Why Do Mountain Bikers Always Go On Low Gears And Pedal Really Hard?

Why don't they do mid gears and pedal steady? Should I start doing this when I mountain bike?

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  • triscuit said:

    Not all mountain bikers do that. Watch a pro sometime. Some mountain bikers prefer to mash, but some prefer to spin. I aim to spin. I shift down, keep my cadence as steady as possible and keep my momentum up. However, occasionally, due to a technical feature, a turn or a super steep hill, I end up mashing a bit more.
    You will be much more efficient if you spin, however, occasionally, being able to mash up a short steep hill can be beneficial.

    # 27 February 2010 at 6:22 am
  • jp said:

    long time mountain bikers are stronger and they want more challenge.

    # 27 February 2010 at 8:57 am
  • Anonymous said:

    I think it’s easier riding faster without having to put a lot of strenght in the stroke, than harder doing slower turns. I think it depends on the rider, for some they prefer faster, some slower.

    # 27 February 2010 at 3:06 pm
  • Anonymous said:

    they usually do that going up hills or if there is any kind on incline. it gives more torque at the expense of endurance- they can pack more power for a short time.
    think of a car. most will accelerate the best during high rpms cuz thats were most of the torque is, but it will wear the engine out faster if kept at a sustained high rpm

    # 27 February 2010 at 7:41 pm
  • hummerhe said:

    The granny gear is the BEST to pedal ( either in SPD custom shoes or ‘platforms’ that dirt jumpers and most downhillers specify) since there is less applied force deployed directly and the pace it follows. The mid gears are for the less than max SPRINT to pass the singletrack, mild rough terrain. Do ride with use of the BEST that you find keeps you cruising without difficulty—shifters like those with the 1:1 actuation ratio by SRAM ( 7.0 or 9.0 rear derrailleur) are one of the best ( ask Mongoose winner Eric Carter) and trigger shifters ALL do the trick——-

    # 28 February 2010 at 1:00 am
  • este bato said:

    I’ve noticed that mtn bikers don’t know realy how to change gears… Iused to be one, but I bought a road bike and started learning how to use mid gears, and now when I use my mtn bike I don’t have a hard time as I used to.

    # 28 February 2010 at 6:23 am

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