Hi — I’m Muhammad Ali. I started Mountain Bike Insider because I love riding, testing gear, and telling people what actually works out on the trail.
I’m a hands-on rider who’s spent years on everything from loose, rocky singletrack to fast flow trails. I test bikes and parts myself, ride local trails every week, and write the guides I wish I’d had when I was starting out.
I share my honest, practical advice that helps riders pick gear, stay safe, and get faster.
My riding & testing approach
I’m not a showroom reviewer. I take gear out on the trails: long rides, dusty climbs, and sketchy descents. If something breaks, I fix it. If something surprises me, I write about it.
That means my reviews and recommendations come from real use — not specs alone.
And yes, sometimes I also discuss MTB with other professional riders, because knowledge is the only thing which we gain by sharing with others.
I love:
- Testing hardtail vs full-suspension setups on the same trail,
- Figuring out which budget frames punch above their weight,
- and building training plans that actually fit busy people who still want results.
My background & timeline
I started cycling as a kid and seriously focused on mountain bikes over the last 9 years. In that time I’ve:
- ridden hundreds of local trails and several destination rides,
- tested multiple bikes (from entry-level to mid-range race setups),
- built training plans and step-by-step skill guides for new riders.
I launched Mountain Bike Insider to put everything I learn in one place — from crash lessons to upgrade tips.
What you’ll find here
On Mountain Bike Insider I focus on practical, tested content:
- Real gear reviews — not press releases. I tell you what works and what doesn’t.
- Skill & training guides — step-by-step plans (including my 12-week program).
- Trail reports & trip writeups — what the trail is actually like, ride time, difficulty, and tips.
- Maintenance & prep — basic repairs and pre-ride checks that save rides.
- City & commuting advice — yes, a mountain bike can work in the city — here’s how.
Top reads (start here)
- Best Material for Mountain Biking — my breakdown of aluminum vs carbon vs steel vs titanium.
- Is Mountain Biking Good for City Riding?— honest take on using an MTB in urban areas.
- 12 Weeks MTB Training Program — a real training plan that gets results.
- Starting Mountain Bike at 40— how I’d start riding again at 40 (and why it’s not too late).
- Best Mountain Bike for City Riding— if you want a city-friendly MTB pick.
Press, mentions & collaborations
If you see a mention of Mountain Bike Insider on other sites or social platforms, that’s me doing guest guides, trail reports, or gear tests.
I’m open to collaborating with local trail groups, shops, and creators who care about genuine trail info.
Connect with me
Follow along, share feedback, or say hi:
Want to collaborate, suggest a trail, or pitch a story? Use the Contact page or email me at: dollarsfreedomwith@gmail.com (or the contact form).
Final note — why I write
I write because good riding advice should be practical and honest. Whether you’re picking your first bike, fixing a flat on the trail, or training for that long ride, I’ll give you straightforward guidance that works.
Thanks for reading and for being part of the ride.
— Ali
