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Ask MBA

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Is Overnight eMTB Charging Safe?

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.
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Want Better MTB Videos? Start With These Filming Tips

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.
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The Best Budget Mountain Bikes for Smaller Riders

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.
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Ask MBA: Solving Suspension Bottom-Out and Seat Buzzing

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.
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Ask MBA: Helmet, Chin, or Chest? Choosing the Best POV Angle

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.
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Ask MBA: How Long Should You Wait to Ride After Rain?

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…
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Ask MBA: How to Find the Right Line Through Rock Gardens

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…
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Ask MBA: Rear Shock Losing Air? Here’s What’s Actually Normal

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,…
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Ask MBA: Touch-Up Paint for Mountain Bikes – What Really Works?

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…
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Ask MBA: How to Run a Non-Boost Wheel on a Boost Fork

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…
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ASK MBA: Prepping for Your First MTB Enduro? Start Here

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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Ask MBA: When Should You Bleed Your Brakes?

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.
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ASK MBA: How Often Should You Wash Your Bike in Dry, Dusty Conditions?

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.
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Ask MBA: What’s the Best Saddle for Men With Prostate Problems?

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.
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