Starting Out: 9 Essential Pieces Of Gear For Beginning Mountain Bikers

Before riding the trails on a mountain bike, every rider needs to have a few essential pieces of equipment. Regardless of whether the rider is a professional or a beginner, accidents can happen, so proper equipment is designed to make riding comfortable and safe.

1. Goggles

Most mountain bike trails are not clear paths. There are trees and other trail hazards that the rider must contend with. This makes wearing mountain bike goggles extremely important. They will shield and protect the eyes from tree branches and other potential risks.

2. Helmet

The helmet protects the head in the case of a fall or other type of accident. Because of this, it is often considered the most important piece of equipment a rider can have. With a helmet, the likelihood of sustaining a head, face, or neck injury decreases significantly.

3. Riding Shorts

Shorts are not necessarily used for safety, although their length will certainly protect the upper leg from road rash in the case of a crash. These shorts are primarily used for comfort. The seat of the pants has additional padding for the long rides that will help support the rider’s glutes.

4. Riding Shoes

Any tennis shoe can be used for riding as long as they have enough tread to adequately grip the pedals of the bike. Riding shoes are designed to grip the pedals so that the transfer of power between the legs of the rider and the pedals is smooth and forceful.

5. Bike Repair Kit

Trail riding can cause a large amount of wear and tear on a mountain bikes. It is a certainty that problems needing repair will happen on the trail. Flat tires are the most common issue on the trail, so bringing an emergency tire patch kit with an air pump will get the rider back up and going in no time. Carrying some tools used is also a good idea.

6. First Aid Kit

Accidents can happen, but a small accident can compound into a large situation when riding on secluded trails. By carrying a first aid kit with essentials such as gauze, bandages, antiseptic, and tweezers, the rider can patch themselves up to get back to help.

7. Hydration

It is tough to take a drink out of a water bottle while riding rough trails, but it is vital to stay hydrated. Hydration backpacks are the perfect solution. They strap onto the rider’s back, just like a backpack. It has a tube that can be held in the mouth while riding so that the rider can get a drink whenever they like without stopping or taking their hands off the bike’s handlebars.

8. Healthy Snacks

Snacks are an excellent source of energy on the trail. No one wants to eat a huge meal before any exercise, yet the body must have the essential nutrients to create energy. Sugary snacks are not the best choice. However, protein or granola bars contain all the needed ingredients and are easy to eat.

9. Cell Phone

Most people do not leave home without a cell phone, but it is imperative to take it mountain biking. The cell phone can be used for many things, such as a GPS. There are times that trails can be confusing, and people get lost, but with a cell phone, the rider can find their way back. In the case of an accident, the phone can literally be a lifesaving device because of the speed with which it can get help on the way.

By ensuring that each of the above items is brought on the ride, the rider can have fun and be safe and prepared.