Tips for Beginner Mountain Bikers

Tips for Beginner Riders - Thanks to Dollar Shave Club for sponsoring. Go to DollarShaveClub... to get your first starter set for $5
Learning to ride can be frustrating, but today we're talking about some beginner Mountain bike tips for new riders. We'll cover how to shift, line choice, cornering, body position, and many other basic MTB skills.
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[@alhypo]

I've been playing bikes for a long time now but only recently realized something that has helped me improve more rapidly. It's easy to lock yourself into mindset that you need to find the best line on a trail and always take that. But the best line on a more gnarly trail might be the equivalent of the worst line on a casual trail. So by always taking the best line, it's easy to stunt your progression. You'll have the tendency to avoid technical trails where even the best line is just slightly beyond your comfort level. But you can push your skill on comfortable trails by taking the more challenging lines there. If it turns out to be too much, you can just revert to the line you are good at without being committed to an entire trail that is above your skill level. Unless I'm in a race or just want to focus on flow, I now try to take the most difficult line I think I have a chance at tackling. Gradually, more difficult trails where there is no easy option become much less intimidating. This approach has been especially helpful with technical climbing. I've even gotten a few "woahs" riding up some punchy, rooty sections from riders who smash super gnarly DH trails like they are nothing. That feels pretty good since I'm usually the one giving out all the "woahs".

[@mtbcyclist]

Been mtbing for 25+ years and find this is a great beginner video. One comment is that you also put your outside pedal down when taking turns to not only get good traction but to not clip the inside pedal on the ground. I like that this is filmed on an entry level bike too as it makes it more relatable to beginners. Keep up the great work.

[@jeremie8730]

I've been riding for a couple years, but your video remains to be very helpful and informative. Thank you, sir. Awesome videography, btw.

[@lukeschriever6938]

Simon adventurers ?

[@AN71H3RO]

Got myself a 500€ bike about 6 weeks ago after 22 years without one and I want to thank you for all the advice. You and Seth's Bike Hacks are unbelievable rich sources of information for new riders. I've already managed to rip my chain twice, but had the right tools at hand to fix it in minutes cause I've followed your tips on what to take with you on a ride. I also got an Idea on what to practice before going into the woods what has most likely prevented some stupid injuries. Your work is much appreciated and I wish you all the best for the future.

[@riarmanyt2668]

Yeah I like Seth’s bike hacks

[@AN71H3RO]

@cjhyde78 Euros

[@AN71H3RO]

@cjhyde78 always here to help.😇

[@gatoryak7332]

What do you mean by "...rip my chain..."? How did you rip your chain?

[@AN71H3RO]

@@gatoryak7332 you pedal hard enough with a crappy chain thats to long and it snaps.

[@lonewolf30531]

I’m new to MTB and this video is the best . You used a entry level bike and showed

[@patrickmbarker]

I remember when my brakes came out to me as non binary. I was so concerned and confused, but I quickly learned to accept them and love them.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

I Should have seen these jokes coming but I totally didn't 😂🤦‍♂️

[@MrJayBee8]

So wholesome 💕

[@Obscenities]

How could you say something so controversial yet so brave?

[@zmuzzy101]

Hahaha This joke is now officially non binary person approved!

[@kay1ek271]

@@zmuzzy101 there are enby moutainbikers? i thought i'm alone over here

[@e_p-seven]

Seriously, the edit is tremendous. So much work for a video. Much respect.

[@rupedog]

Been riding for years, but still watched this, just cos its phil!😁

[@keithhalachief7432]

Same

[@mtblover]

Ditto 😋

[@jtphotography0]

You gotta trust him he as a mustache

[@leviwilliams4961]

Same here

[@salad8179]

Same

[@Jeremiah90526]

After my first mountain biking experience (at least true one with trails specifically made for it) I had just gotten a mountain biking/ dirt biking/ motorcycle helmet. On my first wipeout I ended up smacking a rock with my head, at the jawline. Hard enough that it put a bit of a gouge in the plastic. Just saying, the little bit of extra money on the helmet meant I didn't have to go to the hospital. I am waiting for the armor to come in before I go again though, as impacting the handlebars and the rocks of the trail with my chest and back have put me in quite a bit of pain (no, nothing broken, probably some bone bruises though.) My train of thinking, if you are going to put a few hundred bucks into a bike, why not put a hundred or so into a proper helmet and armor to avoid medical expenses? Just food for thought.

[@thankyouspaceexper]

Dress for the wreck, not for the ride

[@SKPhoto816]

Another badass video. Phil is a better teacher than 99.99999% out there. His ability to clearly explain and demonstrate these concepts is second to none. Definitely doing the job right

[@joshwhitee]

This is a great video Phil, will definitely be sharing with customers that are new to mountain biking at my shop!

[@whidbeyhiker4364]

Been riding for about thirty and picked up a thing or two.

[@mistacheeze5366]

I'm glad you mentioned not to cross chain

[@mrityunjaysood2103]

I ride a gt avalanche comp 2018 and it can shred if you know all that is right for such hardtails

[@yodecaf]

This is useful. I started a year ago and have tried watching your videos, but I always know it's many of those skills are a few years away for me. This video taught me basic stuff I didn't know! Really like that you used a hardtail beginner bike.

[@jim6672]

I remember back in the day when I was a beginner I watched this Video, and now it recommend it again. Nostalgia.

[@Icehso140]

It's interesting going from being a roadie to a mtb'er. The shifting is so different. You find that you may need to shift 3-4 gears to go up a steep incline for a very short distance relative to on the road, then shift back up beacause the trail suddenly went flat or downhill. On the road you can generally see an incline a quarter mile away, but they come up fast on the trail. I like the front gear on a 1x with thicker teeth to allow the chain to angle severely without jumping off. Looking 3 feet in front of your wheel is also a roadie trick when climbing a long hill to take your mind off how far it is to the top. Basically pedal until you get there. Good pointers.

[@jinyeow9951]

Thanks Phil, I wrote this suggestion at @kevcentral channel. Like please present How to ride Budget MTB in the trails especially to avoid pedal bash, tacoed wheels, falling from a hill climb and etc. Glad to watch you making a nice guide. Your videos on budget bikes in Whistlers bike park has inspired me to take up trail biking. Now I have almost all kinds of bikes.

[@MaYbYl8eR]

3:20 my brakes are non binary too they identify as a screeching velociraptor most the time

[@brodiemacleod69]

More like a cat having a fit

[@derpypara1952]

Mine is more like a stuka siren

[@jeppemadsen2497]

Mine is like the chewbacco from Star wars 😅

[@greedfox7842]

my front started screaming... so I just ripped it the fuck off...

[@Vodaken]

@@derpypara1952 bruh

[@garygech]

Super helpful, not really beginner in my mind, more like fundamentals. My wife once asked if I know so much, why I am I always reading about the fundamentals, because fundamentals are never basics actually, they are the foundation of excellent performance.

[@lars1588]

One thing I've learned as a beginner is to just go for it. Do the scary, challenging sections as long as you know you won't blow it guaranteed. I've learned a lot from taking that big dip or tackling that big root.

[@JuanWay2Rock]

Wow....I still remember when a GT AVALANCHE was once one of the Best Hardtails on the market. (that was way back in 1995 and the Avalanche 'with polished finish' was the choice of a lot of Pro MTB racers sponsored by GT) - From Pro Race Bike to NOW entry level Mountain Bike.....how times have changed.

[@TrailFeatures]

Late 90s Ricochet was my first trail bike. I loved that bike, but would pine over the avalanche whenever I saw it. 🤩

[@SkillsWithPhil]

There are better versions of the avalanche but this isn't their XC race bike anymore.

[@sunofyourdrop]

'91 Karakoram. Still running good.

[@bavitus7872]

@@sunofyourdrop 2002 aggressor (upgraded) runs like a beast! '89 timberline converted to a townie, not bad either.

[@andycormier2475]

I feel you - I still ride a 1995 Zaskar LE with V brakes and bar ends. It’s badass, but it’s setup for cross country, and doesn’t want to leave the ground. I’m dying to try the new geometry bikes, but have minimal budget. I’m seriously considering going to Dick’s for an avalanche then upgrading. Part of me feels nuts for thinking this! 😆

[@toddshafer9869]

Well done Phil. I've been riding a long time but I still like to see videos like this. It helps me remember the basics that are vital. Keep up the good work!

[@avalonpurdie4031]

I just bought my first bike last week. Its a sport I have wanted to pick up for a long time. Your videos are incredibly helpful. I love the go pro on the helmet so we can truly see what your are explaining! Also, you are humble, and it is nice. Thanks :D

[@sadigov]

Overworn disk brake pads are my preferred weapon of choice for 🪒. You can sharpen these by re-inserting into the brake calipers once a week.

[@ShutUpandRideMTB]

Phil's always looking after us. Thanks Phil.

[@spencerblackwell4374]

Good to see you REALLY helping to new comers, youtubers tend to forget about the new comers and good to see good information for the new guys

[@silverfox0072]

As a person who has been riding for several years, I found this video to be extremely helpful in making me even a better rider! Great presentation Phil!

[@adamweb]

This video is like 5 years experience summarized in 8 minutes! Great job on the fundamentals!

[@MissingLinkMTB]

Thought about coverting my GT XCR that I use for commuting to a 1x, but then I broke down coming home from Bent Creek and had to ride my Nomad home. Appreciated the 3x as soon as I realize my to speed just wasn't what my GT would give me.

[@sweatcap7871]

I appreciate this video I just bought a Haro Flightline two 29 in January, it's a hard tail. It makes all kinds of noise in the cranks drive train. The noise is metal on metal tap per revolution. The bike shop guy says I'm just breaking it in.

[@stxticzyro7090]

who ever dislikes this video does not know how to ride or does not ride, phil is just trying to show some good tips for riding, good video phil 👍

[@jonbrown9490]

This is a great video with a ton of great advice. Having just gotten back into MTB after a long absence, I can say one of the best things for a new rider to focus on is endurance. If you're too beat to control the bike 1/2 way through the ride all the skills in the world won't help you.

[@waynee.2856]

I enjoy your tip videos a lot. You and Blake Samson make some of the best training type videos out there. Your explanations and demonstrations make things a ton easier to comprehend. Thanks for sharing your time and knowledge. My riding skills are getting better each time out. I haven't ridden in almost 20 years and I am loving it once again.

[@sadieboschert4773]

So Helpful!! Lots of information that people have said to me, but great to see it explained and demonstrated. My mind has just been blown by the brake adjustment... I just purchased a new entry level mountain bike, and I was not able to place why the brakes felt so different and much more challenging to get my fingers around that my previous bike. I am excited to try to adjust them and see the results!

[@se_style2739]

I’m booing mountain bikeing in for the first time tomorrow and I’m so exited. I ride bmx so I feel quite confident but I will still go easy for the first time! 😃 Great vid btw

[@kevinhandsman4091]

I know this is an old video, but I’ve been trying to get some friends into biking and this has such great condensed tips with visual examples! Great work!

[@chriswillis6747]

I like the ratcheting thing! I've always done that but I never knew what to call it.

[@kainpwnsu]

"This is the sound your derailleur will make, when asking for mercy." 😂

[@sargil100]

I also have ridden my whole life, it was mainly bmx, I’m hitting my local hill this week, I needed this pal, thanks.

[@underoverated1]

VERY helpful video. I didn't see this before going on some of the trails that I went on this past weekend but ended up learning a lot of them the hard way. Every last one of these are good tips and will be used on practically any trail you go on. You've got a new subscriber.

[@HockeyAdventures]

Just bought my first mountain bike and I can’t wait to go on my first ride this weekend. This video helped so much. Keep up the awesome content. Love all the videos

[@viperdemonz-jenkins]

I use both brakes, a bit harder on front than rear. well except in corners feather the rear brake when needed and will not touch front.

[@kevinmilligan4454]

Great video! Sone fantastic tips. Especially the pedal ratchet technique

[@isaacpugno3388]

I wanna give a simple beginner tip to improve riding and balance control. Just try out wheelies. If you’re not that good at it it doesn’t matter, the concept is no matter what you will get a better understanding of balance and positioning in general

[@AceGoodheart]

I've been biking for 30 years and i still suck at wheelies.

[@tiagoviana263]

Wheelies aren't exactly necessary, but being able to unweight the front of the bike for a while is a must have skill. Tho, it's never bad to learn, I still don't know how to wheelies, even tho I practiced quite a lot

[@sokay2laugh512]

Really helpful. Fixed some of my riding problems with the basics. I choose good lines but was braking wrong with a poor rider position. Many thanks

[@Montblanc1986]

Shaving is dangerous, always wear a helmet

[@thebadness6217]

and don't be a dumb dumb.

[@user-xp9jo2rv3q]

I’d like but... Nice

[@snilsen3928]

@@user-xp9jo2rv3q same

[@lukemtb6800]

I'm after some advice. I ride a 2007 identiti dr jekyll on 24 inch halo sas wheels. Where ever I ride all I get is criticism about my bike and how old it is. Some people expect everyone to be able to afford the best of everything. Should I save up for something better or just keep what I have? Does it really matter what you ride? My bikes been abused for the last 10 years and still performs very well.

[@FedoraSnatcher]

boost luke who cares what they think

[@i_like_blue_stuff]

If you enjoy riding it then that's all that matters. Though I'd consider either renting or borrowing a friends bike at some point just so you can get a feel for other bikes and see if you would indeed be better off saving up. But if your bike works for you that's what matters the most.

[@monoperative]

Better that you're on an old bike that you enjoy riding, than just being another over-biked goon on a carbon whatever. To illustrate my point, check out this pinkbike article on all the cool vintage bikes that people were rocking at Crankworx in 2017. m.pinkbike.com/news/remember-these-11-classic-mountain-bikes-crankworx-whistler-2017.html?pbref=p

[@jungeenibale4228]

I got the same bike gt avalanche. As a beginner, the steep trails sometimes scares me but I'm still getting used to my bike as it sometimes feel like its a bit tall for me or it's just that I don't know how to properly use it in a trail. Either way I am loving this new hobby!Thanks for this video this is a big help for me!🔥🔥

[@mostlikelywedoitservices6926]

Phil, really good info in this vid. Real basic stuff. But so essential in having a fun ride. Yesterday I think was the first time I got to experience body freely floating on bike for very short bits. Man it felt so good. Bike did what bike did and body did its on thing. So cool.

[@chewy6942]

Thanks for sharing this as I am getting my two boys into mountain biking and these were very helpful!

[@roddyheckelman2866]

good stuff Phil. I teach youth how to bike and work on bikes and I used this video this week to help me explain a few concepts to them. Well done!

[@derekmatthewtutorials2847]

1:18-1:40 he mentions certain gears to avoid , so for example , if I am in my Lowest gear setting on the left , Avoid the 3 highest settings on the right ? (So for me it would be 7,8,9)? And then if I am in the Highest gear setting (which for me is 2) on the left , avoid 1,2,3 on the right ?

[@SecretSpots]

Ditch the front derailure and go single chain ring up front. (I have "1x12") Simplifies shifting SOOO much! Plus in mountain biking you don't really need 20 something gears!

[@tiagoviana263]

@@SecretSpots you don't know the kind of trails he has, or the types of hills he has to climb. I have a trail close to the nearest city, that some cars couldn't even make it to the parking lot where we start climbing the trail. Most riders start climbing on the way to the parking lot. I still keep my 3x9 bike when friends want to ride the steepier stuff, I just downshift in the front, and there I go, while they have to hike the rest of the way up. 3x or 2x drivetrains, still have their advantages. Just choose what's best for you. If it has too steep trails, keep a 3x9 (or more if it's even possible), or if they're easy climbs, just go with 1x12, or whatever ammount of gears you want. And yes, what you said is correct. If you're on the 3rd gear (in your case second) in the front, don't use 7,8,9 in the back. If you're in the 1st one in the front, don't use 3,2,1 in the back

[@clumpkin87]

Just started riding a few days ago, my friends are teaching me these skills but you do a great job of explaining the why, nice job, subscribed!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Thanks ninja duck!

[@MattTrevett]

Awesome video. I've been riding for a year now and learned a lot. Helpful info was regarding the turns, heavy feet light hands, brake lever adjustments, and others. Looking forward to trying some of this out later today. Thanks for uploading.

[@tyleryoung8994]

Awesome vid Phill, I’m happy you uploaded a vid! Even though I know all these skills it still helps to watch your videos.

[@robertbeaudry2195]

Good to see another quality skills video from you. Even as an experienced rider I like to review the basics now and again. It also helps a lot while I teach my wife to ride, so I don't get over technical with her.

[@Harrisn__Bennett]

Idk I hate using 1 finger for brakes. I have to use 2 or 3.

[@jamesmiz9511]

Thanks for taking the time to make this video. Good pointers and explained to make it easy to remember. I just subscribed and will take a look at your other videos!

[@CalaveraChronicles]

Love the tip with the line on the mounts! It’s also worth to note that you get different codec on KZbin since you have a high sub count and that’s a huge difference why your videos looks sharper than most low sub count tubers.

[@schoolstreamer4987]

Hey Phil love your videos keep up the great work 👍

[@williamlopez448]

Phil, this was a great video. I recently got back on my mountain bike, and decided to watch a couple videos, and was pleasantly surprised to see i'm already doing some of these things naturally!

[@SkillsWithPhil]

That's great to hear. People learn differently sometimes these things are rudimentary to some people but eye opening to others. Happy trails :)

[@brekdakbanchamek6454]

This is Extreme Helpful For Me Whose planning to make it much more thrilling on the Trails!!!

[@nez1971]

I'd like to see a video talking about beginner/intermediate trail options at the top spots, such as Highland, Kingdom Trails, even Whistler or the best places to go for beginner/intermediate riders.

[@TheButlerNZ]

My biggest tip to newbies going off road for the 1st time... Keep your elbows UP and bent out. (Almost in line between your shoulders and hands). A bit like a muscleman striking a pose... 8-/ A good way to show them why is to have them sit on the bike. You hold the front wheel and turn it rapidly left to right etc. With their elbows up, your arms take the movement and little else happens. With their elbows low (like you see with street riders sitting straight upright and elbows at their side), their whole upper body is shaken with the wheel. The track will do the same to you. I also get them to do some slow hard front brake grabs on a bit of gravel, (Seat down if they like) to get a feel for the front slipping, and that it is actually controllable, avoidable, and fun... when you get them to try and skid further and further without putting a foot down. q8)

[@rosleyoutdoors]

very helpful for us especially when going fishing on remote areas which only bike can go.

[@patprince7756]

Just found your channel and started biking this year, just want to say thank you!

[@johngraham6506]

Excellent video that covers a ton of beginner mistakes. People should watch this and practice one or the techniques on each ride. Really nice job.

[@tim3kgt]

another great video Phil!! new riders can advance light years with just this video. Youre killing it! and your production keeps getting better and better. the trail vision bit was awesome!!

[@Rules5005]

My saddle is slightly low but will have it lifted once I gain confidence on the road

[@jacekmis66]

Best instructional video for beginners I ever saw on KZbin 👍✌️

[@bikeguycody]

i love watching the beginner videos it helps if i forget something like i like to put the pedal in the middle of my foot instead of my toes lol

[@netx7689]

I have had a Carerra Vengeance for nearly 2 years and in the past couple of weeks, I have been going to my local woods that has a small hand made track. I have really enjoyed it and are planning to go to a real track in my nearby city in a couple of days. I am just curious whether a Carerra vengeance is good enough to go to big tracks in. Thanks.

[@lamonttucker2842]

Thank you Phil I could sure use your beginner skills because I haven't any

[@paulmcdaniel9487]

That's it, I'm joining Dollar Shave Club. And, for a beginner mountain biker like me, the video was pretty good too.

[@RonClouds]

This is very informative and helpful and it is more relevant for a beginner since you used an entry level bike in this guide. Thumbs up!

[@RideAlongside]

Love it Phil. A budget bike for this video was clutch man. Great idea.

[@Calderoun]

Another great skills video. Thank you Phil for breaking topics down to basics. I would like to ask you if you could do a video explaining foot position on flat pedals when dropping and jumping. I have had several shin shredding episodes because of my feet slipping off the pedals when landing. I have not found the perfect feet position to avoid that. Thanks!

[@sugarnads]

Calderoun wear shin guards. Just sayin.

[@scottgerstenberg9551]

May seem silly, but a good dose of Skills with Phil just makes me happy.

[@rwogmtb-ridingwitholdguy]

Excellent, a link to this should be provided with all bike purchases for new riders.

[@vildt-balgastronomiskteamb7084]

This was a very "back to the roots" SWP video. very nice.

[@justindiamanti1586]

Hey! Nice to see you at nemba fest. I didn’t have a chance to say hi but I was at the country store and saw your better half lol. Hope you guys are having fun.

[@bikeninja956]

Great little share no matter what skill level you're at. So @ 4:09, for me personally, I've probably had some of my worst crashes by leaving a pedal down low like that and it getting hung up on a rock or root... I totally get the principal, but these dayz I focus hard on not to letting my pedals hang low, no matter what, and if I do occasionally feel the need to, I'm damn sure there's nothing off trail side that it can get caught on. Just my thoughts.

[@penitentchicken]

Awesome concept for a video, Phil. You still make it look easy!

[@nihilisticjackfruit6206]

This is the best video with respect to MTB, which answer my questions I have come across.

[@OOZiTen]

Just bought this exact bike.. very cool I didnt realize some of the things about it lol

[@johanness.1290]

Happy to see another quality skills video from you. For an unexperienced rider (3 years, still learning) I like to review the basics from time to time. One question: What happened at 7:29? Lost Gopro?

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Gopro fell out of my hip pack that I carelessly left opened. Went back and got it later :)

[@wr41t63]

What's the thing called that you put on your frame under the chain to protect it, cause I really need one of those.

[@pjbeattie1]

Hey Phil, great as always!! When you say “light hands and heavy feet” how does this reconcile with new school geo?? For example, with Transition or Yeti everyone says you have to commit to riding forward with your weight over the front to get the most out of the bike. Can you help me understand wether I should be light hands or heavy hands if on a new geo bike. Thx!!

[@UnbrokenMTB]

I have a really good MTB that I like to call the truth. I cannot handle the truth Best dad joke of the year

[@jf8534]

Great video! Not everyone has a 2k $ or more bike. Very important pointers too. Not really a fan of the advert at the end but you have bills to pay too.

[@SkillsWithPhil]

Luckily you can skip it!

[@danervin2530]

Glad to see you putting in some effort to monetize more from your channel! Hope the motivation sticks and the doubts fade. Keep at it Phil!!

[@juliasavory]

Thank you so much. Really good. I’ve hit subscribe.

[@JodyBruchon]

Meanwhile, on my single-speed hard-frame bike with rim brakes...

[@nikolasdj]

you are the best bro .. thanks for all the tips !!

[@TheGrayWolf81]

What a coincidence! I have a 2018 Giant Trance 3 back home, but I needed a cheaper bike for university, so I got a GT Avalanche today! Excellent video as always 👍

[@jerryvolpini7987]

Good, basic skills that all beginners need to learn. Excellent video 👍

[@grantfeddema5332]

Great tips to review even as a rider with 4-5 years experience!

[@schlenbea]

Thanks Phil. Next time I ride I expect to be as good as you. Appreciate this!

[@tonyasiler7854]

I've been riding since twelve years old but the brake thing to adjust is perfect never knew I had hand cramps because it was to small most of it is to small cause I have size 22 ring finger

[@connersmith4104]

Anyone else not watching because they are a beginner but just because Phil posted a video