Mountain Biking Must Haves

All outdoor activities have a range of accessories, some are essential and some mere luxuries, and mountain bike riding is no different. Mountain bike accessories serve to protect and comfort the rider and to maintain the bike itself.

Mountain Bike Gear – Choice of the Biker

Mountain bike accessories vary in quality and price. Each rider has particular mountain bike accessories that are important to them, others are less important. Some bikers carry spare parts in case of equipment failure, others deem this an unnecessary expense. The mountain bike accessories listed below are for the average mountain bike rider.

The Bike Helmet – The Most Important Mountain Bike Accessory

Among mountain bike accessories, the bike helmet is the most important and should be considered mandatory before any ride occurs. Other mountain bike accessories may provide comfort and a bit of safety; however, a helmet can prevent serious injury or death. These days, mountain bike helmets are both comfortable and fashionable. They come in a variety of styles and colors and almost everyone you pass on the trail will be sporting one. If you can only purchase one of the many mountain bike accessories available, the helmet is the must have item.

Mountain Bike Gloves – An Accessory that Provides Comfort and Safety

Surprisingly, your hands will suffer as you ride your mountain bike. Novices often grip the handlebar until their knuckles are white. This can cause blisters and sore muscles without biking gloves. In addition, if a bike crash occurs, your hands will be the first thing to break your fall and can cause deep gashes and imbedded rocks and sticks, unless you wear gloves. Consequently, mountain bike gloves are important among the mountain bike accessories. They will save your hands and prevent unwanted pain and suffering in the long run.

Mountain Bike Shorts – Ride Longer and Stay Comfortable

Hop on a bike and ride for a while. You will quickly be surprised how fast you will feel discomforted without a good pair of mountain bike shorts. Among mountain bike accessories, padded bike shorts are a comfortable addition that will allow you to ride further and without having your rear get the brunt of the pain. Today, bike shorts look like normal shorts, the padding is hidden and they appear stylish and do not have to be form fitting, as the short in the years past have been.

Mountain Bike Shoes – Pedal More Powerfully

Before you purchase mountain bike shoes, consider the type of pedal on your bike and the type of terrain on which you will be riding. Then, purchase is shoes for clip on or clipless pedals. Also, dedicated mountain bike riding shoes have different traction and a more rigid sole than other bike riding shoes. Among the mountain bike accessories, good shoes can do wonders to allow you to pedal powerfully and efficiently while providing comfort to your feet.

Eye Protection – Protect Your Vision from Obstacles of the Trail

The first time you have a bug, a rock, or wind-blown dust hit you in the eye, you will understand the need for protective eyewear. Simple protective eyewear such as sunglasses can help protect your eyes from obstacles of the trail. When selecting eye protection, be sure and purchase lenses that will not break if hit with flying debris or other obstacles.

Hydration System – Hydration is Essential for Energy and Health

A water bottle or a hydration backpack is essential to any outdoor activity, specifically mountain bike riding. Camelbak and other brands have a great product where the durable bladder can be filled with plenty of water and placed in a lightweight, streamlined backpack. Without water at your fingertips, dehydration can occur which is devastating to any outdoor adventure. Water is essential to keep your energy levels up and allow you to complete your ride strong and healthy.

Trail Repair Kit – Homeward Bound

Among the most important mountain bike accessories, the trail repair kit is one of the most overlooked and most important. Riders must be able to repair tires, chains and other equipment in the midst of a long ride. It could take hours to walk your bike back to your destination. Only a bike repair kit will allow you to fix common repairs with items such as a multi-tool, a hand-pump, an extra tube and a patch kit.

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