1. you should fiddle around

Have you been riding your bike exactly as it is for ages? Here's a tip: experiment with different stem lengths and handlebar widths. You'll be amazed at how the usual handlebars suddenly feel different - or usually better. The handlebars or stems that are then left over can be sold via ricardo, ebay or the MTB online second-hand market - or you can make your bike buddies happy with them.

2. do it yourself

Do you have a repair or service that you want to do yourself but have never dared to? YouTube knows (almost) everything - and you'll find 100% useful instructions on how to change the chain properly. By the way, practice makes perfect, the first time you change the chain it's like fiddling around, the third time it'll be a breeze.

3. vary the house lap

Think you've already seen everything in your local area? Then check a GPS portal or the ride tour section to see what trails you can find there. Or just innocently ask other mountain bikers on your home circuit where else you can ride here... The answers or even friendships that result won't hurt.

4. adjust the suspension properly

Want to experience a new dimension? In terms of riding fun, control and traction? Then get yourself a shock pump, take it with you on the trail and test different fork and shock set-ups. Familiarize yourself with sag, compression and rebound beforehand. As soon as you have experienced in real life how a stronger rebound feels, how well 30 percent sag rides... then you will get the maximum out of your bike. And for free - apart from the shock pump.

5. give it rubber

Who decides whether you stand the trick, fly out of the corner or have a flat tire? Exactly, your tires. And this is where it's worth trying something new. Are you still riding with inner tubes? Then convert to tubeless (see also point 2). Are you already riding tubeless? Then try Procore or Deaneasy!

6. the hotel with zero stars

This hotel has zero stars. But a full moon. It has no wellness zone. But it is still pure relaxation. It has no electricity. But an unparalleled light show. The hotel is called Berggipfel, and the accommodation is called Biwack. If you want to give your bike trip an extraordinary touch, spend the night under the open sky under a full moon once a season.

7. experience the sunrise

Is there any greater spectacle than watching the sunrise? At Piz Nair Sunrise, you can experience the hello of the day at over 3000 meters. The sunrise on a Jura or pre-Alpine hill is certainly just as mind-blowing. Definitely try it out!

8. Open your mind

Do you think fat bikes are silly, or e-mountain bikes can stay stolen from you? If you have one of these fine bikes, you should try it out. Not just in the parking lot outside the store, but for real. Rent a fat bike, go on an e-mountain bike tour. It will not only improve you as a mountain biker, but also as a person. Because it's impressive and instructive when some prejudices disappear into thin air...

9. A flight with a bike

Most of the time, we're riding around on our doorstep or packing the bike in the car for the end-of-week trip. But a plane trip with a bike? You'll experience a bonding orgy with your mountain bike, as it will take you through unknown airports, trails and accommodation. In New Zealand, for example, it will be fun even before you enter the country when you first have to scrape the last bit of dirt off your tires at customs. That's a real anecdote that not everyone has in store...

10. finally to the Eurobike

Friedrichshafen on Lake Constance is just around the corner for the Swiss - and that's where the world's biggest bike trade fair takes place every year. For the time being, 2017 will be the last time that public days are held. From 2018, the trade fair will mutate into a pure B2B event.