9 Mistakes All Beginner Mountain Bikers Make

[@hanslidlwagen4115]

The very first time I did a long ride, about 25km, I never ate anything even before setting off. My last meal was like 10 hours ago. The only thing I ever drank during the ride was a half liter Pocari. I bonked like hell and felt like dying. Now I'm regularly doing 50km and always bring with me around 3x powerbar and 2L water

[@xaver.229]

My number one is buyng Cheap tools and Equipment .Not the most extensive stuff,but decent.

[@elrictdb]

Agreed, tools made of cheese just don't cut the mustard (sorry Blake!)

[@jewishmafia9801]

There's a saying that holds true for me and probably many others too: "The bitterness of poor quality remains long after the sweetness of low price is forgotten." too many times I was enticed by a cheap item only to be betrayed by it lol

[@LoeVG]

Cheap tools wear out quick and is a recipe to rounded bolts. Don't buy cheap tools!

[@dannylilley88]

Buy cheap buy twice

[@TheCharillz23]

Just like me snapping my chain, bending a tooth on my cassette.. couple smacks with a cold chisel and a second master link and Bob's your auntie.. I've rode another 600miles it's still holding lol..

[@garioch_gravel_rider7376]

Love how Rich always teaches you simple things in the most non-patronising way. Exactly what you need when you're learning.

[@E-MTBs]

Man, I found out about knowing your limits the other day. I got a brand new Canyon Spectral and wanted to see what it could do. I forgot the most important part is the rider's abilities. I am a beginner (former road biker) and I signed up for an intermediate trail ride with some black sections. I was dying trying to catch my breath and hiking around some technical sections. I could get through some of the tech sections once I stood up! Got the water, tools, tubes, and protection, and I am taking mtb lessons!

[@Gabesafish]

-Improper suspension air pressure and damping. -Wearing the wrong clothing for long, sweaty rides. Not wearing chamois, cotton shirt, chafing, bloody nipples, etc. -Exploring unfamiliar territory alone and without GPS. -Not protecting shins and or poor footwear choice when running flat pedals. -When riding inner tubes wheels, having air pressure too low and getting pinch flats. -Bad saddle position/height -Failure to clean bike, especially drivetrain after wet/muddy rides. -Laying bike down on the mechanical side -Waiting too long to downshift for sudden hills and then putting way too much power down as the bike is in mid shift, damaging drivetrain. -Contaminating brake rotors when cleaning bike. Using degreaser near wheel hubs. -Not experimenting with cockpit controls positioning. Living with a bad setup. -Using cheap bike carriers that rub the paint off of your bike frame. -Adding too many useless bolt/strap/clamp on accessories. Mirrors, frame bags, bar ends, etc. Leave that stuff for bike packers. -Choosing an aftermarket saddle based on how cushiony it is. - Tempting theft. Always keep your eyes on your bike or lock it up when you can’t. How many noobs get their new expensive bikes nicked soon after purchase? A lot! -Failing to bring some sort of light with you on rides where you may be out past sunset.

[@bryanpratico4173]

Someone has been riding for a while. All excellent, time proven tips for saving time, money, and body! Great post

[@rogernewman4465]

Lots of good advice here, thanks. I'm new to biking at the age of 50 and very quickly learned my limitations and the value of knee guards on my first ride: a red route in Dalby Forest! 🤕🤣🤣.

[@asquare9316]

I went to a real bike park in Connecticut (ski area) this past Sunday for the first time at the age of 66 (I've been riding through the woods for the past 30 years) and it was a completely new experience for me. My legs are still aching!! I bought knee pads, elbow pads, and a full face helmet before I went. Took a lesson right away (paid for 1 hour, but got 2.5 hours, really nice instructor) learned a bit and had a great day. Keep it up, Roger, it's alot of fun!!

[@darthjarjar2742]

@@asquare9316 that's awesome! I'm still pretty young hope I'm still mountain biking when I am 66 hope you keep enjoying the world's greatest sport!

[@asquare9316]

@@darthjarjar2742 thanks, you too. However, tbh mtb is the 3rd best sport, imo. Windsurfing/sailing is number 1 in the summer, late spring, early fall, skiing is number 1 the rest of the year/ haha

[@darthjarjar2742]

@@asquare9316 lol I can respect that

[@Xeniumnebula]

Thanks buying knee pads, elbow pads and a full face helmet

[@RoScFan]

Check your bike before ride is another thing. I had tyres blow out in the middle of nowhere. I replace the inner tube and when i inflated them.... a saw a massive bulge at the side of the tyre. I had no idea tyres even COULD wear out. My ignorance was off the SCALE! Replacing old parts, taking the bike to the mechanic 1-2 times a year for overall inspections and personally checking the bike before any major ride outside the urban environment: important lessons for any long distance rides.

[@StreetComp]

The scary side of MTB - years ago I crashed and hurt myself pretty badly alone on a trail that was probably too difficult for my skill level. I’m sure I’m not alone in this, but I couldn’t get a signal with phone and after a couple hours of painfully limping my bike towards car, my phone had died, I was out of water, sun was setting, I was getting a bit lost and that sense that I could be in actual trouble set in. Just before total darkness I came across a dirt road and a truck luckily drove by and he was nice enough to put bike in back and drive me to car. So it turned out okay but it scared me pretty badly and I always bring a fully charged phone and plenty of water and if alone I don’t ride anything too difficult that’s far from people and help.

[@charlie9ine]

Never be self conscious about wearing as much protection as makes you feel good. Crashes are part of mountain biking. Especially if your a bit older... scraping skin of your body gets a bit tired. A little extra protection gives you the confidence to ride a bit harder... and not stick to the sheets when you get into bed.

[@andrewchuck288]

Good, straight forward content. And if we be honest, we're all guilty of these things.😄

[@suspiciousninja1220]

speak for yourself

[@andrewchuck288]

@@suspiciousninja1220 sorry mate😁

[@gmbn]

We still make a few! 😂

[@kona6812]

2 spare tubes but no pump nor CO2 cap! Putting gras in the tire and riding 12km with it. Nice green juice in the tire! Never again, trued the rim for 1 hour ☹️

[@steffanoswald7917]

Some of this is basic knowledge if you’ve done any biking but, other things like body positioning and carrying water and food. Great advice!

[@robmdq]

I would add: Know your limits!!! My first mtb ride was almos 30 years ago, and it was literally bloody. Ten years ago i had a hip replacement, yeah, a prosthetic hip, so yeah, now i must restrain myself because the cost of a bad fall is way over my head. Still, it doesn't mean i enjoy any less my rides, i just have to ride on the safe side, it was hard and boring at the beginning but now i asure you i enjoy my "easy rides" a lot, what's most important is to learn to enjoy what your body can do, not what your mind wish you could do

[@robmdq]

have a hip prosthetic and don't believe me? It's ok, tell me after you need a surgery to put it back into place after a stupid fall. Been there, done that, not planning to do it again

[@mattg6198]

That is the first thing he talks about.

[@charlie9ine]

Dude, I’m 65. I was okay when I was younger, or just okay. I still love to ride hard and a good crash is what made me understand that this is a full contact sport. I’m lousy now but a small crash makes me smile.

[@zagg8687]

@@charlie9ine two weeks ago I learned that lesson by flying face first into a tree going 23 miles per hour 🤣 full contact sport indeed

[@dillbill4318]

You can’t add something that was already in the video

[@pierrebroccoli.9396]

Enjoy the ride. 😀 Bike set-up, get a shop to help and explain what and why if you can. Tire pressure - Very important, not too little and def not too much start round low to mid 20's PSI (lower if wet, higher if dry and hitting features).

[@idiotonbike]

My top 5 - Not carrying a multitool/spares!!! - Buying cool components.. i.e. 35mm stem and some fat DH casing tyres that makes the bike horrible - not expanding my riding (returning to one trail rather than trying new trails or experimenting with gravel adventure rides) - cheaping out on things, then buying again. I.e..a cheap helmet, then deciding to buy a proper helmet results in wasting money ok the first one. - not carrying enough water - always ending rides short.

[@asquare9316]

totally agree, esp. your points 2 - 4

[@billmccaffrey1977]

My first mistake was to buy a cheap off the shelf bike. I snapped off the crank on a rock (boulder). Fixed it (mistake #2) went out again and snapped the frame in half going through a deep creek bed. Making sure that you have SAFE equipment before getting started.

[@TheDarkElk]

yeah, its not a cheap sport so trying to cheap out can suck. atleast get a bike from a bike shop, not a department store.

[@awblyth]

I always take water rather than a flavoured drink, if you do fall or something gets in your eye then you have the means to clean up the damage and get yourself back on the trail. I often ride with my kids and its usually indispensible along with a few plasters as they are always getting themselves into scrapes.

[@rvnmedic2709]

Great refresher! So much to think about it's easy to forget a step or two in the beginning. Thanks a bunch!

[@maxwillson]

I bought my first bike, went down my first mountain and almost crashed twice, I apparently forgot to unlock my shocks LOL

[@david.stachon]

whoa, that rolling shutter at 1:39. :-D . ..Canon EOS R?

[@j1mbobable]

The background doesn't even seem real when they shake it

[@iangates147]

I used to carry water bottles on the bike frame, but found it annoying when they kept falling off. Now, I use a Camelbak water bladder, generally a 2L bladder, which I also carry snacks in the bag, and have extra fluids to drink when I finish riding.

[@simonm1447]

Water bottle holders work fine on road bikes, but probably not that good on a mountain bike :-)

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

Long walk of shame ALWAYS! I have dignity and I assume and take responsibility for my mistakes! (But then again, maybe I just wasn't too far for my dignity to give up!) 😂😂

[@msizimcanyana1414]

Very useful! I've derailed my chain due to multiple gear changes at once

Any wo'a?

[@johnbroman7134]

So helpful! Thank you!

[@cb6866]

Thanks Rich.....Peace

[@noturnleftunstoned72]

great help, thank you.

[@shaddolf6662]

Where's the best place to keep multi tool and such? Should I get a saddle bag or just wear a backpack?

[@AndreasUnderwood-em1bg]

It went together easily in less than an hour. kzbin.infoUgkxHL1v1R3NE5x4KiYfyt8dnQmyNYz7qi5L Make sure the front fork is forward or the pedals will hit the front tire. Tires are both a little soft so it needs air before I ride it. The rear wheel didn't come with a clamp regular bolts hold it on. The front had the clamp. No scratches out of box. Rims are a little off with a slight wobble. They could have spent more time with the spoke tool fixing the run out. So far out of the box I'm happy with it. I did replace the pedals with a nice aftermarket set. After riding it a bit my A$$ is a bit sore so I ordered another seat. Overall I'm nearly 60 and didn't ride a bike in 30 years. I like my new 29" Schwinn. It will be used for casual rides with my friend.

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

Great video! The pandemic caused a tsunami of new bikers out there!

[@spiderpimp33]

Yep, and I’m one of them. Lol! 🤙🏾

[@PedroFerreira-ze5yp]

@@spiderpimp33 so am I!

[@ltrtg13]

On the multi tool section. There is a third option the get home. A taxi. I have had to do this as my brother was at work and my didn't drive.

[@jfoster91784]

Valuable tips! Thx!

[@lossantoscity3249]

I made one of my Greatest Mistake at Lord of the Squirrels the Climb is mental 28k overall length on my GPS, Alpine Hill climb and Descent only brought one 700ML water. LMAO and it was summer blazin hot good thing there was springs along the way. I have no choice but to refill in the springs. i Drank like 3 Liters of spring water. What choice do i have. Took me 9 hours. It was Mental. Now with experience and a bit more fitter ill do it again next year.

[@jonnyscott7772]

The amount of mistakes we've all made have made us better riders and a friend didn't take any tools on a ride during the summer heatwave and had to push several miles back home

[@painpeace3619]

That light green t-shirt looks great...

[@aaz_m_t_b]

Thanks bro

[@jamesfiegel9675]

Good video lesson plans👍

[@stevenbrier5802]

Where was this filmed??? It's gorgeous!

[@alainhessch]

Crans-Montana, Switzerland

[@XNick291X]

Feeling so called out by this 🤣

[@bleack8701]

2 750 mil bottles every day before doing 20-25km with a friend so each of us has one. Though you're right. I should get a multi tool. Don't want to be 3 towns over, have questionable reception and have to ask for a lift

[@milanlyczak4664]

I recently got into mtb and don’t have any mates to ride with and don’t feel comfortable going to trails that are busy alone should I be worried about this or am I over thinking it?

[@iangates147]

Maybe over thinking it. I go riding by myself, but I'm always happy to chat to other riders that are on the trails. Picked up some valuable tips and information about mtb apps to use.

[@martindonnelly-gallagher450]

I completely understand this, anxiety plays a massive part in this. Got back into mtb about a year ago. Only just now started to pluck up the courage to go to the trails alone. I was lucky that my stepson is massively into it so started going with him and now eventually on my own. Just do what's comfortable for you.

[@ixiisnakeiixi]

8:53 there's a ufo flying around

[@1911Zoey]

What model of saddle is that from Ergon? I have only seen it here on GMBN and it doesn't seem to be available in the US or Asia.

[@JB-1138]

Anyone heard of Tour De Franzia? It's where a group of cyclists go about their bike ride, drinking box wine along the way. See, you remove the pouch of wine from the box. And carry it in your backpack. You can even drink it like a camelback. This is a tradition in Tacoma, Washington.

[@Danstheman1357]

Hey my home town, never did that tho

[@01gtlimited]

We also do this in Omaha!

[@mjbbell]

Yeah two sausage rolls from Gregg’s in the morning is a wrong move before a ride

[@snoopy10411]

What about the 'all the gear no idea brigade' I've seen newbies buying top of the range everything just because it's the most expensive, or because they are trying to go one up on someone else for some bragging rights or just for the bling, just because the pro's use it or the bike shop or a mate talked them into buying it and popping it all on finance and not having the skill to really to get the most out of it where something a third of the price would have been more than sufficient, or buying components that are super light weight but not very durable and very pricey to replace.

[@GoAndPractice]

Beautiful scenery. Where is this?

[@harrybryson1130]

Italy

[@Rafdalbigori]

Those are the mountains above Crans-Montana in Switzerland. It was most probably filmed during the Enduro round they had there a couple of weeks ago

[@GoAndPractice]

@@Rafdalbigori Ah okay... I realize I've been there then! I played at the Sierre Blues Fest a few years ago. Amazing place.

[@gromhub]

At what point do stop you considering yourself a beginner? I've ridden mtb for years but I still think I'm a beginner because everything changes so fast these days.

[@TetrarchTD]

whats the saddle that is on the nukeproof full sus? the ergon one. and is it comfortable on long distances?

[@Satorikn]

Josh, You got a cup of tea on you? (Josh shakes his head) AND WUH-UH?

[@Brendan95902]

Good advice, thanks!

[@gmbn]

Glad it was helpful!

[@BoyJorgey]

Hello! I'm a fairly new to the biking world and I started just a few weeks ago doing 2 rides a week. How much food can you recommend I eat before doing a 20-30KM bike run? My usual route is a mountain tarmac road and has a 250m incline from my house to my the end point. I usually experience bonking around 10KM spot. I try my best to rest before continuing or usually I just give it up and go downhill back to my house. It has been a hard wall for me since I am having a hard time overcoming that fatigue. I think I am getting tired very quickly compared to other cyclist. I currently have 180KM on my odometer.

[@madmaximum875]

my way to go was always to just get off the bike and push sections of the ride that were too exhausting for me. i'm quite on the chubby side but with that method i'm able to make rides with 40km+ and 500m incline. but it still took months to reach that... i have about 2000km in 2 years now since i been starting. just keep training, dont go too hard and over time you will become better and better.

[@stanleycraftsman8325]

I bought my rb with 2 bottle cage and 2 water bottle.cause its always summertime in philippines.

[@miless2111sutube]

Am I being blind? :) I can't see the link to the video about body position that was going to be in the description...

[@ajaybhandari1566]

Are you using a 2 piston or 4 piston brakes ? Can i have a idea !!!😀

[@woomywobble1053]

I'm the only one who falls among my friends, they call me mr. Wobblewheels.

[@TheAverageDutchman]

I would make a caveat on the helmet comment. It's not necessarily about buying the best you can afford, I would say "buy the most comfortable helmet you can afford within your requirements". That might not be the most expensive or "THE best" one. Try a load of em on and buy the one you actually like wearing, because what's the point in buying the bestest most expensive helmet if you hate wearing it?

[@davidgeorge7443]

Where are you filming?

[@KingPlayz_MC]

Number 2. My friend who doesn’t bring water and takes my bottle

[@himurarief]

1:41 any Wo Ah? 😆🙏🏼

[@superkartwaldo]

Love these guys, tricks and tips are great. Happy MTB, MTB is one of our favourite activities in between races, check us out to see more.

[@jimbo4203]

Don't worry how far or fast you go ! If you're not having fun, you're not doing it right

[@francoisrossouw1656]

I almost died on my first time out on the trails 32 deg celcius and not enough water.

[@mtbmadman187]

Bikepacking is a killer! My legs!

[@jamesfiegel9675]

Rode with a lot of newbies in groups that are good in other sports thinking they can master this one in one ride….fools always crash and get hurt😜

[@that_hq1818]

Hi

[@TheRSChippe]

Bonking is "fun" Latest 10km ride i ate someting every 30min (gels, bananas and Snickers).

[@dalphin121]

420 helps jk Ty for the tips

[@JB-1138]

It's fun to ride your bike and then take pit stops to smoke a joint. Bravo!

[@majapashit666]

I recommend u guys bring dates if u dont have energy bar

[@samschofield1445]

Hey guys love ur bids I literally made all of these😂

[@dvavnrmax5647]

Top 👍

[@charlie9ine]

Beginner tips are often a little bit lame. These were pretty good Rich.

[@richardpayne5176]

No worries dude, my pleasure 👊

[@charlie9ine]

@@richardpayne5176 Just to put this in context, I've been riding for over 20 years.

[@thebowtieguy777]

my biggest mistake is using a half broke bike i found in a ditch instead of saving for something fancy that has working brakes or derailers

[@davidbalay8975]

3.25 absolutely not me 3 years ago

[@davidbalay8975]

At least I learned from a few long walks home

[@THEBLACKANARCHIST]

Early morning

[@justdaddrums2704]

Two sausage egg and cheese and a large coffee...counterweight. Plenty of time for water and nuts later.

[@piotrstwora7607]

When we talk about breakfast good idea can be pouridge

[@UnEmploymentDude]

Keep my burgers out of this man.

[@entithicc1133]

touched a bicycle for the first time 1.5 months ago still didnt fall a single time

[@bartmullin8018]

Ride full rigid for one's first bike; you learn really quickly what works and what doesn't. Line-picking on climbs and descents, braking technique, etc. are are rewarded or punished far faster when one doesn't have suspension to coddle the new rider. Also, a decent rigid (or hard-tail) is far more accessable than a two-thousand plus dollar 'entry-level' full-suspension rig. Also, talk to actual humans/folks at your local bike shop and Not some Joe Shmoe online who may not know their derriere from a hole in the ground; too many 'experts' who in all reality are noobs who know absolutely nothing(!).

[@TheDarkElk]

full rigid no, hardtail yes, alot of people think they need a full sus when in reality they are riding flow and easy trails, You can ride blacks and some double blacks on a hardtail just fine, a full sus is for people going beyond that or trying to race.

[@bartmullin8018]

@@TheDarkElk Roll a rigid Karate Monkey (Surly) S.S. with 27.5+ tires and did first bike-packing trip not too long ago. Rigid forks give you more cargo space so, bias is more pro-rigid due to riding interests. Also, am familiar with additional post big ride aches/pains; generalized mild pain fine, pain in specific areas not so good... So far so good at fifty; just listen to body more (!). [Tylenol still my post-ride friend more often than it almost never wasn't in the past]

[@robmdq]

eggs and bacon is a must before a long ride, period!

[@robmdq]

oh, and a good beer for the ride!

[@adriantrowbridge7111]

Top 10 or 9 or is that a deliberate mistake?

[@FatbikeRepublicNL]

YES ... Get a multitool. Or ride with a buddy who carries tonnes of tool. :-)

[@Haik86]

fact is, when you have a proper englishman explaining stuff at the very posh-way possible, you know you are learning.

[@carvingtheway]

😁😁😁🎯💯

[@notchipotle]

I've been riding motorcycles daily for 11 years, I feel like mountain bike is harder because the center of gravity is really high and you can't touch the ground🤣

[@Xeniumnebula]

It does feel like that

[@dani2233]

Lol I use a skateboard helmet

[@MTB_FPV]

So a McDonald's and a coffee is a bad way to start a long ride? 😅

[@simonhocman2058]

How about then my legs shake?

[@bobothericefarmer1878]

E

[@porterdallenbach1639]

Nyeeet

[@themarauder6108]

I swear you guys posted something like this two or three years ago.

[@_adammrschnr_9515]

What age did the presenters start riding

[@user-sd2fz7ve4e]

when i started i was 4

[@patrickh4540]

I started at 56. I am stil 56 lol

[@asquare9316]

since other people have replied, I will too. I started riding (full rigid) mountain bikes 31 years ag0 at age 35. Guess how old I am? haha

[@user-sd2fz7ve4e]

@@asquare9316 😮keep it up, i am only 15

[@asquare9316]

@@user-sd2fz7ve4e you too, Petre

[@lioneldm5130]

Once i forgot my bike...

[@emanuelecarriero2132]

Thats next level 😂

[@harrycostelloe9656]

He says top ten but in the title it's top 9

[@wayneibay1903]

Ok

[@vtwl24]

Walk of shame? What's wrong with just walking once a while?

[@jmard24]

I actually ride better with a bunch of food siting on my stomach. I can ride alot longer without burning out that way.

[@TheDarkElk]

depends on the food tbh, some food will just make you throw up lmao

[@jmard24]

@@TheDarkElk I honestly find the most fattening , carb heavy meals I can. My body burns right through it. Did the same thing in the army before I took my physical fitness tests.

[@mikesimpson827]

Apologies, I Can Not Watch Rich As A Presenter.

[@benjobuenavista3550]

Any wHoo Aah