Bike
MTB
5 set-up mistakes beginner mountain bikers make
Avoid these errors that beginner – and sometimes even more experienced – mountain bikers make, and guarantee yourself a smoother ride.
Mountain bike set-up mistakes – we’ve made them so you don’t have to. Read on for five of the most common errors to look out for, especially when first starting out on your mountain bike journey.
1. Over-tightening components
As bikes have got lighter, so have the tolerances on components, meaning their torque values (how hard to tighten them) can now seem quite low, particularly around the cockpit (handlebar area).
A prime example is brake levers. Tightening them to 4Nm may seem a bit weak, but it’s just enough to stop them moving under your strength, while being low enough to allow some give/movement when you inevitably crash. You may then have to readjust them, but it’s better than snapping a lever that’s had nowhere to go in a fall.
So don’t forget your torque wrench and trust those values, even if they do seem a bit low.
2. Spending too much (or sometimes too little) on a bike/components
Now it’s certainly not up to us to tell you how to spend your money, so if you’ve got loads of cash to spare, then spend away on whatever bike parts you like. However, for those of us who have to consider our purchases more carefully, there’s definitely a pecking order of useful and cool-but-not-so-useful upgrades.
Those fancy/expensive carbon bars you’ve been looking at probably won’t enhance your riding experience that much. However, a relatively inexpensive but unsexy component, like tyres, could make a big difference to your control and speed on the bike.
Another unsexy but vital upgrade is a decent front mudguard. Your bike and eyes will thank you for that one.
3. Not carrying spares, tools etc
Your mountain bike can take you to some pretty amazing places, meaning it’s important to take the right spares to ensure you don’t end up stranded in said amazing places.
Basics like an inner tube, tyre levers, multi-tool and pump are a no brainer, but if you’re heading further afield, or out in tough conditions, then there are some others we’d recommend.
An extra set of disc brake pads is useful for those epic rides and it’s always worth taking a spare quick-link in case you snap a chain. Also, a modern plastic-coated bank note (depending on where you live) or an old gel wrapper can be used to temporarily shore up a terminally slashed tyre.
4. Too much pressure in your tyres
Putting too much pressure in your tyres is a mistake we’ve all made, along with nearly every other beginner throughout the history of mountain biking.
Having your tyre pressure very high might make them impossible to pinch flat, but it will also drastically reduce your grip and increase discomfort; two things we definitely don’t want.
We’d recommend starting around 30psi and going slightly up or down from there. Ideally you want the lowest pressure possible, to provide the best grip and comfort, whilst not being so low, that you risk dinging the rim on a big hit. This can take a bit of trial and error but it’s well worth the effort.
Bonus tip: Check your tyre pressures regularly with the same gauge!
5. Getting trigger-happy with the spray
Water-displacing sprays are great for cleaning or temporarily lubricating your drivetrain. However where they’re not so great is on your brake pads.
Getting even a small amount on your rim or disc brake pads will contaminate the surface and make your brakes, well… rubbish. It'll also make them incredibly loud and squeaky, and nobody likes to be accompanied down the trail by the high-pitched groans of their disc rotors.
If you do want to clean your disc rotors, opt for a dedicated cleaner like this one from Muc Off. But on really wet and muddy days when you have to use a spray, just remember not to lose that little tube that comes with the can and avoid your brake pads like the plague.
