Mountain biking
A rented hardtail, a helmet and the easiest trail in a trail system. The first rides are about braking, looking ahead and rolling over roots and stones.
What it is like
Mountain biking is riding a bike built for dirt along trails through woods, hills and mountains. A first ride is usually on the easiest loop of a trail system, on a rented bike with front suspension: getting used to the brakes, standing up over bumps, rolling over roots and small rocks, and looking ahead instead of at the front wheel.
It is a hobby of trail systems. Many towns and parks have networks of marked trails rated like ski runs, from green circles to black diamonds, and many ski areas open their slopes to bikes in summer. Shops near the trails rent bikes by the day, which is the easy way to start before buying.
Progress is clear and enjoyable: green trails that once felt bumpy start to flow, blue trails with roots and rocks become possible, and riders find their own direction, from long cross-country rides and races to bike-park descents or multi-day trips with bags on the bike.
Shared trails come with simple rules: ride only open trails, stay in control, and give way to people on foot and on horseback.
- A session
- A ride of one to three hours, plus getting to the trailhead.
- A week
- A ride or two at weekends, a short one after work in summer.
- Season
- Spring to autumn in most places, all year where trails stay dry.
Outdoors · Solo, For two, With kids, A club
Kinds and styles
All-round riding on singletrack, climbing and descending; where most people start.
Longer, faster rides and races on lighter bikes; the Olympic form of mountain biking.
Timed descents with untimed climbs between, on bikes with more suspension.
Lift-served descents at ski areas open in summer, with a full-face helmet and pads.
Jumps and big features, natural or built.
Multi-day trips with bags on the bike, camping on the way.
Is it for you?
You will probably love it if
- There are mountain bike trails within reach, or a ski area that opens its trails in summer
- You like being outdoors and getting a workout without counting laps
- You enjoy learning a skill a little at a time, one obstacle after another
Maybe not, if
- Falls and the odd scrape are something you would rather avoid completely
- You have no way to get a bike to a trailhead
- You want a cheap hobby; good bikes and trips add up
What to buy first
- 01Hardtail mountain bike rental for a day, helmet includedA bike set up for dirt, fitted to you, without buying one first$53
- 02Bicycle helmetYour own helmet that fits; bicycle helmets sold in the US must meet the CPSC standardFind it on Amazon$36
- 03Full-finger bike glovesGrip on the bars and skin protection in a fallFind it on Amazon$30
- Everything you need to beginAbout $105 a month after that$119
Typical US prices for entry-level gear, rounded. Last checked October 2026. How we get the numbers
The Amazon links open a search for that type of item, not a product chosen for us, and the prices in the list are our typical figures, or the listing of the shop a line names, not Amazon's price for any listing. If you buy through one we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you; as an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
What to buy next
- 01Hydration pack or bottle cageWater on longer ridesFind it on Amazon First rides
- 02Mini pump and spare tubeA flat tyre far from the carFind it on Amazon First rides on your own
- 03Multi-toolSmall fixes on the trailFind it on Amazon With your own bike
- 04Padded shortsComfort in the saddleFind it on Amazon Longer rides
- 05Your own hardtail or trail bikeA bike fitted to you and to the trails you ride After a season of rentals
No prices here on purpose: these are later buys, and what to spend depends on how far the hobby has taken you. The Amazon links work like the ones above: a search for the type of item, and a possible commission for us at no extra cost to you.
From the rental shop to a full green trail, step by step
Mountain biking grew out of riders on Mount Tamalpais in California in the 1970s (Wikipedia), and the start is still a bike, a helmet and an easy trail. This guide goes from renting and fitting a bike to the first green trail, with the rules of the trail that land managers and the National Park Service post.
Warning: Before you start Mountain biking carries a real risk of falls and injury. Always wear a helmet; bicycle helmets sold in the US must meet the CPSC safety standard (16 CFR Part 1203). Ride only open trails, stay in control of your bike, obey speed limits and expect people around blind corners. Yield to other trail users: slow down, say hello or ring a bell, be ready to stop and pass safely; horses have priority on equestrian trails, so follow the riders' directions when passing them (IMBA rules of the trail, National Park Service). Ride with others in remote areas, leave your plans with someone and carry what you need for a change in weather.
Many shops near trails rent by the day with a helmet; two examples: evo at Snoqualmie Pass, $50 for 24 hours, and Double Down Bike Shop in Moab, $55 a day.
Ask the shop to set the saddle height and show you the brakes and gears before you leave.
Brake gently with both levers, shift gears, and stand on the pedals with level feet.
Green trails are the smooth, gentle ones in the IMBA rating system many parks use.
Ride open trails only, stay in control, let people know you are coming and slow down to pass (IMBA rules, National Park Service).
Who gives way on a shared trail
Arrows run from the rider who gives way to the trail users who have it: bikes yield to people on foot and on horseback, and announce themselves before passing.
- A Horses Priority Follow the riders' directions. Step 6 →
- B Bell or hello Announce Don't startle people. Step 6 →
- C Bikes yield To everyone Slow down, be ready to stop. Step 6 →
- D Hikers Pass safely Say hello first. Step 6 →
Steps 1-3Before the trail
- Step 1 of 8 · Before the trail
Choose a bike
Rent before you buy. Many shops near trail systems rent by the day with a helmet included; evo at Snoqualmie Pass lists a hardtail at $50 for 24 hours and a full mountain bike at $90.
Most people: hardtail rental (first rides).
Start here Hardtail rentalBest forFirst rides
Front suspension only; simple and the cheapest to rent.
Full-suspension rentalBest forRough trails
Smoother on roots and rocks; more to rent.
An old road or town bikeBest forNot for trails
Thin tyres and weak brakes do not suit dirt.
Not for a first try - Step 2 of 8 · Before the trail
Fit, brakes and gears
Warning: CAUTION Wear your helmet on every ride; bicycle helmets sold in the US must meet the CPSC standard.
Have the shop set the saddle height and check the brakes. Find out which lever works which brake, and practise shifting on the flat before the first climb.
- Step 3 of 8 · Before the trail
Plan the ride
Pick a green-circle trail, check closures and conditions, and tell someone where you are going. Ride with others in remote areas (National Park Service).
Steps 4-7On the trail
- Step 4 of 8 · On the trail
Ride in the ready position
On rough ground, stand on level pedals with bent knees and elbows and your weight centred, and look ahead to where you want to go.
Goes wrong: Staring at the obstacle. The bike goes where you look.
- Step 5 of 8 · On the trail
Brake and corner
Use both brakes smoothly and slow down before a corner, not in it.
Goes wrong: A hard grab of the front brake on a descent can pitch you over the bars.
- Step 6 of 8 · On the trail
Share the trail
Let others know you are coming with a greeting or a bell, slow down, be ready to stop and pass safely. Horses have priority on equestrian trails; follow the riders' directions (IMBA rules, National Park Service).
- Step 7 of 8 · On the trail
Leave no trace
Ride open trails only, do not cut switchbacks, and when the trail bed is soft, consider riding somewhere else (IMBA rules).
Step 8Next rides
- Step 8 of 8 · Next rides
Move up a level
When greens feel easy, try a blue square trail with someone who knows it; a skills clinic or a bike park helps with technique.
Most people: blue trails (next season).
Start here Blue trailsBest forNext season
Roots, rocks and steeper climbs.
Bike parkBest forDescending skills
Lift-served trails with a full-face helmet and pads; evo's bike park package is $120.
In shortIf it goes wrong
- Staring at the obstacle.
- Step 4 · Ride in the ready position
- A hard grab of the front brake on a descent can pitch you over the bars.
- Step 5 · Brake and corner
How you get better
- Day 1A green trail
A rental bike, a helmet and the easiest loop in the trail system.
- First seasonYour own bike
More green and some blue trails, then a hardtail or trail bike of your own.
- Second seasonBlue everywhere
Roots, rocks and steeper climbs on blue trails, maybe a skills clinic.
- After thatYour own direction
Cross-country racing, enduro, bike parks or bikepacking trips.
- Braking with both levers
- Shifting gears before a climb
- The ready position, standing on level pedals
- Looking ahead, not at the front wheel
- Riding over roots and small rocks
- Cornering on loose dirt
- Climbing seated
- Descending with weight back
- Yielding and passing politely
- Fixing a flat tyre
- Reading a trail map and rating signs
Small things that help
- Ride green trails until they feel easy.
- Look where you want to go, not at the rock you want to miss.
- Brake before a corner, not in it.
- Stand on level pedals with bent knees and elbows on rough ground.
- Say hello or ring a bell before passing.
- Check the trail system's rules and closures before you go.
Beginner mistakes
- 01Grabbing the front brake hardOn a descent it can pitch you over the bars. Use both brakes, smoothly.
- 02Sitting down on rough groundThe bumps go straight into you. Stand up with bent knees and let the bike move.
- 03Staring at obstaclesThe bike goes where you look. Look past the rock to the line beyond it.
- 04Riding wet, soft trailsTyres cut ruts that last all season. When the trail bed is soft, ride somewhere else (IMBA rules).
- 05Cutting switchbacksShort-cuts erode the hillside. Stay on the trail.
Trail difficulty ratings
The IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System as the Regional District of Central Okanagan describes it; ratings are a guide, and conditions change with weather and season.
| Sign | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Green circle | Smooth, gentle and beginner friendly |
| Blue square | Moderately challenging, some roots, rocks or steeper climbs |
| Black diamond | Advanced: technical challenges, steeper grades, rougher surfaces |
| Double black diamond | Experts only: narrow tread, large obstacles, serious commitment |
Why people quit
- 01Starting on trails that are too hardA blue or black trail on the first day turns into walking and scrapes. Ride greens until they feel easy.
- 02A bike that does not fitWrong saddle height or frame size makes every climb a fight. Have the shop set it up.
- 03Riding alone and getting lostUnfamiliar trail systems are confusing. Ride with someone, carry a map and tell someone your plan.
Words you will meet
- Singletrack
- A narrow trail, about one bike wide.
- Hardtail
- A mountain bike with front suspension only.
- Full suspension
- A bike with suspension front and rear.
- Switchback
- A sharp bend where a trail zigzags up or down a slope.
- Ready position
- Standing on level pedals, knees and elbows bent, weight centred.
- Line
- The path you choose through a section of trail.
- Berm
- A banked corner.
- Green circle
- The easiest trail rating in the IMBA system.
Questions people ask
Hardtail or full suspension for a beginner?
Rent first. A hardtail is simple and cheaper to rent and buy; evo's rental prices at Snoqualmie Pass, for example, are $50 a day for a hardtail and $90 for a full mountain bike.
Do I need special shoes?
Not at first; ordinary trainers with a stiff sole work on flat pedals. Clipless pedals and shoes can wait until you ride often.
Who gives way on the trail?
Bikes yield to other trail users: slow down, say hello and pass safely. Horses have priority on equestrian trails (National Park Service, IMBA rules).
Can I ride at a ski area?
Yes, where the ski area opens in summer: riders use the lifts to reach downhill trails (Wikipedia). Bike parks rent downhill bikes with a full-face helmet and pads; evo's package at Snoqualmie Pass is $120.
What do the trail colours mean?
Green circle is easiest, then blue square, black diamond and double black diamond in the IMBA rating system; conditions change with weather and season, so use your judgment (Regional District of Central Okanagan).
Where to go next
- 01BackpackingThe same trails at walking pace, with a tent. $660 to start
- 02GeocachingA reason to explore new trail systems. Free to start
How it compares
| Mountain biking | Backpacking | Geocaching | Bouldering | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start cost | $119 | $660 | Free | $47 |
| Each month | $105 | $10 | $3 | $80 |
| Space | A trail system | Trails, and a closet for gear | The whole town | A climbing gym |
| Noise | Low | Quiet | Quiet | Quiet |
| First result | 1 ride on an easy trail | 1 weekend | The first find | One session |
| Mess | Mud on the bike | None | None | Chalk |
Where to learn more
- 01National Park Service: bike trail etiquetteThe IMBA rules of the trail, on a park's own page.
- 02CPSC: bicycle helmetsThe federal safety standard bicycle helmets must meet.
- 03IMBAThe International Mountain Bicycling Association: trails, rules and local clubs.
Sources: National Park Service, Big South Fork, Bike trail etiquette (IMBA rules of the trail) · Regional District of Central Okanagan, Cracking the trail rating code (IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System) · CPSC, Bicycle helmets business guidance (16 CFR Part 1203) · evo Snoqualmie Pass, Bike rentals · Double Down Bike Shop, Moab bike rentals (TripOutside) · Wikipedia, Mountain biking; Cross-country cycling
Researched and written by the Fjords Team.