You’ve decided to take up mountain biking, but what else do you need besides the bike? Before you hit the trails, it’s important to have the right gear to ensure your comfort, safety and enhance your riding experience. In this post, we’ll cover the essential gear that every beginner mountain biker should consider. This is all just to set a baseline of what is out there, and give you ideas on where to start your research.
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Table of contents
Open Table of contents
Ideas for products we’re discussing today
- Mountain biking specific helmet
- Knee pads
- Elbow pads
- Bike shorts
- Bike shoes
- Eye protection
- A good multitool
- A tire pump and patch kit
- Tire levers
- Hydration biking backpack
Safety gear
Mountain biking is tons of fun, but even at the most basic level, you need to take safety into consideration. The most important piece of safety gear is a helmet. A good quality helmet can protect your head in case of falls or collisions. Look for helmets that are specifically designed for mountain biking, as they offer better protection and ventilation. Bike specific shoes can also be overlooked by beginners. Optionally, you may also consider wearing gloves to protect your hands and improve grip, as well as knee and elbow pads for added protection. Last note, consider a hydration pack or water bottle to stay hydrated during your rides.
Clothing and apparel
You don’t need anything specific with clothing, but there are some things that can make your ride more comfortable, so I highly recommend it. Breathable and moisture-wicking clothing is ideal for mountain biking, as it helps keep you cool and dry. Padded shorts can also provide extra comfort during long rides. Mid length socks, half way up your shins, can help more than you realize. Additionally, consider wearing sunglasses or goggles to protect your eyes from dust, debris, and the sun.
Tools
At a beginner level, you don’t need a ton of tools, but there are some things I would still recommend. A basic multi-tool, a tire pump, a spare tube (if not using tubeless), tire levers, and a patch kit can help you fix flats and get back on the trail quickly.
My personal experience
Honestly, all of the mentioned items are helpful, but you don’t need them on your first day. Get on your bike and have some fun. I started out on a terrible bike, with normal sneakers, no tools, and just a water bottle and helmet. Sure, I was uncomfortable, and got some minor injuries, but I had a blast. I slowly added most of what was listed above, and now it’s just second nature to get ready and hop on a ride. There are a lot of nuances, depending on where you ride, how far, what style etc. You’ll make your own adjustments along the way, but the only way to know what you need is to start out basic, and adjust as you learn more.