirt is taking a selfie in a grassy area with a scenic view of rolling hills and a clear sky in the background.

How Weekend Warriors can Build MTB Strength and Fitness Like a Pro

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Mountain Bike Repair Tips

A cyclist kneeling beside a mountain bike, inspecting the rear tire, which is covered in white foam likely from a sealant for puncture repair. The background features a dirt path surrounded by greenery, indicating an outdoor biking environment. The cyclist is wearing a helmet and a blue shirt.

How to use a GÜP tire sealant inflator for mountain bike flats without the mess

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Three mountain bikers are gathered around a bicycle on a rocky trail. Two of them are inspecting the bike, while one is holding tools and working on it. All three are wearing helmets and appropriate biking gear, surrounded by dry grass and dirt.

Bike skills practice is important, but practicing this could actually save your ride

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Close-up of the drivetrain of a bicycle, focusing on a small electronic component attached near the rear cassette. The component is connected with wires and is secured to the bike frame, showcasing a blend of mechanical and electronic parts.

Dead SRAM AXS battery on the trail? This MacGyver 9V battery trick could save your ride.

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Close-up image of a hand holding a small mechanical tool with a black and gold design, featuring a knob and nozzle. The tool is likely used for precise applications, possibly in repair or manufacturing. The background is blurred, focusing on the tool's details.

Topeak TubiHead review: Smart pump head upgrade makes seating tubeless MTB tires easier

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A canister of Fix-a-Flat tire repair product is positioned on a wooden surface, with a bicycle wheel partially visible in the background. The can features a bright yellow design with text highlighting its use for sedans and coupes, and directions for easy inflation and sealing. Potted plants are also seen in the background, adding to the outdoor setting.

To my surprise, Fix-a-Flat works for bike tires too

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A close-up image of a blue valve cap sitting on a bicycle wheel, filled with soapy water, with part of the wheel visible in the foreground and a wooden surface in the background.

The Straz Sealant Funnel makes adding tubeless tire sealant simple

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A wooden A-frame sign displaying a bicycle wheel graphic and the word "SERVICE," pointing left. In the background, several vehicles are parked, with a grassy area and trees visible.

Mountain Bikes and Gear

How much do you spend on bike service each year?

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Close-up of a bicycle handlebar grip, featuring a light gray rubber grip with a black end cap, against a blurred wooden background.

How do I remove stuck bike grips? [Quick Question]

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Close-up view of a bicycle wheel hub featuring spokes attached to a black hub with a number "11" printed on it. The background is slightly blurred, showcasing a wooden surface, likely in a workshop or garage setting.

How to Service Your Mountain Bike Freehub at Home

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Mountain Bike Beginner Tips

A hand holding a Blackburn digital air gauge, checking the pressure of a bicycle tire. The gauge displays a blue light, and parts of the tire tread are visible in the background.

How Much Air Pressure Should I Put in My Mountain Bike Tires? [Beginner Tips]

Close-up view of a bicycle's rear derailleur and cassette, showcasing the intricate details of the chain and gears. The image captures the mechanical components on a bike against a blurred background of greenery, highlighting the bike's functionality and design.

How and When to Shift Gears on a Mountain Bike [Beginner Tips]

A mountain biker riding down a narrow, uneven path surrounded by lush green trees and foliage. The trail is lined with rocks and leaves, indicating a rugged outdoor environment.

When To Drop (and Raise) Your Bike Saddle [Beginner Tips]

Close-up of a mountain bike's suspension fork with a blue adjustment knob and connected cables, set against a blurred background of autumn leaves.

When Should I Lock Out My MTB Shock or Fork?

A mountain bike leaning against a trail, surrounded by lush green foliage and grass. The bike features a black and orange frame with blue accents, showcasing its rugged tires and gear system. The scene is set in a natural outdoor environment, suggesting an ideal location for biking adventures.

The Advantages of Starting on a Hardtail: Real Versus Imagined

Two mountain bikers are competing on a dirt pump track, maneuvering over a series of bumps. One rider, dressed in red and black, is leaning forward as he pedals, while the other, in black, is airborne above a bump. The background features a park setting with trees and spectators observing the event.

How Often do you Mountain Bike at Your Limit? [Survey]

A view of a mountain biker navigating a winding dirt trail through a wooded area. The foreground shows the handlebars of the bike, with a display screen showing speed and distance. In the background, the cyclist is seen riding away, surrounded by tall trees and scattered autumn leaves on the ground.

3 Ways Data Analytics Can Help Mountain Bikers Improve and Have More Fun

Three mountain bikers riding on a dirt trail through a wooded area. One cyclist is airborne over a jump, while the others are navigating the track. The scene features lush green trees and foliage, indicating a vibrant outdoor setting.

Enjoying Group Mountain Bike Rides With Slower Friends Can Benefit Everyone

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