Two advantages a mountain bike has over a road bike:

1. Suspension that absorbs the bumps so that you don?t.

2. Shoes you can cleat in AND walk in. What a bonus.

And possibly the greatest, yet most underrated benefit of riding a mountain bike is that they have thick tyres. Compared to the skinny tyres of a road bike, these allow for greater control and inspire confidence.

A mountain bike is a good choice of machine for novice cyclists and can act as a ?baby steps? to more serious riding. Your position on a mountain bike is more relaxed than on a road bike. You are more upright and feel more reassured, and if you do happen to ?wobble?, it doesn?t matter because they?re built to handle the rough terrain.

If you are starting out your cycling on a mountain bike, you have two options:
1. Get slick tyres fitted so you can do regular (tar) road riding.
2. Hit the dirt and explore the great outdoors.

Both need to be done regularly - at least once, but preferably 2-3 times a week to ensure consistent development of your skill and fitness.

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