Mountain biking is one of the most thrilling sports out there. The chance to visit even the highest and most distant parts of the world simply by cycling, and do all that while breathing in fresh air is truly amazing. However, before you can set off on an adventure of a lifetime, you must be sure that you’ve got all of the essentials with you. From a premium quality mountain bike to appropriate activewear, footwear, and a variety of kits, you’ll need to be fully stocked in order to start your journey.
Quality activewear
You never know what kind of weather you may experience mid-biking, so you’ll want to be prepared for the unexpected. Naturally, you’ll start by investing in a pair of padded and protective bike shorts because they offer major benefits when you ride long distances over rough terrain. Thanks to an inner padded liner worn like underwear, mountain bike shorts will offer the ultimate comfort and reduce chafing on the bike. The outer layer is made of tough, abrasion-resistant fabric, so you won’t have to worry about wear and tear. A moisture-wicking top will be your best ally in fighting the heat because it will regulate your body temperature and allow for the air to circulate through the fabric.
Premium mountain bike
Once you’ve checked your activewear, it’s time to look into your bike. Do you have a well-maintained mountain bike that can withstand any type of terrain and allow you to have a safe mountain-biking journey? If not, then you should invest in a new one. Look for the best mountain bikes with full suspension or front suspension, disc brakes or V-brakes, different wheel sizes and frame materials. It all depends on your needs. We recommend you visit a local bike shop if you’re a beginner and don’t know where to start. Don’t be afraid to contact professionals if you decide to shop for a mountain bike online, and ask which type of bicycle is best fitted for you.
Protective headgear
Bike injuries are not a rarity, so you’ll need to invest in a sturdy protective helmet too. With a quality bike helmet, the risk of severe head injuries significantly reduces. You can avoid concussions in case of a low-speed crash simply by wearing a helmet. With a convenient visor, you won’t have to worry about the sunlight blinding you as you cycle. You won’t be distracted by flashing lights either and will be able to fully focus on your ride. You can go for an open-faced XC helmet with good ventilation, a trail helmet with 3/4 coverage or a full-face helmet, depending on your needs.
Appropriate footwear
For beginners, any comfortable sports shoe will work. However, once you become an experienced mountain biker, you’ll need to make the switch to mountain biking-specific shoes. Cleated bike shoes lock the rider’s feet to the bike and provide more security. You can choose from a full spectrum of bike shoes, and they will all offer good traction off the bike, durability, comfort, and a stiff sole for better pedaling efficiency.
First-aid kit
You should not even consider going on a mountain-biking trip without a first-aid kit. Even if you think you’re riding on a safe trail, you can never know what type of an accident you can experience. Moreover, maybe you’ll run into a fellow cyclist who needs help because they’ve forgotten to bring their first-aid kit. Either way, don’t let an abrasion stop you from finishing your journey. Pack various sized bandages, tape, pain relievers, and antiseptic wipes. Feel free to bring an eye drop solution, a small pocket knife, moleskin, energy gels, and a whistle too. All of that is small enough to pack without worrying it’s going to be too heavy, and it will offer invaluable help.
Repair kit
Aside from a first-aid kit, a mountain-biker must always have a repair kit within arm’s reach. Attach it to your bike saddle and never worry about a flat tire or some other type of mechanical trouble. All the basics such as a multi-tool for bicycles, an extra tube, tire levers, a patch kit, a mini-pump, and some cash should be inside. It’s always smart to have an identification card with a list of contact numbers in your seat bag too. It can come in handy in case you have a serious injury or another emergency.
Headlamp
Even though you plan to cycle during the day, and probably take a break during the night, what will happen if you feel like doing an extended full-day tour, all of a sudden? Without proper lighting, you won’t be able to cycle safely and protect yourself. That’s why you should also throw a headlamp into your backpack. It will also be of great assistance in case someone needs help in the middle of the night and they run right into you. You may experience a flat tire, and if you can’t fix it during the day, a headlamp will offer enough lighting for you to do it even when it’s pitch black. Once that sun goes down, it can get difficult to see what you’re doing without it.
Mountain bike gloves
Riding a mountain bike can wreak havoc on your palms. Not only do they absorb a lot of trail shock, but your hands will suffer first in case of falls. Mountain bike gloves will be a great addition to your necessities collection for two reasons. First, they’ll provide additional padding and finger coverage. That will be especially beneficial if you’re doing long or downhill rides and need extra comfort and protection. Second, mountain bike gloves allow for a good grip on the brake levers.
Hydration pack
Last but not least, you should always have a bottle of water with you, alongside nutrition bars or some kind of power snacks. Get yourself a quality hydration pack that will allow you to have water, phone, keys, IDs and nutrition close by, without having to stop in order to rehydrate.
Read more: 7 Simple Bike Storage Ideas Perfect for Your Home
Final thoughts
Mountain biking should not be planned without the previously mentioned essentials. So, if you’re hitting the road soon, go over all the ess
entials we’ve mentioned, and make sure they’re crossed off the list before you start your adventure.
