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Since mountain bikes are designed specifically for off-road use, a frame that allows both feet to touch the ground while straddling it is required to provide secure footing.
Saddle
Frame Size
Handlebars
Use three-point positioning to adjust height for on-road use, but for continuous use off-road, such as on forest trails, lowering the seat so that one foot easily touches the ground makes a mountain bike much easier to ride.
To provide better footing when off-road, select a slightly smaller frame size that allows both feet to safely touch the ground when straddling the frame.
Standard practice is to have the saddle's surface and the handlebar grips at the same height.
Brake Levers
Chain
Handlebar Stem
Actually get on the bike and adjust the position of the levers so that you can grasp them securely. Safe braking is only possible if the angle of the levers is neither too high or too low.
If you ride off-road frequently, make sure to clean and oil the chain often.
Having the handlebars too far back or forward makes the bike difficult to handle, placing excessive force on the upper body which can tire you out. Refer to the three-point positioning method to select a handlebar stem that fits your body size.
Tires
Air Pressure
Quick Release
There are knobby tires for off-road use and slick tires for on-road use. In particular, there are many types of knobby tires fit for specific uses, so make sure to select the right ones.
Make sure to adjust air pressure to manufacturer specifications. Standard practice is a pressure of 1.8 to 2 atmospheres for off-road use, but when riding on-road more often than off-road, an additional 0.5 to 1 atmosphere increases riding efficiency.
Always check to make sure that both the front and rear quick release levers (cam levers) are securely locked.
Gears
Since mountain bikes require frequent gear changes, make sure to properly adjust the shift levers and derailers.
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