Mountain biking is an exhilarating and intense sport which is enjoyed by thousands across the globe. It is one of the most versatile ways of enjoying cycling as mountain bikes can be used across nearly any terrain. Mountain biking can be dangerous at times but if done correctly, this only adds to the exhilaration when you reach that downhill section and free-ride to the bottom.

When becoming a mountain biker there are several things you need to take into consideration, not only to keep you safe but to make sure you get the maximum amount of enjoyment out of it.

1. Research mountain biking - the more you know about mountain biking, the easier and more enjoyable you will find the whole process. There are plenty of mountain bike magazines and sites full with information about everything from the newest and best bikes to buy, to the best places to ride and even places to talk to fellow mountain bike fanatics. This may at first be a bit of information overload however, when you have done the research, it puts you in a good position to know what our looking for in a bike and understand the difficulties in trails.

2. Buy the right type of bike - The first and most important tip for any beginner mountain biker is to get hold of the best bike you can afford. Mountain bikes come in an enormous range of styles and specifications. As a beginner you do not need the most expensive, top spec bike but it is recommended that you purchase the best bike at a reasonable price. It is advised to go into a bike store and try out a few different styles to get a feel for the right bike. You need to feel as comfortable as possible on this bike as you are going to be riding some tough terrain. One thing to invest in is a comfortable seat as this could be the difference between enjoying your ride and being so uncomfortable you never ride again. Commencal bikes are recommended as they provide a huge range of specifications and designs to suit every body shape and price band, so you are safe in the knowledge you are getting a great bike at the right price. The Commencal furious is a great starter bike as it provides all the specialist parts you need but is suitable for both beginners and more advanced riders so will last you as you progress.

3. Learn to correctly ride your bike - if you have chosen a specialist mountain bike such as a Commencal mountain bike, then the ride will vary enormously from that of a road bike. You need to learn how to control the bike and most importantly, how to work the brakes correctly. This may sound very simple however, during mountain biking and especially the fast downhill sections, you will rely heavily on your ability to brake correctly and if you go wrong, you may end up injuring yourself.

4. Choosing the right trails - As a beginner, you first couple of rides are the most important. You are no longer just riding alongside the road with flat surfaces or through the woods; you have taken the next step onto a more unstable surface. There are specific mountain bike trails that have ratings of difficulty so it may be an idea to start with those well-known ones. To build up your confidence it is important to start on the easiest ones and progress onto more difficult ones slowly. You will find the trails a lot more challenging than ordinary riding and it is vital that you do not rush onto a trail you are not ready for as it could result in serious injury.

5. Find other people to ride with - The mountain bike community is vast and it is a good idea to find some companions to ride with. It is recommended by most mountain bikers to go riding with a friend. This is due to the safety factor and that it is better to have someone preferably with more experience than you to come along and work a new trail together. This ensures that if you fall off or injure yourself, there is another person there to call for help. It also tends to be more enjoyable and satisfying to ride with another as you can experience something together and achieve more by working as a team.

This will give you a greater sense of satisfaction and give you that freedom to go out and try even harder trails. As a beginner it would be vital to go with someone else when trying more difficult trails to ensure your safety. For those who are set against riding with others and feel they must ride alone, it is essential to leave a map of where you're going, take a form of first aid kit with you and let someone know where you are and your estimated time of return. This is because if someone is expecting you and you have not turned up for an hour because you are injured somewhere, they will sound the alert and come looking.

Overall, mountain biking is a fantastic and rewarding sport which can provide hours of enjoyment every weekend. However it is important for those beginners out there to know what they are getting themselves into and be prepared as to not injure themselves and ruin that enjoyment.