Selecting the Right Mountain Bike Gear

Mountain biking can be a lot of fun if you take along the proper mountain bike gear to avoid becoming stranded or injured. The good news is that selecting good mountain bike accessories is fairly easy.
 

Mountain Bike Safety Gear

Since mountain biking is such a high-risk sport, safety equipment is an important category of mountain bike gear. Every rider should make a habit of wearing protective gear and outfitting his mountain bike with basic safety equipment.
 
First and foremost, wear a good cycling helmet. Many riders feel they're too experienced to need a helmet or worry that a helmet will be too bulky or interfere with their peripheral vision. Not so. Helmets save lives; it's that simple. Modern mountain bike helmets are light and sleek and specifically designed to protect without hindering the rider. Like most mountain bike accessories, helmets come in a variety of color and styles, and a good helmet can cost as little as $30.
 
Lights are another important safety accessory for mountain bike riders. Lights make sense if you are planning to ride off-road at night, and they are definitely appreciated in low-light situations such as thick woods or heavy clouds. Many jurisdictions require lights for riding at night, but some safety experts advise using lights during the day as well, especially if riding near traffic. You should invest in lights for the front and the back of your bike to make sure you're visible from every angle.
 
Every mountain bike rider should have some form of directional gear. This can be as simple as a map or as sophisticated as a global positioning system (GPS). If you ride familiar trails, a map and compass might be enough to handle problems. For more reliable and precise information, a GPS is the way to go.

Mountain Bike Gear: Fluids and Food

When you're having fun on a strenuous ride, you can easily forget how much fluid you're losing through perspiration, especially in warmer weather. You'll need a source of fluid and sodium replenishment. The easiest way to do this is with a water bottle and a clip to attach it to your bike. Hydration packs are another great hydration alternative. These are small backpacks with straw-like tubes that allow you to drink without having to stop riding.
 
If you'll be on a long ride or are particularly susceptible to fluctuations in blood sugar, you should pack along a sports bar or piece of fruit. Experts typically recommend one snack for every hour you plan to ride, plus one or two extras in case you're out longer than expected.

Mountain Bike Gear for Malfunctions

Most bikers don't think about malfunction gear until they have a flat tire or mechanical problem. However, because mountain biking is so rigorous, these kinds of problems happen with some frequency. You can avoid being trapped far from the trailhead by including a repair kit in your mountain bike accessories. Basic repair kits are cheap and let you perform tasks such as:
  • fixing your derailleur
  • patching a tire
  • repairing brakes.

To save space, consider carrying a multi-tool, which contains Allen wrenches, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers, spoke wrenches and chain tools. A few other items to carry include:

  • patch kit
  • small bottle of chain lubricant
  • spare tube
  • tire lever.
Another repair mountain bike accessory to consider is a small pump that attaches to your bike frame.

Mountain Bike Tires

New riders don't give much thought to tires. After all, a new bike already comes with tires and one can assume they're the best tires for that particular mountain bike.
 
However, after coping with multiple shredded tires, bulky spares and harsh rides, you might be ready to invest in tires that are more suitable for your particular type of use. Beginners should seek out an experienced rider or listen to the options offered by a trusted salesperson in a good bike shop.
 
Discuss these questions with your consultant:
  • Are you prepared to pay extra for folding tires to save on weight?
  • How often are you changing flat tires? Do you need Kevlar-belted tires or special tubes to prevent flats?
  • If most of your riding is on paved roads, would an inverted tread help to decrease fatigue and reduce noise?
  • What is the optimal tire pressure for your type of riding?
  • Will you need new tubes if you choose wider or narrower tires? Will the new tires fit your bike's frame?
  • Would a wider tire on the front or back smooth out your ride?
Resource
 
Mountain Bike Magazine (n.d.). Mountain Bike. Retrieved April 18, 2008, from the Mountain Bike Magazine Web site.