I Took A TikToker Mountain Biking For The First Time!

Thanks to Competitive Cyclist for Sponsoring this experience. Use code PUNTER15 for 15% off your first purchase by clicking here (restrictions apply) 👉 bit.ly/3iab6BI
Taking someone mountain biking for the first time might not be as easy as you think. I’m here to try that experience for myself with Quin, a content creator on Tiktok. We’re going to get her set up with a suitable bike, go through the first skills needed and then find some suitable trails to ride down.
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Check out Quin on TikTok right here 👉 / quingable
Grab your Merch here 👉 bit.ly/PunterStore
Follow me on Instagram too: @paulthepunter
/ paulthepunter
Connect with me on Strava: / strava
Thanks to my sponsors Giant Bicycles, Shimano, Kenda, Lazar and OneUp Components!
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[@PaulThePunter]

Use code PUNTER15 to get 15% your first purchase right here at Competitive Cyclist 👉 bit.ly/3iab6BI

[@violetarosacenawhetherupda28]

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[@soveryrina]

HI! Check your email plz! :)

[@The_Sampler]

Fun video Paul! Definitely feel like taking someone out for their first ride every now and then is a great way to stay grounded as we continue to delve deeper and deeper into mtb. And btw, and I could be wrong here for sure, but I think that we run sag because suspension is all about smoothing out the trail and keeping traction, which applies to both bumps AND dips, so when we go over essentially the opposite of a bump (When the ground dips down instead of pops us), we need there to be some suspension to extend into it and help keep our tires touching the ground!

[@PaulThePunter]

Wise words Alex! I think you're right...it's so complicated to explain to someone who has zero idea 😂

[@rickywoods3101]

@@PaulThePunter ya, there is so much information at first it's best to avoid a lot of details at first, unless they have experience with motocross or tuning other suspension. I have Noticed explaining suspensions , especially ones like fox factory with the grip 2 is almost impossible. edit: though I do work with a very smart mechanical engineer and he understood it completely the first time I explained it ..

[@chemicallust77]

Hey Alex...for a while I was starting to think you were abducted by aliens...lol....good explanation for sag too...it helps keep the tires grounded

[@hazepheno925]

@@rickywoods3101 Most 'normies/newbs' don't know the difference between Damping and Dampening.

[@rivercloud33]

Make a video Alex

[@MrFester63]

Great video. I've watched TOO many experienced riders introduce MTB to newbies, having forgotten what it's like as someone new (scary, awkward, confusing). Most don't return. Remember; 1)go at their pace, 2)DON'T overwhelm with trails OR information/corrections, 3)keep it light and fun, 4) know when to take a break and call it a day long before they burn out. MOST importantly, remember, it's about them, not you (you can ride your a$$ off later).

[@TheCrashingDad]

Quin easily had a much better first time experience than most of us 😂 my first time made me want to quit… Good thing she had Coach Paul around 😎

[@PaulThePunter]

I'm just here for the people

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Getting a tow up the road certainly helps. 😀

[@miltonrojas7698]

You also have to remember that she has a bike already, so it's not her first bike ever, she's also does snow boarding

[@zpguy]

I like the way you introduce people into the joy of mountain biking. Great work Paul!

[@oldshovel]

Great video and advice. Thanks Paul.

[@alhypo]

This is a great video for experienced riders to watch who are planning to take a newbie riding as a reminder to keep it simple and easy. And it's great for newbies to watch so they can see how much fun it is.

[@roberttemme6162]

Paul, you are the Santa Claus of mountain biking! You're always helping someone out with gear. You Rock! Bob T.

[@KestrelYI]

Solid video, Paul! Teaching new folks is hard and you mentioned a few things that I think were rather helpful. (Really appreciate the tip about 'not too many experts trying to give advice.' That makes a lot of sense!)

[@m2graphics]

Thank you for the flood of memories I got back when I saw the shop you were in! I went to Over the Edge 20 years ago on a trip riding around Colorado and Utah when I was in high school. I still remember the glitter painted RM Slayer they had and how awesome I thought it was.

[@SunshineCoastAnt]

Great video Paul!!! As someone who’s been “riding” bikes for over 30 years I still find these types of videos hugely entertaining and educational. Personally I’ve only had a dropper post on my bike for 6 months and I know I still don’t use it properly most of the time🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@Nick_CF]

I was watching a video you did a bit ago about being burnt out on biking or bored with it as you said. After watching, I tell you, taking someone knew out is probably THE best thing to rekindle your love of riding. I mean its like magic.

[@pauls3616]

Great video Paul. Quin was the perfect person to take out for a ride being athletic with a positive attitude. Thanks for the video and Merry Christmas.

[@brunomfduque]

The evolution !!! Love too see content like this !!!

[@BengLang84]

Great vid Paul! Merry Christmas and Happ holidays! 🎄😀

[@Schbouygan]

This is reminded me of when I first took my wife mountain biking. She wanted to use he Walmart roadmaster cruiser bike, granted it did have gears and "suspension". I was like "no" we renting you a bike so you have a good experience and want to keep riding. I did the same following her and instructing while not trying to be overbearing. We ended on a black flow jump trail (Enticer) and she instantly loved riding. First ride is a critical in instilling a positive association with mountain biking. Well done.

[@alejandronovelo1265]

Hopefully Quin will do a crossover with you on van life. Awesome concept on introducing a fellow vlogger to a new experience. And Merry Christmas🎄🎅

[@kiwibob72]

Hmmm ... 'Paul The Player'?? LMAO!! ;) (seriously though, keep up the good work dude!!)

[@chadwilson4696]

Nice video and that is a good place to teach someone to ride. Great pointers here. Especially looking ahead. I think it is totally okay to cover brakes with 2 fingers. I know you were making an informational video here with so many pointers shared. I would caution teachers to not give more than 3 items to focus on for total newbies per ride (unless the rider asks for more). She is a natural rider! Thanks for getting more people into this wonderful sport Paul!

[@missjibbfully]

Got my partner trying mtb this summer. We took it easy in a tempo they were comfortable with, rode an easy trail and had a few breaks as they have asthma. Instantly hooked and ended up buying an own bike.

[@erikludinghaus5361]

What a perfect Video. Love youre Videos. Merry Christmas 🎄

[@PaulThePunter]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@GaffedTappedGlasses]

this video is well made, keep it up Paul.

[@JDR71326]

Wait till u show her the prices

[@CantTalkImRiding]

Parking lot skills check and warm up is a great idea. Doing that at home in the street and over curbs is great too.

[@Yoda-em5mt]

Nicely done Mr Punter it is super complicated riding a mtb properly and there is so much info its really easy to overload a newbie i was a mtb instuctor for almost 20 years and the one thing i alway told new riders was just tell me to shut up if its to much. A lot of people dont realize there is a big differance in being able to ride a bike and ride it properly/safely and yes tyre pressure is crucial lol.

[@Jacobonabike]

Great Video Paul! This was cool!

[@llullwllallkll]

n8ce to see you back paul..☺️ merry xmas!!! stay safe ✌️✌️✌️

[@eldowning]

Great video! I ride at 18 Rd all the time and Over the Edge is my local bike shop! Love those guys!

[@TheMediocreMountainBiker]

Great video and great advice regarding new riders. 👀 Looking ahead is so hard to remember, even for seasoned riders. It’s even harder when your trails are heavily wooded. 🌲🌴🌳

[@PaulThePunter]

Absolutely!

[@jasonmccune9313]

Great to see someone that knows nothing about this sport give it a go! Love that excitement you introduce them into and see it on their face.

[@OutdoorGold]

Awesome vid! Wish I could have been of some use when you were in GJ! Thanks for showing off local legend OTE Sports!

[@Wade970]

Kessel & PBR, two great beginner trails! Nice job!

[@mrvwbug4423]

"perfect mellow grade" *laughs in Zippidy* haha. She definitely picked it up fast, I've watched people walk sections of PBR even though it is quite easy. Hope to see some more videos from the area, Fruita is only 5 hours away for me so I will head out a few times each winter and hit 18rd and Kokopelli loops.

[@Steve-O-NC]

As always a great video. Also the view in this one look great 🤗

[@PaulThePunter]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rahulgupta2707]

Great video. Rad that you show patience with her. Not to mention she’s super cute!

[@stevencole7331]

I take my daughter out once a year when she comes home for the holidays . I have her ride an ebike as she doesn't ride enough to have the fitness to have fun . The ebike gives her a smile . The problem for her is sore butt which she needs more time in a saddle .I took her in the rocks that she was apprehensive but she survived

[@shawnpagan]

Great bike shop as well... They have been great for us when in Fruita as well.

[@tomb2289]

great look at how we can encourage others into the sport without info overload, cheers!

[@rayred74]

Dropping heals on level pedals and also foot position on flat pedals - keep the foot arch on the pedals to help them scoop later when they start jumping (newbies tent to put the ball of their feet on the pedals)

[@pace_tracker]

This was a really good video. Try to image my self as first timer! Good pointers!

[@gabrieldredding9408]

Love these videos

[@GiulioMacchinelli]

Please episode 2,maybe with some jumps, loved the video

[@brendan1]

Excellent video Paul! Did she also get to keep the bike? Maybe she'll add mountain biking to her TikTok videos now. I wish I could convince my kids to come mountain biking with me.

[@theslightlyhillyrider969]

I'd like to add on trail grades: obviously if you're in the UK, then it makes more sense to start on a blue than green (due to our greens being barely mtb trails, and the blues being easier, due to having a red grade)

[@anthonywalters7434]

I find that sag can depend a bit on riding style, not just manufacturer recommendations. I run slower rebound than all of my friends but also less sag. I run closer to 20% front and 25% rear. On my fox 38 perf. I run seven clicks from the slowest setting and I run only two clicks on my DPX2 perf. Elite out back. I find that the suspension likes to sit into it’s mid-stroke on super fast tech and it makes the bike very stable while still letting me pop quickly off of side hits and huck to flat without getting bounced.

[@TheMTBGrind]

If you ever get the chance, you've got to get to Tasmania in Australia! Unbelievable trails!

[@jmrtinez69]

Love her shoe selection!

[@radost0514]

i like that you do this stuff for people! man ! i hope more 'big mtb chanels do this...some of them can even give bikes...but the agenda is big homes from mtb chanel so ...little chance there! so pls keep it up! put more people in mtb!

[@williammarshall5651]

i wish i was introduced to mtb on such a nice bike

[@B1KER]

Fun video man. I honestly didn’t want to click it by the title, but took a chance. Turned out to be a good story.

[@originalninjapirate]

back in the day I used to run gazzaloddi 2.6 tyres with 10 psi front and 14 psi rear its and old school free ride setup

[@mopedvieh]

Sag is important in order to allow the suspension to be de-weighted for example when riding through a ditch or a pothole.

[@Chrisb8s]

Those trails look great but why full suspension for a first timer ? I love all the advice. Great video.

[@xnirvanaXnevermindx]

Damn.. maybe my friends are assholes for taking me down a black my first time

[@phoenixkotsapa2099]

bro what lol did you get hurt?

[@xnirvanaXnevermindx]

@@phoenixkotsapa2099 no haha, just got off trail a few times. luckily i had practiced a lot of drops to flat, went down plenty of stairs ans even knew how to british bunny hop

[@willeaton2592]

Lol I love how you care so much abt tire pressure. I just pump it up until it’s firm

[@donshilo2024]

You awesome for teaching her she might loves it after this.

[@Chiby2510]

To watch teaching beginner to ride mtb. It will get more people to ride bikes. It's good to watch you use ebike just for teaching newbie & assisting them to go uphill. Way to go Paul.

[@R3ddyyg]

I brought a friend who wasn't a complete newbie on what i would consider a blue trail with some red features that you can skip on his first ride. He nailed it! Until he began pushing a little too much and crashed, i got it on video so it's fine

[@ripplingovercanyons8425]

Nice video. You were patient and supportive. I would have given a little more instruction on braking: brake before sharp turns, not in them so your front wheel doesn't wash out, etc.

[@iteleski2]

I have taken people out that aren't familiar with this type of riding and have to say it is satisfying to get them addicted!

[@CaliradoKid]

Quinn now officially knows more about bikes than me. 😂

[@PaulThePunter]

Just keep that suspension wet

[@edgarcastillo7005]

The interview portion angle looks so familiar ive seen it from a site somewhere...

[@DaveLivesey]

Most important thing in there was not underestimating how intimidating a trail might be for a beginner, that you find really easy. Seen too many people scared off that way!

[@grumpynerd]

A vintage rigid mountain bike would have been absolutely fine on that trail, and is probably a better all-around bike choice for someone who is traveling around in a van and may have to do some of her own maintenance. With a modern mountain bike they're bound to be over-biked 99% of the time, and when they're not riding they'll have to worry about protecting a very expensive theft magnet. A modern bike that's designed to shred Whistler doesn't do much more for you than a vintage bike would in many situations. I understand this is sponsored video, but it feeds into the worst aspect of mountain biking -- uncritical consumerism fostered by company marketing. It doesn't actually matter whether you have an SRAM or Shimano drivetrain, the brand matters less than the level you choose within each brand, and even that doesn't matter all that much. The industry tries to brainwash consumers into thinking more bike equals more fun, when if act too much bike can actually be less fun. I think the explosion of gravel biking comes from people rediscovering the pleasures of a bike that does a little less for you. I'm not saying everybody should be under-biked all the time, I'm saying fear of being underbiked should not be a barrier to entry to the sport. There are newbies who live in places where they can use a high end bike and for whom spending five grand to try a new sport isn't a financial burden. That's great, by all means they should send that money to the bike industry. But if you don't have thousands of dollars burning a hole in your pocket and you *do* have a clunker, you should get out on the trail and just have fun with what you have. After you're riding forty or fifty days a year you'll have a better understanding of what you actually need, and can cost-justify spending the money for more bike.

[@halnogaies1256]

I'm not sure about taking a vintage bike on some blue trails. It is nice to have a good fork and a low head tube angle.

[@stephenfranklin4315]

100% Agree!

[@ElliotsMTB]

I ride a budget hardtail with 100mm travel and would probably be safer and able to do more on an enduro, however having a hardtail to start leads to less of a reliance on the bikes suspension to do everything for you. Someone who starts on a bike like she did will often struggle to learn proper technique

[@grumpynerd]

@@halnogaies1256 I ride blue trails on a rigid vintage bike all the time, it's perfectly feasible with a few limitations which I'll list here. First, it might not always fun if you're riding with someone of equal or better skill who's on a modern bike. Even if you can ride the trail, you won't be able to keep up. Second, the trail is rated assuming the rider is on a modern bike, so not all blue trail features are going to be intermediate difficulty for *the bike you're riding*. Be prepared to carry in places and to ride slower than you would on a newer bike, although it might not actually *feel* slower. Third, make sure your bike is in good condition; you don't have as much performance, so you can't afford to waste any. Finally, I'd recommend adding a dropper post; it's even more important when your legs are your suspension. Back in the day, vintage bikes were the latest thing, and we rode them and were happy. If a vintage bike is all you can afford, you can still ride and be happy.

[@stephenfranklin4315]

@@ElliotsMTB Same! i have learned a lot on a HT without the Handicaps of a Soft tail would provide

[@robygoncalves4348]

Great video

[@heavydutymtb4275]

I was unsure if I wanted to watch it at first, but she definitely easy on the eyes so I was sold

[@lagwall]

Fruita CO is my #1 destination for areas I haven't ridden

[@shemshem9998]

top 3 tips i give every beginner/intermediate and sometimes even need to give pointers in this area for even the experts. #1: arms and legs need to be preportional, if your arms are more stretched than your legs your going to be leaning back into the bike, put way more energy into just standing straight, and feel less comfortable in corners. this is what you see intermediates fail most often and even advanced riders in some section, when it gets steep they lean back and just dig thier back wheel into the ground thinking they got more control and "more weight on the back means more grip" while this is true, you dont have space to move the bike and you lose even more power on your front brake than you get out of your rear brake. #2: wide stance for arms and legs. we all know the arms trick, but wide legs will be more stable, stronger, allow you to push and pump more easely and let the bike move underheath you more, great for corners and rough stuff. #3: look ahead, as soon as you tuch the beginning of a corner, your already looking at the exit, you know exactly whats underheath you, no need to look. and even if you look 20 meters ahead you can still see your tire from the bottom of your eye and unconsuisly know what is where. these three things will automatically improve cornering to a good level as soon as they are done well, even as a semi-pro enduro rider wisper these things to myself when riding warmup laps or dificult trails. (as soon as they start doing some of these things you can start talking about other things such as pumping on bumps and corners, and line choice. thats why i advice that as soon as you go on blue trails or any trail where it might actually get challenging for them you actually lead at a pace just faster than they normally go)

[@believe8263]

Good job Paul.

[@jimmycurry6115]

I rode Fruita once (exact same area) in 2003 on a trip with friends to Vegas, Gooseberry Mesa, Moab, and lastly Fruita before heading back home to Houston. I want to do it again. I'm 65 now, retired, and want to start checking off my mountain bike bucket list. I was very bummed to hear you say that ebikes are not allowed at Fruita. It's mostly downhill type riding. On flat, or even slightly down grade trails, all my analog riding buds can easily travel faster than 20mph. Which is my ORBEA RISE's assist limit. How is it that ebikes are a problem?

[@frednannt8953]

You doing a good 👍 job with Quinn.

[@mtbville]

Good stuff 🙏

[@ExcelInstructor]

and here I am trying to learn so small jump for a year now... - any chance that ur from EU?

[@kneedeepinguts]

28 psi Rear, 24 front is the pressure's i run.

[@aaron1sd942]

Think you forgot to mention the importance in oiling her rotars

[@miltonrojas7698]

I don't understand why people really overly explain every single detail about how the bike works, maybe its a milenial or Gen z thing 🤔. Good video though.

[@RustyX2010]

just ride it! lol

[@sLiCk83]

Where is she? No update? Should feature her more to see the progression.

[@parispaneris3466]

Nice one Paul

[@rodent]

😳 my face when he talks about tire pressure (me having 22 psi front 26 rear)

[@tomasz3812]

lol I have shimano boots and Lazer helm too :D

[@codyolson3508]

Hey Paul, are you still in CO? I'd love to ride with you or just talk bikes at least.

[@menniamitai7906]

my first time on a black trail i was on a cheap hardtail bike it was a technical down hill it was not so fun

[@Jack-pj6wk]

This is interesting

[@tabby4kyeet589]

Bruh I have been mtb for 10 years now and I use 2 fingers on the brake

[@sonnyhutchins3141]

Shimano always snap on my bikes

[@Toxic-ps2xy]

Nice Idea

[@glynnburchett5554]

Tour bikes are a lot like this, with pay load ,tire pressure, balance,ect if you never used. A tour bike try in parking lot or grass,

[@sonoman00ify]

You actually tirnna bike..or motorcycle by countersteering. Most riders don't know this, even after decades of riding. When you want to turn right you push forward on the right grip. This turns the whell left, but leans the bike right. Sounds crazy to many, but this works vrcaise the forks are angled forward. When the wheel turns left the center of gravity is heavier on the right side. Once I learned this I became a much better rider. It has saved my life on my Harley multiple times and makes my mountain bike turning on point.

[@adamgorry9601]

I run 22-23 in the front and 28 in the back with cushcore and I’m about 215lbS

[@shigura8583]

I could never have your patience, I just want to shred that

[@lauraweissman8830]

3:47 Paul looks at her shoes... no that won’t work for biking

[@battistaverardi1240]

Have to admit she is beautiful!

[@habibi7741]

The 1 finger annoys me because I got pad brakes and they need to be stiff asf for them to work for me and I have to use at least 2 fingers and still barely stops me

[@janrie7330]

I run about 26psi in my rear and 22 in the front... why is such a difference strange?

[@januhelj3796]

so.. if I lost concetntration before you even said that about loosing it is that quick enough

[@DJEpisteme]

Often unlooked safety equipment: mountain biking shoes & threaded pedals!

[@karlosxzy]

Why are pedal assist ebikes prohibited on these trails?

[@spidersmtb9283]

I would like to see her getting reached by basic mechanics on bike in cause if anything goes wrong and bringing tools with her all the time

[@donaldmorrill1636]

I did not know you had to use one finger on the brakes. I’ve been using two fingers while mt. biking since 1986.

[@someflipswhoguy]

3:42 Me who has my fork rebound broken off :(