Newbie Do's and don't ever do that to your MTB

[Dylanmtb]

Final got my first new MTB. Mid level hardtail. 

I realized after my first ride that I have alot to learn with genernal maintenance.

I had my bike set up and of course  I didn't check all the screws to see of they tight enough on my bars and seat post. Luckily the shop marked everything so I just moved it back.

Would love to hear everyone's tips and tricks on maintenance ,washing the bike, pre checks etc.

 

Ps I'm a old roadie so be nice..  I'm still sensitive.🤣

[Zebra]

…lube your chain the day BEFORE you ride…, not 5 min before you go out…

[PhilipV]

Do:
Find your tyre pressure and check it before every ride. 
Fit tubeless. 
Learn to use your front brake, and use it predominantly. 

Learn to slide your wheels. You won't die. 

Have fun. Do stupid things. Take chances. 

Wash your bike after muddy rides. 
 

Don't :

Get oil or lube near your brakes. 

Ride without sealant. 

Over wash your bike. 
Disregard suspension services. 

[Pandatron]

Buy a proper torque wrench and torque bolts to spec, replace bolts that aren't biting. 

[440MTB]

Getting a proper torque wrench is imperative.
Take care of your suspension - Regular services, and properly clean and oil them with a suspension stanchion oil.
Don't shift under full load (there are exceptions to this rule depending on your groupset).
Learn to bunny hop (preferably with flat pedals to learn the proper technique).

HAVE FUN!
Ride as often as you can!

Edited July 15, 2023 by 440MTB

[ChrisF]

Take care of the chain.

 

Also monitor with a chain checker.

[Theunissa]

4 hours ago, Dylanmtb said:

Final got my first new MTB. Mid level hardtail. 

I realized after my first ride that I have alot to learn with genernal maintenance.

I had my bike set up and of course  I didn't check all the screws to see of they tight enough on my bars and seat post. Luckily the shop marked everything so I just moved it back.

Would love to hear everyone's tips and tricks on maintenance ,washing the bike, pre checks etc.

 

Ps I'm a old roadie so be nice..  I'm still sensitive.🤣

Don't use long socks. Camelbak is a must. Ride next to the road 

 

[robbybzgo]

When you're riding with your mates and someone yells out "Take the Jump!"

DON'T...

Jumping with a bike is almost an artform done by a technician....

LEARN how to get your bike off the ground and back onto it (the right way up) before you try any crazy stuff with little knowledge of what it is you're doing.

Learn...then love the ride..!

[Mamil]

Upgrade your medical aid and get gap cover

[ChrisF]

41 minutes ago, Mamil said:

Upgrade your medical aid and get gap cover

 

First aid kit in the car.

 

Old towel in the car ... for those memorable rides when the seats needs some protection.

[Robbie Stewart]

9 hours ago, Mamil said:

Upgrade your medical aid and get gap cover

  ☝🏻️What he said!!!

[MORNE]

10 hours ago, Mamil said:

Upgrade your medical aid and get gap cover

[MORNE]

Also:

“Heavy feet, light hands”

As an ex-roady….keep this front of mind every time you are bombing down some single track, it will become muscle memory soon enough. You’ll be surprised how much better you’ll ride and how much more in control you’ll be when you let the bike move under you.

[NotSoBigBen]

If you haven't already got tubeless, do it!

Just one tip for tubeless .... should you get a puncture that won't seal STOP, locate the puncture and hold your finger on it to stop the air escaping. Now decide what to do ... if it can be plugged (off course you have a tubeless repair 'kit') then do it pronto. Don't wait till the tyre is flat to stop and decide ... in 9/10 cases it's too late and you won't get it re-inflated!

IMHO tubeless is the best 'innovation' that has come about in cycling ... the rest is just about comfort, ego and enabling more gnar

[love2fly]

Don't overclean your chain. I deep clean with Pink stuff and scrubbing brush only after 4 to 6 rides, in between I just run it through a tightly clenched cloth..... Clenching will also become second nature when you scare the **** out of yourself on the trail - must happen at least once a ride for maximum enjoyment!

[splat]

Don't lift your bike by the saddle/seatpost when your dropper is down