About Mountain Biking Gear

Every sport has its accessories, and mountain biking is no different. But many of these accessories are designed to save, if not lives, then certainly unnecessary aches and pains.

There’s more to mountain biking than just getting a cool bike. Mountain biking can be dangerous, like any sport where you’re heading downhill at speed.

The younger generation thinks it is invincible and will not bother with the common sense safety gear that could save them from unnecessary bumps, bruises, cuts, or breaks.

Of course, those bumps, bruises, cuts, and breaks can happen even with all the safety gear, but they’ll likely be less severe.

Mountain Biking Gear Essentials

Here are some essential pieces of mountain biking gear:

• Mountain Bike: Choose a bike that matches your skill level, the type of trails you’ll be riding, and your budget.
• Helmet: A good quality helmet is a must for protection.
• Bike Shorts: They should be comfortable and durable with padding for extra comfort.
• Gloves: These protect your hands and provide you with better grip.
• Hydration Pack: Staying hydrated is important, especially on long rides.
• First Aid Kit: For treating minor injuries on the trail.
• Multi-tool: Useful for making quick adjustments or repairs to your bike.
• Spare Tubes and Pump: In case you get a flat tire, you’ll need these to fix it.
• Bike Shoes: These should offer good grip and be suitable for the type of pedals you have.
• Sunglasses or Goggles: Protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun.
• Jacket or Windbreaker: Depending on the weather, you might need this for warmth or to protect against wind and rain.

Remember, safety should always come first, so never skimp on essential safety gear like helmets and first aid kits.

Last update on 2025-01-17 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Bike helmet

The helmet is not an “accessory” but an essential part of the mountain biker’s gear. Every mountain biker will fall off his or her bike at one time or another – and the helmet will very likely come in for a beating – much better than the rider’s head.

Helmets these days are comfortable and come in an array of styles. Make sure you purchase one that fits properly.

Eye protection

Second, eye protection, such as goggles, is as necessary as the helmet.

Going downhill at speed, it’s easy for your tires to kick up rocks or dirt that, if they get in your eyes, this can blind you and cause you to run off the trail and into a tree, as often as not.

There’s always the chance that mosquitoes, midges, or other no-see-ems will get into your eyes, which is why goggles are better than glasses or sunglasses – although they will serve.

Once you’ve got the helmet and eye protection out of the way, everything else can safely be classified as “accessories,” which would be nice to have but are not mandatory.

Trail repair kit

Perhaps the most important of these types of accessories is the trail repair kit. You may be able to ride your entire life on the streets of your city without getting a flat tire, but when you’re going cross country or down mountains, the chance of getting a flat tire rises exponentially.

You don’t want to get stuck on the trail – so make sure you have a repair kit underneath your bike seat. And just as important – practice with that repair kit so that you actually know how to use the tools!

Gloves

It is more comfortable to ride any bike with gloves than without them. Mountain bike gloves are specially designed to withstand the harsh conditions under which they’re used, and not only will they save you stress in just gripping the handlebars, but they’ll also prevent any nasty scrapes should you take a header.

Hydration system

Nothing ruins the ride more than feeling hungry or thirsty while you’re in the middle of it… but thirst is probably more annoying than hunger. Bring a water bottle at the very least.

A hydration backpack also fits the bill – this is a specially fitted backpack with liquid of your choice in various containers, so they feel almost weightless.

Shoes

For many types of biking, your average tennis shoe will work just fine. But for mountain biking, shoes made specifically for the sport are pretty nice. You want them to be comfortable, durable, and suited to their purpose – keeping your feet safe and injury-free while you ride.

They come with stiff soles for better efficiency while pedaling, and you can get them for clip or clipless pedals.

Shorts

Padded shorts are a must for any type of biking! It increases the comfort of the ride no end (along with a gel-filled saddle!)

Best Products

Here are some of the best products in each category of mountain biking gear:

• Mountain Bike: Trek Fuel EX 7
• Helmet: Giro Chronicle MIPS
• Bike Shorts: Zoic Men’s Ether Mountain Bike Shorts
• Gloves: Fox Racing Ranger Glove
• Hydration Pack: CamelBak M.U.L.E.
• First Aid Kit: Surviveware Small First Aid Kit
• Multi-tool: Topeak Alien II Multi-Tool
• Spare Tubes and Pump: Continental MTB Tubes and Topeak Pocket Rocket Pump
• Bike Shoes: Five Ten Freerider Pro MTB Shoes
• Sunglasses or Goggles: Oakley Radar EV Path Sunglasses
• Jacket or Windbreaker: Endura MT500 Waterproof Jacket II

Please note that the best product can vary depending on personal preference, budget, and specific needs. Always remember to read reviews and do your own research before making a purchase.