Bucketlist 2026 for mountain bikers: Doing is more awesome than wanting! 14 project ideas for bikers
Laurin Lehner
· 16.02.2026
A new year means new opportunities - and to-do lists help you to tackle them in a structured way. They create clarity, keep goals tangible and prevent important tasks from getting lost. With a to-do list, you can keep an overview, set priorities and start each new project with motivation.
14 projects for the 2026 bike season
We show you 14 project ideas. Which of them will be on your to-do list?
1 - Experience a World Cup live
The World Cup is the premier class of bike sport - Formula 1 on two wheels. Whether cross-country, downhill or enduro: this is where the best athletes show what is really possible. Goosebumps guaranteed. You can experience this live in Saalfelden Leogang (11-14 June) or in Lenzerheide (19-21 June), for example.
Feasibility: 2/5 (Because there are few events within reach)
2 - Dare a steep descent
The good news first: you only need a few skills for steep descents. The bad news: the consequences are often high. Steep descents are among the most fascinating manoeuvres in biking, because they require courage, determination and sensitivity. Once you're on a slope, there's no turning back - you have to keep going. Tip: Climb slowly, fine-tune your braking dosage and riding position until you dare to tackle a slope as extreme as the one in the photo.
Feasibility: 4/5 (There are few excuses - steep descents lurk everywhere)
3 - Bleed your brakes yourself
Nothing kills a ride quicker than bitchy brakes - for example, when the pressure point wanders or the lever can be pulled all the way to the grip and still nothing happens. The solution: bleed the brakes. And the best thing about it? You can do it yourself. Provided you have the right tools to hand. You can find helpful step-by-step instructions in our YouTube clips on the BIKE channel, for example.
Feasibility: 3/5 (Because you need the tools)
4 - Go trail hunting
BIKE editor Dimitri always prefers to ride the same trails. His motto is: better a tried and tested classic with guaranteed fun than a new trail that doesn't deliver what it promises in the end. "Free time is precious - I don't want to ride rubbish trails," he says. We think so: Do it differently than Dimitri in 2026. Go trail-hunting - preferably with friends. Look beyond your usual radius, apps like Trailforks & Co. can help. And believe us: if you discover new trail gems, you'll be twice as happy.
Feasibility: 5/5 (There are hardly any counterarguments here, unless you see it like Dimitri)
5 - Try out the power motor
Everyone is talking about the miracle engine - but very few have ever driven it. Game changer or just hype? See for yourself and try out a bike with the DJI Power motor. Festivals are ideal for renting test bikes and testing them on site.
Feasibility: 2/5 (... only 2/5 because you need a test bike specifically with this engine)
6 Get involved
Too loud, too fast, too reckless? Bikers are quickly labelled as the culprits - often wrongly. It's high time we set the record straight. To do this, we need a strong voice and people who are committed. Associations like the DIMB (Deutsche Initiative Mountainbike e. V.) or local MTB clubs make this possible. Become a member or help with legal trail building.
Feasibility: 4/5 (Not every place has a club and legal trails, but you can still join the DIMB)
7 - Start in a marathon
Marathon means riding against yourself for hours - and forgetting everything around you. It is pain, focus and freedom at the same time, embedded in mountains, dust and silence. In the end, it's not the ranking that counts, but the moment when you arrive exhausted and know that you've persevered. Try it out! It's best to register now - then there's no turning back. For example at the Black Forest Bike Marathon, Erzgebirgs Bike Marathon or the BIKE Marathon in Willingen.
Feasibility: 4/5 (You need preparation and time at the events, a matter of priority)
8 - Start with stretching
Stretching makes you flexible and supple - and can prevent or alleviate back or knee problems. "Cyclists in particular often have a mobility deficit," says fitness expert Lara Westner from the Puch Sports School. If you can't even bring your fingertips to your toes when you stand with your legs stretched out, it's time to take action. Our tip: start doing it and see for yourself whether it's good for you. Find out more in our online article - search term: "stretching exercises".
Feasibility: 5/5 (Everyone has 10 minutes after the bike ride if they want to take it)
9 - Dare to test your courage!
Tests of courage get the adrenalin pumping. Set yourself a goal and work towards it - whether it's a drop, a steep descent, a jump or a leap into the airbag. We promise: It's worth it - at least if everything goes well.
Feasibility: 5/5 (Of course, it depends on the test of courage, the lower the risk, the more feasible)
10 - Go on a road trip with friends
Many bike spots are several hours away by car. Our tip: Plan a road trip and combine different spots. This will maximise the experience, save you time on the motorway and give you valuable moments with friends - around the campfire in the evening or over a beer together after the ride. We guarantee it: You won't regret it!
Feasibility: 3/5 (A question of coordination and planning with friends, therefore 3/5)
11 - Try out a 32-inch bike
Big wheels, big fun? See for yourself and try out a bike with the big wheels. Rumour has it that the BIKE Festival in Willingen some manufacturers are already making test bikes available.
Feasibility: 1/5 (There are still few 32-inch production bikes available, hence 1/5)
12 - Learn the Stoppie
Even the newest and most expensive bike is useless if you don't improve your riding technique. The stoppie is the stylish way to bring your bike to a standstill - and at the same time you train your balance and sensitivity when braking. It's fun too, of course! The good thing is that you can feel your way slowly. YouTube clips will help you find the right approach.
Feasibility: 4/5 (You can do that... safely!)
13 - Take care of your suspension elements
Hardly any other component can take more. They cushion, absorb and parry every impact: suspension forks and shock absorbers have to withstand a lot and should therefore be serviced in good time. This increases their performance and extends their service life. Our tip: Once a year or at least once every two years. If you're clever, do the service now - while the waiting times are still short, instead of just before the start of the season when everyone gets the idea at the same time. Feasible? Try it out!
Feasibility: 4/5 (A question of priority. Remove the spring elements and send them in. Of course, the whole thing is not free either).
14 - Pendulum to work
Cycling to work is good for the environment, saves money, clears your head and keeps you fit. There are hardly any excuses, especially for distances of less than 20 kilometres. With the right clothing, it's fun even when it's drizzling or cold - and if there's no shower at work, a quick cat wash will do the trick.
Feasibility: 3/5 (Depending on travelling distance and freshen-up possibilities)
Laurin Lehner
Editor
