Initially when you first decide to do mountain biking it can be a bit daunting when you visit a mountain bike shop as there is a vast choice of mountain bikes and accessories to choose from
There are several mountain biking accessories and related products that you can purchase. It’s not a question of what looks cool it’s about the safety, enjoyment and your budget for your accessories, so don’t be drawn in by the sales staff. When hitting the trails you need to consider accessories carefully the following is a good guide.
Bike Helmet
It is essential to have a bike helmet when mountain biking it is probably one of the most important accessories. You should never go biking without a helmet. Serious head injurys can be prevented by wearing a helmet, there have been many people who have been unfortunate enough to have experienced this.
Everyone who rides on trails wears mountain bike helmets, they are comfotable and stylish.
Mountain Bike Gloves
Your hands can take a beating no matter what season you ride in. It can be brutal on your hands if you are just starting out as you keep a tight grip of the handle bars When you crash, your hands will be the first thing to hit the ground – and everyone crashes at some point. Having mountain bike gloves are an essential accessory as they will take most of the impact.
Mountain Bike Shorts
After the first few mountain bike rides you take, you’ll notice that your rear end will be quite uncomfortable. Although your body will get used to the bike position, bike shorts do make your ride more comfortable. You can get shorts that are very comfortable, making them a great addition to your mountain bike ride.
Mountain Bike Shoes
When choosing you mountain bike shoes you need to take into account the type of pedals and the type of riding you do.
Some bikes have clipless type pedals so you will need to get shoes which will accomodate the special cleat for your pedals. Good mountain bike shoes are durable, comfortable, and also a stiff sole for better efficiency when pedaling. Also, you should make sure to get the right shoe for the terrain you’ll be ridingin as well.
Eye Protection
You can run off the trail in a matter of seconds if you get something in your eye. Sunglasses or clear lense glasses can help protect your eyes from any debris which may kick up from the trail as well as protecting them from the wind. Make sure they are non-breakable when you buy your glasses.
Hydration System
Bringing a water bottle or hydration backpack with you is always a great idea. It’s very easy to get dehydrated so you should always bring water with you and drink it on the trail to ensure that your body stays properly hydrated at all times.
Trail Repair Kit
Remember to always take a proper repair kit for your bike, it’s easy to get stuck in the woods or on the trail. To be on the safe side, bring a multi-tool designed for bike repair, tyre levers, and a patch kit for fixing flat tyres.