We just released a NEW VID about getting your partner into *mountain biking*! Check it out: kzfaq.info/get/bejne/eMp2arx21sjRZ6c.html

Two tips; 1) say “stoke” and “stoked” all the time 2) pick a wheel size and defend it. I’m stoked on my 29er.

The thumbnail looks exactly like me right now

Step 1: Buy a bike you can't afford Step 2: Go ride a trail you think is within your skill level but isn't Step 3: Realize you are wayyy too out of shape Step 4: Walk half the trail, then go back to step 2 with even higher expectations, and repeat...

Who’s already a mountain biker but watching this for some reason?

Step 1: Buy a hardtail Step 2: Replace all the parts you've broken on said hardtail from riding dh trails

Buy bike, helmet and go ride the thing. Easy as that!

Trailforks is one of the coolest apps ever, dropper seat posts were like the heavens showing through the clouds after being out of biking for 5 years, clipless pedals are the devil

Oh man, great vid! Another tip for finding trails and riding groups? Ask your local bike shop when the next trail build is! Even if you don't own a bike yet, ain't nobody going to turn away a helping hand on a trail build day. I guarantee after one day of volunteering you'll know some awesome trails and people to go ride with!

I've gotten into mountain biking with the help of some friends who are leagues better than me. I've learned a lot from chasing them; including that I shouldn't chase them and instead focus on what I'm doing. If you're a mountain biker who's trying help a friend improve, it's more helpful to give advice on technique than to say “I guess we won't take you on that again” or “lol, next time we'll call you an uber”. Don't get me wrong, I love my mtb fam. You know you're loved when they'll wait in the ER with you.

Hardtail trail bike and aggressive hardtail is good choice for beginners, its fun and capable for climbing effectively

High five to all the bike shop folks who patiently and thoroughly answered my questions when I was deciding which bike was the right bike for me. This is a really big investment and I'm so glad I took the time to make the best choice!

I’ve been biking since I was 4, and I’ve been MTB’ing for 6 years now! But I still enjoy watching this video.

This how to is so incredibly made and helpful that even I (a few years into the sport) took something away from it! I hope this video goes though the roof and reaches a bunch more people!!

I literally just bought the best bike I could afford which was a hardtail diamond back, ordered a helmet and went to the trails and sent it.

When in life you have Santa Cruz dreams but only a Huffy budget

As far as "sloppy riding habits" go, I think learning to ride on a full suspension bike is way more of a problem for that. Don't get me wrong, learn to ride on flat pedals, but don't underestimate the "sloppy riding habits" you will develop learning to ride on a full suspension bike. If you learn to ride on a hardtail, you will develop a better sense/vision to analyze the terrain/trails you are riding. My friends who went straight to "freeride" bikes in the late 90's are way more sloppy and lazy about line choice (which also makes them slower), than those of us who started riding on hardtails (forced to see more options to get through the terrain). I started out riding clipless. Went to flats for freeride/DH on a hardtail, then went to clipless for trail/AM (when that became a category), while still riding flats on the freeride/DH bike. Then recently back to clipless for freeride/DH (which improved my riding/commitment on the steeps and more extreme terrain).

Been riding MTB for over 15 years, have owned several bikes and demoed more, ridden every terrain imaginable, yet I found myself watching the entire vid and really enjoying it. Well written and nicely edited, but above all your narrative style is fantastic!

Another great way to get the spec you want is to purchase a clearance/demo model. Which is how I got into MTB back in 96’.

Rented my first MT bike today. I can’t walk because my thighs been cramping up, my back is killing me, and my bottoms bruised. However, I had so much fun, that I can’t wait to recover and get back out there!

I think the best advice is to people seriously starting out is do not go out and buy a really expensive bike right off the start unless financially you are okay with this. Ride the thing and as you do you will pick up info on things you never considered before. Wheel size, frame travel, drivetrain and brakes. These preferences will develop over time. One big 'but'. Those cheaper bikes and even some expensive bikes come with crappy brakes, upgrade this at purchase, it will keep you safe and in one piece. First bike people should be on 27.5 unless you are really tall, flats, good brakes and helmet. And get tires immediately that match what you are riding in your area.

It's videos like these that have been absolutely invaluable to me in my journey into this wonderful world of mountain biking! As a newborn MTB-er (only two weeks in), a lot of the numbers are intimidating still, but I know that'll come in time. For now, I'm having a blast on my little "hyper havoc" walmart rig. Perhaps in like a year (or next tax return, lol) and when I'm in better shape (which is happening way quicker than expected!) I'll probably spring for a good quality entry level hardtail, maybe a cannondale or something...I've found I do tend to like the way they look, though to know if the way they ride suits me, we'll have to wait and see.

Thank you for the video, good to have more people join the mtb family, more people more trails, more fun!!!

Great advice for anyone wanting to start mountain bike riding. I've been back riding for around 2 years and all of your examples are spot on. I've yet to get a dropper post but have ran into several situations where I needed one! We all love watching you folks bombing down hills, etc but we all have different skill levels and have to begin somewhere! Thanks for the video.

Full send; used to mountain bike as a kid with my old man, haven't ridden one in years, plus everything was 26" back then. Been itching to get back into it, found a local guy on fb selling a minty Fuel EX 5 29er, going to pick her up this evening. I'm stoked!!!

Step #1. Be prepared to take out a 2nd house mortgage.

Oh shit Edmonton Represent! Ive actually been dying to get into MTB and watching you and all the BC boys is just fueling it. Especially since id love it to get back outside and back into shape!

Finding People to Ride with: SUPER hard to find group rides. First impressions are key. You find a group, they are way better cardio. They either leave you behind and figure that you'll always be fat or they keep stopping and resent you. Either way, you don't get invited back or people smh when they see you. It is tough to find the right fit of people on the trails available to you, and to progress until you can join/keep up with the next group. Not impossible, but super hard.

That bike shop is heaven on earth ❤

im so happy your a canadian youtuber who lives in the same city as me

I really do enjoy this channel, theres just one thing I cant get over... Edmonton bad. (This post was made by the Calgary gang)

started out in the early 90's on a cheap 12 speed K-Mart bike with a cheap spring fork, then got an 18 speed Pacific with a better fork from target. now I have a 2014 Giant talon, yea I love hardtails.

Only other thing I would add is...ride, ride, ride. Practice makes perfect!

I've said this before Ryan, but I truly think that your channel is the best on KZfaq! I love your attitude and your delivery of content. You are a genuine person a just a damn nice guy. Your family is awesome and your videos are the best out there imo. I have been in education for over thirty years and I love to continually learn and I feel that every video that you produce, teaches me something new! Maybe one day this Ontario boy can get his butt out there and we could ride! Cheers Ryan. Kevin

i would recomend starting on a hardtail because then you learn all the essential habbits and such. When you feel that your hartail is way too rough to ride or it holds you back, buy a full suspension. Also, the first time you buy a full suspension, try to find a used one as it will save you alot of money and you will progress better

My local shop sells used, its the only one in the area that does so. He hooked me up and even fixed it for free when something came up a few days later. Great guy who stands by his used products

Always dirtbiked, love snowboarding and idk why but bicycles never really caught my eye. I just recently picked up mountain biking and I love it. Live near Lake Tahoe in California and mtb out here is a dream! Great tips for a beginner like me :)

I just started MTB and I found a few trails already and I live in NYC!

You should go to Chile and Bolivia! You will love all the trails there.

thanks for doing this series. im starting recently and ive done a couple trails already, despite them being a lengthy drive away.

I watched this video like 2 weeks ago, and now I'm waiting my bike like a child waiting toys in Christmas I hope I recover my skills faster after like 10 years without riding

I love that the bike shop guy is wearing a KONA shirt! Representing my favorite brand!

This thumbnail just rings so true 😂

I’ve known several people that heavily weigh the paint job. Try happily admit they don’t like the bike as much but live the look so they happily own it

Take a lesson with a certified PMBIA instructor to shorten the learning curve. It will help avoid many of those early crashes and give you a great foundation to build on.

My block has a variety of sharp turns, steep elevation, and jumps great 👍 place for practicing

Stop worrying about brand and just go ride - as true MTBers say - Shut up and ride. Just go. Helmet, Bike, Ride.

I have been mountain biking and racing for years and I still loved this video

Best beginner video I've ever seen. Well done

Supporting your local bike shop 👍 🙌. Great place to inquire about a mountain bike.

Pro tip if you’re just starting out. Do not grab your friends bike when they aren’t looking. Haha

I once sat on a Orbea, i saw the fork travel and it looked like something for enduro, happiest seconds of my life

I'm pretty close to buying my first hardtail, I'm stoked. Got everything else and already know where to go test my skills, I'm stoked.

I just bought an Hardtail MTB and I wanna ride some!! thx for the info man!

I only really came here to figure out a way to find trails to ride on, because I haven't ridden on single track in my area. Trailforks is a great recommendation and I wouldn't have heard of it if it weren't for this video.

Im just gonna get a walmart bike first then when it breaks I'll know what kind of bike i want

Ive always loved riding my bike and being in nature and ive always been so jealous seeing the videos of people MTB on trails, ive had a walmart "MTB" for around 2 or 3 years now and i want to start getting into MTB as i dont play a sport of anykind, but i dont want to spend a ton of money right away. This video was very helpful though👍😁

This is great advice. I did exactly what you suggested here 4 months ago and I demoed a mid range Trek Fuel EX8, (Trek is all that was available locally ) and I loved it. Coming from BMX, Motocross and then the early 2000s mtbs to now... Anyway, 8 demos later and they applied the money spent on the demos toward the cost of buying one so I got the base Fuel Ex 5 (still not cheap 2k no dropper and after using one on demo EX8 have to have one asap). Bottom line is I now have a capable trail tool and know what the frame is capable of, can upgrade the parts as I outgrow them. Thanks for the advice!

Regarding personal protection to start on day one....1a). Helmet (obvious reason). 1b). Protective eyewear - a branch or leaf can scratch damage an eye (not to mention bugs) and can cause serious damage...then the other items as you advance gloves, knee, elbow shoulder pads, maybe a full face mask helmet if you plan on getting a lot of air.

Ryan, and Beth, I really love the direction your channel is going. Not just riding focused, but educational, and informative. You guys really are the leaders in my opinion in the youtube bike community

This was one of the best videos you have put out! Glad to see this channel grow

These are great tips, I think everyone gets hung up on gear I know I do just because im on an older bike and gear but the key thing is if you have a helmet and a bike just ride. Ride till you wear it out or break it doesnt matter if your on a few year old used bike or a brand new $7k bike they all have a potential to break the same way when riding. Just get out there and enjoy the experience and dont let the Bike snobs gear shame you.

This is great - started watching your stuff about a month ago and I've really been inspired to try out some riding, hopefully I can put all your advise to good use soon.

Thanks I just got one and I’ll see your vids a lot I live in MEXICO

I'm so happy about what you said about pedals. I ride at work and I've always had flat pedals with the slip in cage on my personal bike, other guys at work are hard-core about clip ins and I continue to resist. I have to break out the pedal wrench every time I ride at work, but its worth it.

Thanks for this video! Made me ride today!

Just stumbled upon this as I just purchased my first mountain bike and pick it up this weekend! Appreciate your advice as it answered a lot of my questions! Subscribed!

Some considerations: 1) The best thing before going to a store is to look for people and groups already into MTB. Then you'll get a clear idea about bikes/geometries/price points and where to put your money. It's important to tell n00bies that highest price tag does not mean the best experience. Like: if the n00b is really a n00b he'll won't profit much spending money in a SRAM XX-1 or Shimano XTR (m8100), he'd do great with a NX or a SLX. 2) Emphasis in protective gear: good quality helmets, glasses, gloves, knee and elbow protection (sorry, English is not a native language for me but in Brazilian Portuguese it is 'joelheiras/caneleiras' and 'cotoveleiras'). 3) Many people who want to get into MTB know how to ride a bike in urban areas. In civilized places biking inside the town does not involve jumping obstacles, 'finding the best line', avoiding ditches and gutters(??? again, in Brazilian 'calhas') so... better to start slow, asking for help of veterans and even looking for personal instructors in order to learn the basics. Where I live it's quite common to bunny jump potholes, deal with speed bumps, choose lines to avoid gutters, etc... Not to mention the biker hunt season when we have to survive bus drivers, taxi drivers, etc... 4) Take care of equipment. Pay attention to the breaks, in case of air forks and shocks don't forget to see if pressure is ok, if they're not leaking oil... look for the right tires pressure... keep bike clean. 5) Keep bike revised... Chains wear, cassette cogs wear, fork and shock seals wear... periodic maintenance is necessary. And... I personally don't like clip pedals... I acknowledge that they allow energy conservation and enforce right movements but... the idea of being stuck to the bike during an incident does not attract me...

I like your jersey. Maybe I missed it but I didn’t see a link in the description for it. Found the website and ordered one though.

If you are in shape but tired of the climbs and still have descending skills and want to enjoy all of the rides all of the time get an e-bike. I love my Specialized turbo-Levo. Same price as a regular higher-end bike.

I have hard rock from 05, all I’ve ridden is cities and urban. Haven’t ridden for the last three years since I had my shoulder repaired. Thinking its time to move to a full suspension setup cause I live in Utah. I can do it all here. Thanks for a great vid!

I always throw up a like at the beginning of the video because i know it's always going to be quality content.

Quit smoking cigarettes first! Take it from me....I know from experience.

Great advice. Visit your local bike store and talk to them. I work in the industry and it's funny how many people buy a bike online that's completely inappropriate for the local trails. Support local shops and they'll make sure you're looked after in return.

Such a great video, very information packed and I learned alot. For sure gonna take your advice and start riding

I think I will share my experience so far, as I'm getting more and more into MTB. Currently I have a cheap 29 XC-ish MTB with atrocious geometry (which I found is the case two days ago). I ride in Lesser Poland region which is a platou but 1-2h ride by car from Tatra mountains and other great mountain ranges. On Sunday I went to Specialized event where I was able to test their bicycles on local trails which allowed me to realize how bad my current bicycle really is, and that I want to get enduro style full suspension bicycle. I also struck a deal with my girlfriend, that if I manage to finish a marathon run I will be allowed to buy a new bicycle for around 1500 USD so that bike testing got me really motivated to put in those running km's and also loose weight. So, hopefully round this time next year I will be riding a new enduro/trail bicycle (probably Marin Rift Zone 2) :D

its refreshing to hear a common sense answer to the 'what bike to get' question instead of the usual 'oh you should start out on a hardtail' rubbish.

Clippless killed my confidence on my NBD and reintro to MTB. I crashed so many times all at low speed. Went flat and am way better off but still working on it

first i need to replace city bike with mountain bike thanks for video bro

The superstition mountains in AZ is where I'm at. Not saying doing as I do, but my rig is a sketchy '03 Ellsworth Isis with a 1x10 and puncture resistance in the tubes and tires because as everyone knows we have some spiky stuff laying around all over. That's really everything a beginner like me has needed for awhile, I basically agree with what these dudes have said: only the customer knows what they'll ultimately want, plus there's a solution to every bike's flaw: don't like the hardtail's rough riding but can't afford another bike? Get a suspension seatpost.

Completely agree with you on dropper posts, and completely disagree on clipless pedals!

Thanks for Trailfork!!!🤘🏻

Have been a subscriber for a while. But, I have been really enjoying your recent crop of videos! Keep it up!

Been searching for trails for quite some time...there literally is nothing closer than 100km. Why do I always fall in love with stuff I can't get lol

Thank you for making this video. It was very helpful. Look forward to more.

The video and the channel are all geared towards someone who already has some level of interest in MTB and wants to take the next step so I have a couple of observations. 1 -- Get an organization like MEC, REI or Pink Bike interested in hosting the video on their web site, and 2) Start with the basics, helmet, shoes & gloves. 3 -- You didn't mention renting a bike from a bike shop as a low cost, low commitment way to start learning what bike suits someone's size, budget and their local trails. IMO don't start talking about a dropper post because I would guess you lost 100% of the women and 50% of the men who have a casual interest in turning a wish into reality. Great channel and probably the best quality video of any MTB channel -- Personally I'd love a beginners guide to GoPro set-up and video editing.

Thx for the advice on avoiding clipless pedals at the beginning. I am just starting out, and my rider friends have been recommending I get them.

Look at buying a good used mountain bike! You can find some steals for the same price as a new bike. I bought a 2010 trek full carbon fuel 9.8 for $800 today which was a lucky find but if you’re patient you can always get an amazing deal.

My friends told me im pretty good becauss starting off i learned to jump in 10 minute and i was good at it and now i compete and won 2 place worldwide all thx to my friend

Thank You!! Just got first Mb and all the info is greatly appreciated

Oh wow, my name is Taylor and ngl I got a bit spooked at 1:07 because it sounded like he said 'Taylor, just for you' xD

so i live in Edmonton as well so i immediately followed you because i want to get into mountain biking and didn't think Edmonton had decent trails

I'd actually never heard of Pole and really like the Stamina 180. At this point if you want a bike from them we're looking at 10 weeks according to their site which as of today would put it in October. For me it's now a tossup between the YT Jeffsy and the Pole 180. Thanks for the video.

EDMONTON PROUD!!!

I started with a 200€ "Mountain" Bike. It had a shock and handle bars with horns.

One thing a new rider should also consider when choosing between the different frame types is longevity. There are some insanely light full suspension bikes out now but hardtails are still so much lighter and make (in most cases) a much better cross-country ride because every ounce of weight matters when you’re covering long distances uphill as well as down. If you are going downhill on anything that would be considered intermediate difficulty or above I would say disc brakes are essential. The intense amount of friction generated by aggressive braking is just too much for rim brakes to handle. Get yourself a good pair of riding shorts too your butt will thank you.

How I got into it was I had like a $400 cannoldale trail bike and I took it to some local trails and I went more and more and got better and better and I just started getting into it. My parents wenren't into it at first but you just gotta go with it.

Bro I'm in Edmonton too and just getting started with mountain biking. Thanks for the vids

This is a great video. Thank you for taking the time to make it. Just wanting to get into MTB. Downloaded that app and holy crap it is amazing. Keep up the great content. You got a new subscriber for sure!

2Nd Hand, I've been riding a while now and, so far, have always gone 2nd hand, choose what you want ant wait for someone to be selling it online, if you know exactly what you want though, it might be better for brand new as it means you don't have to be waiting for ages for what you want.