New to Mountain Bikes - Quick question

[maf]

Hey everyone - just joined the site - I live in the Domain at City Centre and thought I would try Mountain Biking at Terry Hershy. DId some online research and settled on a 2013 Trek Mamba 29 er. First time out - fell in love with the trails.... Only been out about 3 times - so still getting to know them - not able to stay on my bike the whole time yet - but burning some serious calories and loving the thrill of it all.

Quick question: do the clipped pedals and shoes make a big difference - and make it easier to navigate the tougher drops and climbs? I'm worried Im gonna face plant if I dont get my hooves off the clips soon enough. I used to do TRI's about 10 years ago and used the clips on my road bike no prob.

My Bike

My_ Trek_ Mountain_Bike.JPG (121.43 KiB) Viewed 802 times

Any general riding tips that some of you better riders would like to offer up would be greatly appreciated!!

Ok - thats all for now - hope to see everyone out there! Mark F.

[rafdog]

Mark,

Welcome to a great sport. As for clippless vs. pedals, I think most people prefer clippless. For me, I like feeling connected to the bike since I am not a racer and have never worried about my power output, etc. You just need to practice a bit with them in a forgiving area (eg, grassy) as you get used to clipping in and out. I think the learning/comfort curve is short, especially as you have used them before.

I am president of Greater Houston Off-Road Biking Association (GHORBA) and we have rides (open to all) at various trails around town and some out of town, which is a good way to get to know the trails and meet other bikers. The Anthills is well used and we have riders in our club at all levels. On 9/8 we are having a beginner's only ride at Timberlane trail. On 9/15 we are having an all levels ride at the Anthills. See our calendar at ghorba.org for details as well as locations of other trails in the area. GHORBA also offers skills clinic for its members, which is a good opportunity to learn some basics to build your skills on..the instructors are excellent. Bill

[thebetternewme1973]

since I am very new to this trail...my first hiking journey yesterday w/ my man...we were in love w/ it. We are thinking of buying bikes for ourself...However, we have questions as beginners...I think this is the rite place for me to post them. I am a very petite woman...about 4'8"...which bikes are suitable for my size...I love the fold mountain bikes ...but I am too little ...any suggestion for me...where to buy...which one is good (I am looking for the reasonable price since I just start) ? Thank you very much!
thebetternewme1973