Mountain biking provides priceless excitement; however, beginners can make some costly mistakes that can wreck their experience or injure themselves. While you are looking for e-bikes for sale in South Africa, or even thinking about the traditional pedal power options, successfully avoiding these common issues will mean you feel a lot safer and more confident on the trails.

Choosing the Wrong Bike Type

Many novice mountain bikers think they can get away with any mountain bike, but if you choose the wrong equipment for your type of terrain, you will make it unnecessarily frustrating. While a hardtail bike loves smooth trails and climbing, it won't like steep, technical descents.

 A full suspension mountain bike for sale will provide you with more comfort and control on rough terrain, but it may climb poorly and feel sluggish. Electric mountain bikes can offer pedal assistance, but once you dive into the terrain, you will consider the way you handle the bike differently and keep battery management in mind. Do a little research on your local trails beforehand so you can begin to understand what you want to buy.

Ignoring Proper Safety Equipment

It is common for inexperienced riders to overlook the importance of quality protective gear. A proper fitting helmet is not an option; it's really trying to ensure your life. Gloves also help with grip and protect your hands from guaranteed falls, while the right goggles protect your eyes from branches and the other junk you may encounter. 

Sadly, many novice riders also forget to take the minimum required repair equipment and spare tubes. Punctures happen all the time on rocky trails, and being stuck for miles in the middle of nowhere without the ability to fix a puncture changes fun rides into long, miserable walks home.

Poor Body Positioning and Technique

First-time bike riders generally hold a stiff body position that fights against the bike rather than working with it. Slightly bent arms and legs will allow you to better absorb shocks from the trail, as well as maintain better control over the bike. Weight distribution is also very important. 

Shifting your weight back on steep descents will avoid going over the handlebars, while positioning your centre of gravity forward on climbs will maintain traction on the rear wheel. Most importantly, focus on looking ahead to maintain balance and positioning and to help with better line choices through more technical sections while still maintaining a relaxed body position.

Start with shorter, more doable rides, and then build fitness and learn more technical skills as you go. Getting some regular cross-training in - like running, swimming, or gym workouts will significantly improve your overall fitness and reduce the chance of injury off-road.