Professional cyclists make cycling seem effortless. The way they move the pedals with so much gusto and fly in the air like they were born riding can intimidate any rider newbie in a matter of seconds. Obviously, apart from years of training, these pros have incredible machines at their arsenal. Since they love the sport, they are not afraid to make the cash splash as long as they get the best that life has to offer in biking.
But what if we told you that you don’t have to spend a small fortune to get your hands on a terrific bike? It’s true. You only need to know how to employ a few simple tricks to improve the performance of your existing Mountain Bike. Lucky for you, we have explained those tricks on this guide.
Lubricate Your Chain Regularly
To ensure that your drivetrain runs smoothly round the clock, you’ve got no option but to get your hands dirty with lube. A well-oiled chain tends to reduce your effort through mechanical inefficiency. It will also significantly decrease the amount of grime picked up by the chain on wet rides.
Your Saddle Height Must Be Right
It is amazing how many veteran cyclists out there still ride with too high or too low saddle heights. A wrong saddle height comes with a host of problems including injuries, discomfort, and decreased efficiency of the pedal stroke. As a rule, the distance between your top saddle and bottom bracket should be maintained as your inseam measurement minus 10 cm. Therefore, if your bike’s seam is 70cm, your saddle height should be 60cm.
Cleanliness Goes A Long Way
Ever heard the phrase, “A clean bike is a fast bike” before? Well, turns out, this statement is nothing but pure truth. By keeping your MTB clean at all times, you not only enjoy the euphoric feeling of gliding in the sunlight with a shiny machine but keep grime and mad far from your cables and drivetrain. The latter benefit is particularly huge during winter as it can potentially save you money of replacement parts.
Keep Your Weight At The Center While Riding
You have probably come across the importance of balancing your weight atop your mountain bike. Concentrating your weight at the center doesn’t only improve your bike’s performance but ensures your safety in case of a fall. The unwritten rule here is that if you were to lose your bike while riding, you shouldn’t fall on your side or your bum but rather, flat on your feet.
Keep Your Tire Pressure Low
Too much tire pressure is a recipe for disaster when it comes to cycling. It makes you bounce aimlessly all over the trail. To be safe, keep your tire pressure somewhere close to 25lbs, perhaps more in your rear tire. Don’t worry, modern mountain bike tires can handle lower pressures quite well.
To improve the performance of your mountain bike isn’t rocket science. With a good knowledge of the right tricks backed with commitment, you will tremendously improve your cycling experience.
