You Bought Your First Mountain Bike - Now What?

You Bought Your First Mountain Bike—Now What?
What You Need to Know After Buying a Mountain Bike (Beginner Edition)

You did it! The moment you’ve been waiting for is finally here—you bought your first mountain bike! You're ready to hit the trails and start shredding dirt with your new ride and your soon-to-be trail crew.

But let’s be real—buying your first mountain bike can feel like stepping into a whole new world. There’s a lot to take in, and it can get overwhelming fast. That’s why we’ve put together a few beginner-friendly tips to help you keep your bike in great shape and make your ride even more fun.

Basic Maintenance

One of the most important things to remember: your bike won’t take care of itself. Regular maintenance helps your bike ride better and last longer. Here are a few essentials every new rider should have:

• Chain lube – If you buy nothing else, buy this!

• Bike wash solution – Keep that bike looking fresh.

• Drivetrain cleaner – Helps your gears run smoothly.

Pro tip: Show your bike some love, and it’ll love you back on the trails.

What to Wear

The more you ride, the more you’ll appreciate a good pair of padded bike shorts (aka a chamois). They make a huge difference in comfort. There are two main styles:

• Spandex-style for a streamlined fit

• Baggy-style if you prefer a more casual, mountain-ready look

Go with whatever feels right for your style and riding goals.

Pump It Up

Believe it or not, we’ve had riders buy bikes without realizing they’d need to pump up their tires. It’s true—air pressure drops over time whether you ride or not. Investing in a good bike pump is a must. And if you’re not sure how to use it, don’t be shy—ask your local shop (like us!) to give you a quick demo.

Flat Repair 101

At some point, you’ll get a flat—it’s just part of the ride. Whether your bike is set up with tubeless tires or inner tubes, there are different ways to handle a flat. A basic flat repair kit is a great thing to carry on every ride.

Not sure what you need? That’s what we’re here for! At Brown County Bikes, we offer maintenance workshops throughout the year covering flat repair, basic maintenance, and more. Ask us or your local shop how you can learn the basics and ride with confidence.

Got Questions?

Did we miss something? Let us know! We’ll keep updating this blog with more tips as you keep riding and learning.

Now get out there and ride that new bike—you’ve earned it!