First Mountain Bike Lesson Tips

Irish Gunner

Ok took the plunge and going to do my first beginner mountain bike lesson at Biking.ie

Don't have a mountain bike but going to hire one. I also don't have knee or elbow pads and they do not supply them. Dont want to rush out and buy them yet are they necessary or anything else that can protect them? Any other clothing I should bring or anything else other than what they say on their website?

Has anyone done this lesson and if so any tips or advice? I cycle for leisure at the moment but wanted to try this out so any advice much appreciated.

Thanks

Irish Gunner

Anyone done this its fast approaching and not sure what to expect?

Any advice much appreciated

Darkglasses

Not many mountain bikers on here unfortunately. Their list of what to bring looks pretty comprehensive, if you really bring everything they suggest you'll be fine. I personally wouldn't worry about knee pads or elbow pads. You probably won't fall too much, and you'll need full mobility.

Irish Gunner

Cheers thanks

Yep does not seem to be many mountain bikers here:(

random.stranger

I'd agree with Darkglasses, you could always give them a ring if you wanted to be 100% sure...

jamesd

I never wore pads but after 1 bad fall I now wear 661 elbow and knee pads and also a full face mtb helmet. Did ballyhoara 2 weekends ago in it and once you are wearing them and shorts and a t shirt your grand.

studiorat

You'll be grand first couple of times without pads. You'll need a helmet, shorts, base layer and t-shirt. A drink and something to eat. Couple of fig rolls and a banana will see you through an hour or two. Foldable rain jacket if possible, depends on how far you're going...

Most important is a helmet (of course) and decent base layer - technical fabric moisture wicking or whatever it's called. If you have to stop on top of a hill somewhere without one you'll freeze. Cotton takes too long to dry beside the skin.

The guide should have tools, small first aid kit and the rest of the necessary.

I generally bring the same stuff on a road cycle as I would on the MTB. Different spare tire of course, got caught out with that one before!

Irish Gunner

Cheers thanks for the replies

Have helmet and wind jacket will also bring rain jacket depending on weather, so more than likely. Have padded shorts so will bring them along with helmet. Have running tops also so may bring them along with food and drink

Looking forward to it Mother Nature let the sun shine for me:)

ThOnda

It depends what you are going to learn.
If you know how to ride a bike, they should begin with basics of cycling off-road, basic obstacles, slopes, braking, etc.
Unless you are booked for downhill or trial lesson, you should be fine with helmet, gloves and glasses.
Don't be afraid to bring road cycling bibs and jersey, it prevents getting tangled into loose trouser legs, when moving in front and behind the seat - you work much more with balance and sit less on MTB.