I have no idea how do I get started on mountain biking? Do I get the same bike fit done like road bike, first?

I cycled a road bike for the last three years, so basic skill okay.

Is it advisable to try out a mountain bike route with a gentleman/utility bike first, to understand the requirements better?
Many/most people I ask around have fallen from their respective moutain bikes, but for not having the expertise/expereince enough to advice me on the safety aspects (including the some LBS people)

Bear-traps pedals any better/safer than clipless pedals for mountain biking (all who had fallen used clipeless pedals but none knows why?)
I am a layman to mountain biking, not even an entry-level newbie, so terms like XC or others are all Greeks to me

Your road bike is not going to cut it XC. Those skinny tyres will buckle at the first bump or sink at the first boggy bit.

The key to mountain biking is big tyres. This is what offered the suspension initially, that and a smaller 26″ wheel. However, I would not consider anything less than a hard tail. Full suss is OK, but you lose some power due to suspension bob.

You will need to spend about £500 to get a reasonable entry level machine that will serve you well for general riding and be able to cope with trail centers. This is a lot of money.

I would sugest that, rather than forking out a lot of money on a bike you are not sure about, look at a trail center or lake/park rental shop. Try out some bikes while hurtling around a woodland somewhere. You might also try a demo day.

The main difference between the cycling styles is that, in order to save your legs, you have learnt to dump some of your gears and peddle faster. Mountain bikers tend to have a smoother cadence, since they have to smoothly peddle out of the icky stuff more than roadies. SPDs are a must. If you want to do stunts etc. then you want a platform peddle, but it you want to make the most efficient use of your legs, SPDs. MTB peddles are different to road ones, in that they are designed to shed mud easier. Try out a pair of Shimano 520s. They can be picked up for £20 and, if you don’t get on with them….

Another useful place to shop for cycle stuff is Lidle. Good cheep gear.

Now, back to the bike rental:

www.rutlandcycling.co.uk

You might also try Grapham on the same link.

Pitsford cycles are not bad.

you might also try Cannock Chase. The cycle shop there rents.

Another good place is Coed Y Brenen for rental, although the riding is a bit pre-packed.

Another option is one of the Evens Cycle turn up and ride events. These are races in everything but name (Insurance and Liability issues). But you can rent/try machines at these. Might be worth a go.

As for the skills. Ride with somebody better than you. When you eventually get a bike, join a club.

Luck

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