Breaking down the pros and cons for high school XC racers
Hardtail vs full-suspension for XC racing: learn which bike is faster for NICA and high school racers based on terrain, efficiency and control. Read More...
What riders should know about charging eMTB batteries safely.
Ask MBA answers whether it’s safe to leave an eMTB charging overnight and explains the best practices for protecting battery life and safety. Read More...
We break down the easiest ways to start filming your mountain bike rides, from POV GoPro setups to creative smartphone tripod shots.
Want to start filming your mountain bike rides but don’t know where to begin? In this Ask MBA column, we share tips on POV GoPro setups, helmet versus chest mounts, and creative ways to capture solo riding footage. Read More...
MBA breaks down the best affordable full-suspension mountain bikes with 27.5-inch wheels for smaller riders.
Ask MBA helps a reader find affordable small full-suspension mountain bikes with 27.5-inch wheels, comparing travel, components, and performance. Read More...
Proper suspension setup, seat height, and volume spacers can eliminate one of downhill riding’s most annoying problems.
Seat buzzing isn’t always bottom-out. In this Ask MBA tech Q&A, we explain how proper seat height, volume reducers, and setup fixes the problem. Read More...
Tips for capturing smoother, more immersive mountain bike footage—whether you're rolling solo or shooting POV.
Want to make better riding videos on your own? In this Ask MBA installment, we break down the best POV camera placements, action camera options, and simple setups that help riders film smoother, more engaging footage on the trail. Read More...
Why waiting for trails to dry isn’t just good etiquette, it protects the terrain, the ecosystem, and your bike.
In this Ask MBA, we explain how long riders should wait before hitting the trails after a rainstorm—and why patience is essential for trail health, ecosystem protection, and bike longevity. Soil type, moisture levels, and trail management… Read More...
Learning to spot and trust your line on technical trails takes patience, vision, and practice—but it’s one of the best skills you can develop as a mountain biker.
Finding “the line” through a rock garden or tricky section of trail isn’t always obvious. The key is learning to read terrain, watch other riders, and keep your eyes focused ahead. Our MBA tech crew explains how to visualize and commit to a… Read More...
Dialing in grip diameter is key to comfort. Here are three top options built for larger hands.
Riders with larger hands often experience hand fatigue and discomfort when using standard-size grips. Choosing a thicker, more supportive grip can make a major difference in comfort and control. Here are three excellent extra-thick MTB grip… Read More...
Learn how to tell the difference between normal pressure loss and a problem worth fixing.
If your rear shock is losing 15–20 psi every few weeks, that’s not normal. Learn how to diagnose and fix air leaks in your RockShox Vivid Select+, from checking valve cores and seals to identifying internal damage. DVO’s lead technician,… Read More...
From enduro epics to downhill runs, here’s how to choose the right clipless pedal for your ride.
Thinking of switching to clipless pedals? We compare three of the best options—Shimano Saint, Crankbrothers Mallet DH, and Time Speciale 10—to help you find the right mix of grip, control, and reliability for everything from enduro races to… Read More...
How riding conditions and BB quality affect your maintenance schedule.
Your bottom bracket is the heart of your drivetrain, and servicing it regularly keeps your bike running smoothly. Service intervals depend on conditions and quality: once a year for dry climates, every 3–4 months for wet and muddy riding. Read More...
Exploring why most bike brands don’t offer touch-up paint and what alternatives riders can use to keep frames looking new.
Touch-up paint for mountain bikes is rare, leaving riders frustrated when scratches appear. While some brands like Evil and Spot offer original colors, most rely on third-party services or creative fixes such as nail polish and frame… Read More...
Why proper torque on your bike’s headset top cap matters—and how to avoid costly mistakes.
The headset top cap on your bike’s steerer tube is a small but critical part of headset adjustment. Learn why it only needs 3–4 N/m of torque, what happens if you over-tighten, and how to properly secure your stem bolts for safe and smooth… Read More...
Why the MTB Industry Keeps Future Product Releases Under Wraps
Unlike the auto world, mountain bike brands rarely announce new bikes or components in advance. Here’s why the MTB industry keeps future products under wraps—and why it’s unlikely to change anytime soon. Read More...
Don’t ditch your old front wheel—here’s how to make it fit your new Boost fork with a simple and affordable adapter kit.
Upgrading to a Boost fork but still running a non-Boost front wheel? No problem. Spacer kits from brands like MRP and Wolf Tooth offer a simple, low-cost fix that lets you use your existing wheel with your new fork—no wheel rebuild… Read More...
Essential tips for training, skills, nutrition, and bike setup to help you tackle your first enduro race with confidence.
Signed up for your first enduro race? From building endurance and improving technical skills to dialing in your bike and nutrition, here’s how to get race ready.
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Our top picks for minimalist MTB gloves that won’t fall apart after one ride.
Looking for lightweight mountain bike gloves that don’t rip after one ride? We highlight some of our favorite durable minimalist gloves and tips to help them last longer. Read More...
Spongy levers? Inconsistent braking? Here’s how to tell if your hydraulic brakes need a bleed—and how often you should do it.
Wondering when to bleed your mountain bike brakes? Learn how to spot the signs of degraded fluid or air in your lines and how often to schedule a brake bleed. Read More...
Learn when to wash your bike, when a quick wipe-down is enough, and how to keep components clean and lubed when the trails are dry and dusty.
Should you wash your mountain bike every ride or let the dust settle? Here’s how often to wash your bike in dry conditions, plus maintenance tips to keep your ride rolling smoothly. Read More...
Understanding the right chainring size for your riding style, terrain, and fitness level.
Choosing the right chainring size for your mountain bike is crucial for performance. Our guide breaks down how to select the best size based on your riding style, terrain, and fitness. Read More...
Looking for a new downhill or park bike on a $4,000 budget? Here are the best options that balance performance, durability, and value.
We answer a reader’s question about the best downhill and park bikes for under $4,000, recommending three models that offer great value and performance. Read More...
Learn how to spot cassette wear, measure chain stretch, and keep your mountain bike shifting smoothly.
A worn cassette can ruin your shifting and wear out other drivetrain parts. Learn how to spot the signs, measure chain wear, and maintain peak MTB performance. Read More...
Stay in the saddle even with prostate issues with these supportive, pressure-relieving saddle options for mountain bikers
Had prostate surgery but not ready to give up mountain biking? Here’s a list of the best saddles designed to reduce pressure and keep you riding comfortably—plus tips on what to look for and how to find the right fit. Read More...
Discover Affordable and High-Performance Short-Travel Trail Bikes Within Your Budget
If you’re not going after super-technical and steep descents and want to prioritize climbing performance, 120–130mm of suspension should be more than enough. Read More...
A Practical Guide to Choosing the Right Handlebar Diameter for Comfort, Control, and Ride Style
When selecting a new set of handlebars for your Norco Range, the choice between 31.8mm and 35mm diameters is quite crucial, particularly with your preference for alloy bars due to their ride characteristics. Read More...
Using old pads on new rotors can lead to a variety of issues
Investing in new brake pads when you replace your rotors is a small cost that pays off in dividends in terms of ride performance and safety. Read More...