Mountain Bike Equipment Beginners Need
Mountain Bike Equipment Beginners Need
Mountain biking requires a lot of stuff. This stuff will make your riding more enjoyable, keep you safe and allow you to ride all day. It is a good idea to be prepared for your time on the bike. The last thing you want is to have to cut your day short because you haven’t got the right stuff. Therefore, in this post, I will go through all the mountain bike equipment beginners need.
This kist will be extensive; therefore, you will probably want to buy it all in stages to spread the cost. I will break the list down into essentials and things that are nice to have.
Mountain Bike Essentials To Carry With You
When you are out on the trails, there are some things that you should carry. These things will keep both you and your bike running properly.
Backpack/ Hip-Pack/Hydration Pack
Depending on where you ride and your style of riding, you have the choice of riding with a backpack, hip-pack or a hydration pack. These all have their own advantages and disadvantages. For example, a backpack can hold more stuff, a hip-pack gives you more freedom of movement, as does a hydration pack.
Backpacks are great if you like to be super prepared and like to carry extra stuff such as clothing layers and cameras. There are also some great examples with integrated back protection.
Hip-Packs are becoming very popular, especially for riders that are not too far away from home or a bike shop. This is a similar case Sith a hydration pack, as they are less bulky than full backpacks, but have a slightly larger load space than a hip-pack.
The choice of what you ride with is all down to personal preference. But, it is better to buy mountain bike specific versions, as they are made for the job. They are durable and cleverly thought out to make it easy to get to stuff.
You can learn all about backpacks in my guide to the best mountain biking backpacks. If a hip-pack appeals to you more, you can learn all about buying the best hip-pack for you here. If you want something in-between, check out my guide to the best hydration packs for mountain biking.
Multitool
It is a fact of life that mountain bikes go wrong from time to time. They get put through some severe punishment, especially when ridden hard. This punishment takes its toll, and mechanical issues can happen. Being stuck in the middle of nowhere with an unrideable bike is pretty unpleasant, and can be dangerous. But, carrying a decent multitool, you can get yourself out of a whole host of technical problems.
There are quite a few multitools to choose from, but in my guide to mountain bike multitools, you will learn what to look for, and I give you some great recommendations.
Pump, Tyre Levers and Inner Tube
You need to be able to deal with a flat tyre, even if you ride with a tubeless setup. A good set of tyre levers will mean you will be able to get your the on and off, and a spare inner tube to replace your damaged one is essential. There are many different options for pumps, but I recommend that you buy a mini pump. This will easily fit in your backpack and are lightweight.
I ride tubeless but still carry a spare inner tube. This is because, even with the best tyre sealant, a rip in a tyre’s sidewall will not be filled. To learn more about going tubeless, check out my blog.
Mech Hanger
Your bike’s mech hanger is a piece of metal that attaches your derailleur to your bike. It is designed to snap when it gets a whack, to save your expensive derailleur from damage. The problem is, when it snaps, you have no way of changing gear, as your derailleur will be in your backpack.
By carrying a spare derailleur, you will be able to use your multitool to get yourself going again. It is a good idea to carry one, even if you are not far from a bike shop. This is because mech hangers can be specific to your bike, and bike shops are unlikely to stock different hangers for all bikes. Therefore, I recommend that you buy a couple online before you ride.
Food And Drink
It is essential to keep your body fuelled and hydrated when riding. Make sure you have a couple of energy bars or a sandwich in your backpack. Also, ensure that you have a water bottle or a hydration system. Staying fed and watered will keep you riding all day.
You may be tempted to carry some energy gels with you. These are great, as they deliver carbohydrates to your muscles without you feeling bloated. But, don’t go silly with these on your first ride, as they can upset your stomach if you are not used to them.I wouldn’t say that mountain bike shoes should be your first purchase, but they make a massive difference to your riding. As a beginner, I would expect you to ride with flat pedals (I still do as a personal preference). The grip on the pedals, comfort and security proper mountain bike shoes give is a game-changer. But, if you don’t want to buy them just yet, make sure you ride with some flat-soled shoes, such as skate shoes, they will be fine until you decide to upgrade.
Extra Layers
Depending on where you ride, you might want to carry extra layers. Having an excellent breathable waterproof jacket is a great idea. These are often lightweight and don’t take up much room in your pack. But, they can make a massive difference to your enjoyment and comfort while mountain biking.
Check out my guides on what to look for in a mountain bike jacket and some great examples. My jacket of choice is the Endura Singletrack.
Things You Might Want To Carry, But Not Essential All The Time
There are some things that you might want to carry in your backpack that will help you out. These are not essential all the time, but if you have the space, there is no reason not to have them with you.
Shock Pump
A shock pump allows you to tweak your suspension. You will set your suspension sag before you start riding, but if you have a new bike carrying a shock pump is a good idea. You will be able to dial in your bike’s handling to the terrain you are riding. This is more efficient and accurate than tweaking it once you get home.
Cable Ties
Cable ties can keep you riding all day or get you out of tricky situations. These versatile strips of plastic can temporarily fix all manner of issues, from snapped seat rails to shoelaces.
Tyre Pressure Gauge
A tyre pressure gauges are cheap, light and don’t take up much space in your bag. By using one of these on the trails, you can ensure you get the balance right between traction, rolling resistance and puncture prevention.
Check out my guide to determining the perfect tyre pressures.
GoPro Mounts
Many mountain bikers like to document their rides with a GoPro or other action camera. By having some spare mounts in your backpack, you can vary your footage, to keep it interesting. Also, the fiddly screws and nuts often go missing, and it would be a shame to not record your hero run because you have lost one.
What To Wear Mountain Biking
I have gone through the things you should carry, but what about the stuff you should be wearing while mountain biking?
Helmet
Nobody should be riding any type of bike without a helmet. I personally know people that have had their lives saved by their helmets. But which helmet you choose to wear depends on the type of riding you do. You can learn all about the different kinds of mountain bike helmet here. I urge you not to buy the cheapest helmet available, as you want appropriate protection.
Jerseys And Shorts
As with any sport, you can buy clothing specifically designed for the job. Therefore, I recommend that you start to add some mountain bike clothing to your wardrobe.
You may be tempted to show on an old cotton t-shirt, but when this gets wet and sweaty, you will quickly get cold. A proper mountain bike jersey will wick moisture away from your body, keeping you comfortable. Check out my guide to buying a mountain bike jersey, so you know what will suit your best.
The same goes for mountain bike shorts. These are made to be durable and comfortable while allowing full range of motion when riding. Learn all about mountain bike shorts here, and see some excellent examples.
Mountain Bike Shoes
I wouldn’t say that mountain bike shoes should be your first purchase, but they make a massive difference to your riding. As a beginner, I would expect you to ride with flat pedals (I still do as a personal preference). The grip on the pedals, comfort and security proper mountain bike shoes give is a game-changer. But, if you don’t want to buy them just yet, make sure you ride with some flat-soled shoes, such as skate shoes, they will be fine until you decide to upgrade.
This Is All The Mountain Bike Equipment Beginners Need
In fact this is what any mountain biker should have with them while riding. If you have any questions, please leave them in the comments section below.
