Mountain Biking
Accessories Must Haves
Entering a bike shop, it is very overwhelming for beginners
to see a wide array of mountain biking products, each shouting,
"buy me!" The question now is, "should you give in?" While many
biking product are indeed necessary, there are some you can
ride without or nice to have. Here is a list of necessary
mountain biking accessories that you must have. Unmentioned
ones are optional.
Helmet
Not only it is stupid not to wear one, most public parks and
trails prohibit riding without a helmet. Buy it the moment you
buy your bike. Many serious head injuries can be prevented by
just wearing a helmet. Look for a helmet that provides better
insulation; fits properly to your head; and with chin strap to
secure it to your head.
Gloves
Gloves serve double purpose: to improve your grip on the
handlebar and to protect your hand from cuts and bruises in
case you crash. Since the natural tendency during crash is to
stretch the arms to cushion the fall, the palms take the most
beating. While I do not advice you to use your hands to protect
your body from the fall, I will not recommend riding without
it. You can choose between cutoff and full-fingered gloves, but
I suggest full-fingered. Gloves are the second most important
accessory you should have next to helmet.
Repair Kit
There is nothing worse than having a breakdown in the middle
of nowhere and you cannot do anything about it. Make sure that
you put equal importance to repair kit as you can never tell
when you will hit a major bump and blow your tire out or when
will your chain break due to excessive metal stress. That said,
your repair kit should include chain repair tool and tire
repair tools such as patches, glue, portable pump with gauge
and a spare inner tube. Also include multi-tool set with
wrenches to repair mechanical damages.
Hydration System
Just like any other physical activity, mountain biking
causes your body to heat up and sweat to keep your core
temperature normal. As you sweat, you lose substantial amount
of water, and even more if biking is extended for a longer
period of time. To replace the water lost and avoid
dehydration, you must drink fluid regularly. Water bottle is
enough but if you can afford a hydration pack with bladder, it
is much better.
Eye Protection
Sunglasses are more than just a fashion statement. Glasses
offer protection from dust, insects, wind and other foreign
objects that can enter your eyes while mountain biking. Glasses
also protect you from infrared radiation and ultra-violet rays
and it can be used to filter or enhance lighting.
Clothes
The point of buying clothes especially made for biking is to
provide enough protection and comfort while riding. But regular
shirt and sweatpants are good enough.
Choosing among different brands of bike clothing can be
difficult and expensive. Your task is to prioritize what to
buy. I suggest that you invest on padded biking shorts first
since you have shirts and jackets you can readily pull out from
your closet.
Shoes
To add comfort while pedaling, specially-made bike shoes are
available. Pick the right shoe that will fit to the terrain you
will be riding in and will fit to the type of pedal your bike
has.
The accessories are listed according to importance. If the
combined cost of all these products goes beyond the budget you
set, prioritize on buying the things from the top of the list
down.
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