Mountain Biking Tips you might find handy

[Flowrider]

Some mountain biking tips I've got over the years

1. Pick your line early
2. Speed is mostly your friend
3. Downhill: where you place your butt is key. (Mostly behind your saddle) Dropper posts are fantastic for this
4. Use only one or a maximum of two fingers for braking
5. Leave around 4 bike lengths between you and the biker in front of you.
6. When you get off your bike and say there's a slope on your right, get off on the left and do the same when you're getting on it
7. I wear orange-shaded sunglasses, which help stop the flashes of sunlight as I'm riding through forestry and improve my vision. Not all riders agree to this one

Share some mountain biking tips you've picked up.

[GirishH]

@Flowrider, Very informative thread. I especially like points #3–5, even for road biking. I actually didn’t know others used point #3!

​For example, on MisterGordo or the mountain bike I’m currently borrowing, I shift my weight back—especially when picking up speed downhill. I’m not sure how or why I started doing it, but it gives me so much more control when flying down.

​I’ve heard about #4 from so many friends, but I rarely manage to apply it when braking. :-)

​As for #5, I love it—and if anything, I leave even more space than four bike lengths!

(07-27-2026, 03:11 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  Some mountain biking tips I've got over the years

1. Pick your line early
2. Speed is mostly your friend
3. Downhill: where you place your butt is key. (Mostly behind your saddle) Dropper posts are fantastic for this
4. Use only one or a maximum of two fingers for braking
5. Leave around 4 bike lengths between you and the biker in front of you.
6. When you get off your bike and say there's a slope on your right, get off on the left and do the same when you're getting on it
7. I wear orange-shaded sunglasses, which help stop the flashes of sunlight as I'm riding through forestry and improve my vision. Not all riders agree to this one

Share some mountain biking tips you've picked up.

[Bonzai Bikes]

Great list. I'd also add:

Look ahead, not at your front wheel. When I first started riding, I kept staring at the obstacle right in front of me and would end up reacting too late. Looking a few meters ahead makes your line much smoother.

I ride a Bonzai hardtail on local trails, and lowering the tire pressure slightly (within the recommended range) has also helped with grip on loose sections. It's amazing how much confidence that small adjustment can give.

And one more tip: don't try to keep up with faster riders. Ride at your own pace and focus on building good technique first—speed comes naturally with experience.

[Flowrider]

Yea agree. If you're looking further ahead, you take in any potential issues. It's like your mind is recording it and naturally reacting to what's coming up.

The more you ride, the more instinctive it becomes, and you get more confidence by backing your ability.

And agree again with your last point: don't feel any pressure from other riders.

End of the day, you're out there to just have fun