MOUNTAIN BIKING ESSENTIALS
Prepare To Hit the Trails
Whether you’re an experienced trail rider or out for the first time, using the appropriate mountain bike gear, clothing and equipment is key to the success of your ride. We’ve put together a list of the must-haves - take a look and let us know if you have any questions.
Don't Forget Your Helmet
Your helmet is your most important piece of gear and should be worn on every ride. Mountain bike helmets normally include a visor which helps block out the sun, allowing you to focus on the trail. Depending on how intense you plan on getting, you can choose between a full face or an open face helmet. A full face helmet provides an extra layer of protection around your chin and mouth and helps keep your teeth safe.
Grab Your Gloves
Protect your fingers and hands from the branches and bramble of the trail with a pair of full finger mountain bike gloves. Your hands absorb plenty of shock from the trail so gloves will also elevate your comfort level, especially on a long ride. We have a variety of sizes and styles for men and women.
Eye Protection is Key
Keep the trail dirt and grime out of your peepers with durable eye protection. A pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses works well when combating varying conditions of light on your ride. We have lightweight, flexible cycling glasses in stock, designed to take a bit of a beating and stay put on your face while you explore.
Proper Footwear Makes a Difference
You’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to mountain biking footwear. The most efficient and typically the safest option is a clipless system with cleated shoes that connect into your pedals. You can also go with a toe clip or flat pedal if you aren’t ready to be connected to your bike. Either way, you are looking for a durable, comfortable shoe with a stiff sole. We’re here to help with fit and show you how clipless pedals work whenever you’re ready.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
We recommend wearing a hydration pack on your trail rides, for safety and simplicity. It’s hard to take your hands off the handlebars when you are flying down a single track trail, navigating a rock garden, or on a loose dusty climb. If you are planning to stop for water breaks, an old fashioned water bottle in a cage works just fine, too. For longer rides, bring both and fill your bottle with an electrolyte solution for enhanced hydration.
Prepare for a Repair
There is nothing worse than hiking your bike because you flatted and forgot a tube or a tire plug. To avoid that scenario, pack a saddle bag with the essentials for minor bike repairs. At minimum, your saddle bag should include a multi-tool, an extra tube, tire levers, a patch kit, and CO2 or a mini-pump. (We’d also pack a snack!)