Make sure you have the proper bike fit!

Make sure you have the right size bike frame and the proper bike fit. You may have to adjust the seat, handlebars, change the stem, adjust the angle of the brake levers, adjust the cleats in your riding shoes, etc.

Do not neglect the importance of this!

My first mountain bike was too small. I was over the bars about twice a week. After getting the right size bike I improved my handling ability tenfold. However, there were still adjustments to be made in finding my proper bike fit. After getting comfortable with my bike, I still had a tendency to go over the bars on steep downhills and wasn’t quite comfortable around sharp turns.

I read about the benefits of raising the seat for more pedaling power. I raised it a full 3/4" up and 3/4" back which changed my position drastically. It was very hard to handle and it stressed new muscles in my legs that weren't used before. I became extremely fatigued and out of control. Eventually, I figured out that my handlebar stem put me too far forward. I changed it (about an inch shorter), lowered the seat back down and thanks to the shorter stem my center of gravity was further back on the bike. Now I hardly ever fall and feel very much in control. If you do experiment with changing your seat position, do it in small increments. Keep working with minor adjustments until your bike is positioned properly for your individual needs.