Riding a single-speed mountain bike is not as difficult as it may seem. In fact, once you get used to it, you may find that it is actually more enjoyable than riding a bike with gears. Here are a few things to keep in mind when making the switch to single-speed:
1. Start off on flat terrain: When first starting out, it is best to begin on flat terrain so that you can get a feel for how your bike will respond without having to worry about hills or other obstacles.
2. Build up your endurance: Since you will be pedaling continuously on a single-speed bike, it is important to build up your endurance beforehand so that you are not too exhausted when riding. A good way to do this is by gradually increasing the distance of your rides each week.
3. Use your body weight: When going up hills, use your body weight to help propel yourself forward instead of solely relying on your legs. This will help take some of the strain off of your muscles.
4. Don’t be afraid to walk: If there is an obstacle that you don’t feel comfortable riding over, don’t be afraid to dismount and walk your bike around it. It is better to be safe than sorry!