Safe mountain biking ?
#1
NE Roadie
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Live Free and Ride
Posts: 178
Bikes: 2006 Colnago C50, 2003 DeRosa Merak, 2001 Litespeed Vortex, 2001 Lemond Buenos Aires
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Safe mountain biking ?
This winter, I plan to do some mountain biking to retain some level of my fitness. I have been a roadie for over 10 years but I have not ridden a mountain bike before. I am aware of the hazards of road cycling. This year especially, has not been a good year for me. Early in the season I broke my clavicle and then 3 months later I severely separated my other shoulder.
The kind of riding I plan to do is mainly XC, riding trails and pretty much avoiding the 'dangerous' stuff like downhills, free rides etc. This may sound silly to most of you, but can I make that kind of riding less hazardous than road cycling? I know anything can happen but I'd like to be injury-free this winter as much as I can. Thanks in advance.
The kind of riding I plan to do is mainly XC, riding trails and pretty much avoiding the 'dangerous' stuff like downhills, free rides etc. This may sound silly to most of you, but can I make that kind of riding less hazardous than road cycling? I know anything can happen but I'd like to be injury-free this winter as much as I can. Thanks in advance.
#2
WTF is that smell?
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Charlotte, NC
Posts: 449
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I made that transition recently myself. You WILL crash. Especially if you're a roadie and like to go fast. However, crashing on a mountain bike doing XC on a dirt trail doesn't hurt nowhere near as bad as hitting the pavement. I crashed all the time when I first started. It was usually because I rode through a spider web and saw the spider crawling on me<shivers>. Me and spiders don't agree at all.
EDIT: I've crashed many more times on the mountain bike. However, I have not had to make a trip to the hospital. Road biking, not so much.
EDIT: I've crashed many more times on the mountain bike. However, I have not had to make a trip to the hospital. Road biking, not so much.
#3
Old School Rad
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: The old Mountains
Posts: 8,206
Bikes: Blur LT
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I think you'll encounter more hazards on the road than on the trail.Start slow and build your skill. If you get worked on the dirt at least you wont get run over by a truck.
__________________
Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
Like a circus monkey on a stolen Harley......
#4
mmm... chicken!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Bikes: 04 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1. relax, stay loose.
2. scan the trail ahead, look where you want to go and don't stare at obstacles
3. don't remain seated or static, learn to shift your weight all over your bike for optimum balance
4. learn to fall - try to avoid extending your arms to break a fall
5. ride within your limits
6. if you're feeling squeamish, wear some armour
2. scan the trail ahead, look where you want to go and don't stare at obstacles
3. don't remain seated or static, learn to shift your weight all over your bike for optimum balance
4. learn to fall - try to avoid extending your arms to break a fall
5. ride within your limits
6. if you're feeling squeamish, wear some armour
#5
Senior Member
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 277
Bikes: Trek 7500 Trek EX8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
1. relax, stay loose.
2. scan the trail ahead, look where you want to go and don't stare at obstacles
3. don't remain seated or static, learn to shift your weight all over your bike for optimum balance
4. learn to fall - try to avoid extending your arms to break a fall
5. ride within your limits
6. if you're feeling squeamish, wear some armour
2. scan the trail ahead, look where you want to go and don't stare at obstacles
3. don't remain seated or static, learn to shift your weight all over your bike for optimum balance
4. learn to fall - try to avoid extending your arms to break a fall
5. ride within your limits
6. if you're feeling squeamish, wear some armour
#7
mmm... chicken!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Bikes: 04 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
thanks
true
ok
ok
Last edited by Funkychicken; 10-04-07 at 09:22 PM. Reason: no reason
#8
mmm... chicken!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Bikes: 04 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
/edit: the phrase is meant to convey the idea of not being permanently planted to your seat in all off-road situations, not that prolonged saddle time is "doing it wrong". didnt realise you'd read it so poorly, but if you're taking it that way so be it.
otherwise, a quick word and clarification would do fine, don't be such a prick about it.
otherwise, a quick word and clarification would do fine, don't be such a prick about it.
Last edited by Funkychicken; 10-04-07 at 11:26 PM. Reason: gathered my thoughts
#9
use your best eye
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Olympia, Washington
Posts: 3,050
Bikes: '75 Bertin, '93 Parkpre Team 925, '04 Kona King Kikapu, '05 Bianchi Vigorelli
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Now, no need for name calling. The RESPECTFUL way is to say that he is ACTING like a prick, a dickhead, or a pompous a-hole.
Example: "Pete, I do believe that your behavior is that of a vile, vomitous mass".
or- "Pete, you are acting as if you were a sick, manipulative, abusive, opportunistic, internet troll."
__________________
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
Last edited by kenhill3; 10-04-07 at 11:20 PM.
#10
mmm... chicken!
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 668
Bikes: 04 Kona Blast
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
noted.
thanks also for the snip of original post #10, in case the original intent of my edit is misinterpreted.
thanks also for the snip of original post #10, in case the original intent of my edit is misinterpreted.
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Pennsylvania
Posts: 7,481
Bikes: Too many to list!
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 3 Times
in
3 Posts
The kind of riding I plan to do is mainly XC, riding trails and pretty much avoiding the 'dangerous' stuff like downhills, free rides etc. This may sound silly to most of you, but can I make that kind of riding less hazardous than road cycling? I know anything can happen but I'd like to be injury-free this winter as much as I can. Thanks in advance.
So, my advice would be to start with the most tame off-road experience you can find. Then, when you are up to it, make your way up the ladder. Don't hesitate - don't think too much - and keep those wheels rolling!
Good luck. Hey, you may just find that you love to mtb!
... Brad
#13
Senior Member
I cant beleive nobody has mentioned this: Dont be afraid to walk things that are above your skill level! Its good to try new things, but if you encounter a 10 foot drop and have never done one before, its best to get off and walk around it.
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2007
Posts: 111
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
One thing you have on your side is the fact that falling on trails hurts a lot less than falling on asphalt, so don't be scared and go for it.
#15
Writin' stuff
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Durango, CO
Posts: 3,784
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 19 Times
in
4 Posts
I think we all figured out what he meant Pete. I'm pretty sure the OP isn't that stupid.
anyway, all good advice so far. Start slow, find your comfort zone, then push it every once in a while. That's how you'll get better.
anyway, all good advice so far. Start slow, find your comfort zone, then push it every once in a while. That's how you'll get better.
#16
Fourth Degree Legend
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: American Gardens Building
Posts: 3,826
Bikes: 2005 Kona Cinder Cone & 2010 Cannondale SuperSix
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Missouri
Posts: 336
Bikes: Scott CR1-Gary Fisher Sugar-Litespeed Ultimate
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
I am sure one of your roadie freinds rides MTB. Ask one of them to go out with you and help get started.
I was asked that very same thing by an outstanding road rider {much better than me} because he knew I raced motorcycles and bikes off road.
He was having trouble with his front tire washing out on a turn. Turned out he had way to much air preasure in the front tire and also needed to move his weight forward onto the bars.
We worked together on many other skills and he became a very good off road rider
I was asked that very same thing by an outstanding road rider {much better than me} because he knew I raced motorcycles and bikes off road.
He was having trouble with his front tire washing out on a turn. Turned out he had way to much air preasure in the front tire and also needed to move his weight forward onto the bars.
We worked together on many other skills and he became a very good off road rider
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Missouri
Posts: 336
Bikes: Scott CR1-Gary Fisher Sugar-Litespeed Ultimate
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
Another way to look at it is......to be a safer roadie, you need to have MTB skills.
When I ride road with a group, they will yell out and then slow way down for gravel, water, small pot holes etc. And the MTB'ers in the group will say ...Yeah and so? Or a roadie will accidentally ride off the road surface and then panic and fall.
When I ride road with a group, they will yell out and then slow way down for gravel, water, small pot holes etc. And the MTB'ers in the group will say ...Yeah and so? Or a roadie will accidentally ride off the road surface and then panic and fall.
#20
use your best eye
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Olympia, Washington
Posts: 3,050
Bikes: '75 Bertin, '93 Parkpre Team 925, '04 Kona King Kikapu, '05 Bianchi Vigorelli
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
Another way to look at it is......to be a safer roadie, you need to have MTB skills.
When I ride road with a group, they will yell out and then slow way down for gravel, water, small pot holes etc. And the MTB'ers in the group will say ...Yeah and so? Or a roadie will accidentally ride off the road surface and then panic and fall.
When I ride road with a group, they will yell out and then slow way down for gravel, water, small pot holes etc. And the MTB'ers in the group will say ...Yeah and so? Or a roadie will accidentally ride off the road surface and then panic and fall.
__________________
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
"I tell you, We are here on earth to fart around, and don't let anybody tell you any different." - Kurt Vonnegut jr.
#21
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 277
Bikes: Trek 7500 Trek EX8
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
BTW, funky, my post was in agreement with yours. Fixate on something, and you may well ride into it. Be it on any bike. Road, mountain or other.
#22
Wood Licker
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Whistler,BC
Posts: 16,966
Bikes: Trek Fuel EX 8 27.5 +, 2002 Transition Dirtbag, Kona Roast 2002
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 23 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 2 Times
in
2 Posts
I believe thats when the darwin affect kicks in anyways. I would hope.
#23
Lost in the Black Hills
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 5,725
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 0 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
were these solo crashes? or did they involve another cyclist? automobile? i hope you're doing better now.
__________________
Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex
Tomac Mountain Bikes | Light-Bikes l Magura USA | Industry Nine | Schwalbe Tires | Caffélatex