Mountain Biking Accessories
As you embark on your two-wheeled adventures, it’s essential to equip yourself with the right mountain biking accessories. These items enhance your performance, keep you safe on the trails, and add an extra element of fun to your day. In this blog, I will explore the must-have mountain biking accessories that elevate your riding experience. So, without further ado, let’s dive into the exciting world of mountain biking gear!
A Mountain Bike Helmet
The most crucial accessory for any mountain biker is a high-quality helmet. Safety should always be a top priority, and a well-fitted helmet protects against head injuries in case of a fall or collision. You really don’t want to end your day with a head injury!
There are a few different kinds of mountain bike helmets that suit various disciplines. I advise you to not buy the cheapest helmet you can find. As with most things, you get what you pay for, and a cheap helmet may not provide you with sufficient protection. So check out my blog on the different mountain bike helmets available.
Hydration Pack
Proper hydration is key to tackling grueling climbs and riding all day. A hydration pack ensures a constant water supply without having to stop to fill and drink from a water bottle. It also offers storage space for other essentials like snacks, tools, and spare parts.
Check out my guide on buying hydration packs to get the right one for you.
Knee and Elbow Pads
When you’re pushing your limits on challenging terrains, it’s wise to protect your knees and elbows. Knee and elbow pads provide cushioning and minimize the risk of serious injuries in case of a crash or impact. Comfortable and flexible pads allow you to ride with confidence and peace of mind.
You can buy different types of knee and elbow pads to suit your riding style and needs. For example, you can buy lightweight pads designed for long pedals. But other pads offer more protection but are more bulky and heavy. I have written guides to knee and elbow pads so you can choose the best ones.
Gloves
Mountain biking gloves are not just for style; they offer improved grip, reduce hand fatigue, and protect your hands from blisters and scrapes. Additionally, gloves provide extra protection during falls, shielding your palms and fingers from potential injuries.
Some people prefer to ride without gloves, but personally, I don’t like riding without them. I find that my hands get sweaty and become slippery on the grips. Therefore, gloves make me more confident about staying on the bike.
It is essential to wear gloves when mountain biking in cold weather. Therefore, I have written a guide on buying winter mountain bike gloves.
Bike Lights
For night rides or low-light conditions, bike lights are indispensable. They enhance visibility, making you visible to others on the trail and allowing you to spot potential obstacles ahead. I recommend that you fit powerful LED lights that are durable, waterproof, and have different brightness modes. Here is my guide to buying bike lights for mountain biking.
Bike Multi-Tool
When you’re out on the trails, it’s crucial to have a compact and versatile multi-tool that can handle various mechanical adjustments and repairs. A bike multi-tool is one of the best mountain biking accessories, and typically includes Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, chain tools, and tire levers, ensuring you’re prepared for unexpected maintenance needs. A decent multi-tool can mean the difference between a great day of riding and a bad one cut short.
I use the Crankbrothers 19. This multi-tool has kept me riding and got me home safely countless times.
Trail Duck
A trail duck is a fun accessory that many mountain bikers use to customize their bikes. There is something funny about fitting a squeaky duck to a fancy mountain bike. A trail duck never fails to attract a smile, especially when the propeller on its helmet is spinning, and the lights are flashing.
Mountain Bike Clothing
Mountain biking can be a rigorous activity, and investing in proper clothing is a game-changer. Wearing the appropriate clothing is way better than throwing on an old T-shirt and denim shorts.
Mountain bike clothing is designed to fit in a way that doesn’t restrict your movements. But more importantly, it is made from technical materials that keep you comfortable by wicking away moisture from your skin.
It is best to invest in a good mountain bike jersey, shorts, and padded shorts to wear underneath. Padded shorts make a huge difference in your comfort; I cannot recommend them enough.
I advise that you buy some kind of jacket for mountain biking. What you choose depends on your budget and thought process. A quality mountain bike jacket can be expensive. But it has lots of features to make your riding more comfortable, such as vents and technical fabrics.
However, spending lots of money on a jacket that will get covered in mud may not sound like a good idea. You can wear a cheap waterproof, but these are rarely breathable, meaning you get hot and sweaty.
I have gone for the Endura Singletrack jacket, which is a middle-of-the-road option that I really like for the price.
Mountain Bike Shoes
You may also want to invest in some mountain bike shoes, such as Five Ten Freeriders. Whether you ride flat pedals or clipless, a good pair of mountain bike shoes makes a difference in power delivery, grip, and control. But if you have a pair of flat shoes, such as skate shoes, you’ll be fine for now.
Final Thoughts On Mountain Biking Accessories
Mountain biking is an exhilarating sport that offers a unique blend of adventure, adrenaline, and scenic beauty. Equipping yourself with the right accessories can maximize your enjoyment and safety on the trails. Each accessory plays a crucial role in enhancing your mountain biking experience, from helmets and hydration packs to knee pads, bike lights, and trail ducks.
All this stuff is expensive to buy in one go. Therefore, most people gradually collect it over the years. I would say that your helmet and clothing are the main things you should focus on in the early days. Your helmet will keep you safe, and your clothing will ensure you’re comfortable on the trails.
Don’t forget to check out my shop for some great gift ideas and accessories.
