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Cycling Essentials

Depending on your preference, a bike ride can be anywhere from a couple of hours to a couple of days. Therefore, what can be classified as "essential mountain biking accessories" depends on the length of time you intend to be riding for and the nature of the terrain involved. However, there is a list of absolute essentials you need for most rides:

1. Mountain Bike

 

I don't know why this needs mentioning because you'd be hard pushed to go riding without it. But then I supppose that just means it's "essential"! Being the most important kit you need to make sure it's up to the task of hitting the trail you're planning on before heading out. Also check all potential break points and weaknesses in the bike to reduce the likelihood of running into difficulties while on the trail. Adjust the bike settings to your desired levels such as seat post, ride position, etc.

2. Helmet

 

This is the number one essential accessory that you must have on all rides. Never ride without a helmet because the risk of serious head injuries, especially when riding off road, is very high. Generally, the more challenging the terrain, the higher the chances of experiencing a crash or a fall off the bike. During such events, you definitely do not want to be without a helmet. There are different types of helmet for different riders. Some helmets are specially made for off-road terrain, while others are specifically only for recreational biking. Make sure you get the appropriate helmet with the appropriate fit for you head.

3. Cycling Gloves

 

Regardless of the weather, gloves will help to protect your hands during a ride. It can offer a better grip on the handlebars when your hands are sweaty and it can save your hands from scrapes and cuts if you happen to crash (an occurrence that can be quite often the less experienced you are and the more difficult the route).

4. Mountain Bike Clothes

 

Specially tailored mountain bike clothes will offer you a great deal more comfort than riding in normal sport clothes. For instance, mountain bike clothes are often made from wicking materials that remove moisture from the skin and transfers it to the surface where it can be evaporated more quickly - cooling you down. This helps to keep the rider cooler, drier and more comfortable. Mountain bike clothes are also seamless which will prevent chaffing on your skin during the repetetive cycling movements especially around the legs. Riding on rough terrain can be brutal to the behind and cycling shorts are often padded to help minimise discomfort to your rear end. If you are biking in cold or wet weather, there are special outdoor clothes that will provide thermal protection and a waterproof outer covering to keep you dry. Specialised mountain bike clothes also come with reflective material to make it easier to spot you in darker environments.

5. Cycle Shoes

 

The type of shoes you require depends on the type of bike you have and the type of riding that you do. For instance, if you have a bike with clipless pedals then you need to get shoes with a special cleat that allows your shoes to attach to the bike pedals. Otherwise, it is important to get a pair of shoes that are durable, comfortable. Shoes with stiff soles are also better for riding a bike because it increases pedal efficiency.

6. Eyewear

 

Protective eyewear helps to protect your eyes from the elements and nature. They keep debris and wind out of your eyes that might otherwise force you to take your eyes off the trail. Darkened lenses can also protect your eyes from the glare of sunlight if it is very bright.

7. Hydration Pack / Camel Back / Water Bottle

 

Water is absolutely necessary even on shorter rides. You should never exercise for more than half-an-hour without re-hydrating. It's worth remembering that you lose about a pint of water per hour of heavy exercise. You can carry water in bottles, but generally a hydration pack or camel back is more convenient to access and to carry while on the move as they'll come with a spout to drink from on the move.

8. Bike Repair Kit

 

Few rides go without incident and bikes will often have failures on the way. The most common being a flat tyre and without the right repair equipment you could easily become stranded in the middle of nowhere. There's a few essentials worth packing in your bike repair kit:

  • Tyre pump.
  • Tyre levers: essential items if you plan on repairing punctures.
  • Two inner tubes: it's not always practical to perform a puncture repair out in the wilds so its always best to keep some fresh inner tubes on hand.
  • Chain tool: this is used to push the pin out from the chain links. It's necessary to carry out any chain repairs.
  • Spare chain links: to replace any broken chain links.
  • Duct tape: the Swiss Army Knife of repair kits. It can be used for so many repairs its essential on any long bike ride.
  • Folding Allen wrench and screwdriver set.
  • Spoke adjustment tool: these are just mini wrenches that turn the spoke nipples on your mountain bike. You can use it to straighten a slightly bent wheel after a hard impact.
  • Shock pump: a high pressure suspension pump that is used to pump up an air sprung shock absorber. Normal tyre pumps won't work because they can't reach the high pressures required. Likewise, you cannot use a shock pump on tyres due to their small size and volume.

9. First Aid Kit

 

Moutnain biking is a relatively safe sport but it's not without it's risks. It is important to have a firstaid kit to deal with any potential injuries alpong the route. Some of the essential items to have in your first aid pack are:

  • Latex Gloves: treating open wounds with greasy hands isn't a good plan.
  • Water Proof Plasters: for covering small cuts.
  • Four inch sterile gauze bandages: for larger cuts and bloody noses.
  • One roll of cloth adhesive tape: for taping bandages, and minor splinting, e.g. broken fingers.
  • Cotton roll sterile dressing: for holding bandages on the bigger lacerations and abrasions and to put direct pressure on wounds to stop the bleeding.
  • One pair of blunt scissors: for cutting bandages, and removing clothing if needed.
  • Saline tubes: for cleaning wounds.
  • Tweezers: for removing splinters.
  • Ice packs: for sprains and bruising.
  • Antiseptic Cream: cleaning minor cuts.
  • Cotton Swabs: for cleaning wounds.
  • Plastic zip bags: cleaning up after first aid.
  • Disinfectant Wipes: for cleaning hands and other areas.
  • Torch: for night rides.
  • Reflective Rescue Blanket: used for keep warm or cool in the event that you do get stranded.

10. Mobile Phone

 

Mobile coverage is pretty good these days and you'll even manage to get a sugnal up Snowdon in Wales. Therefore it's always a good idea to keep your mobile on you and in a safe place so if anyone suffers an injury or unrepairable bike failure then you can call for rescue.

11. Food

 

If you're going to be riding for more than an hour, it's good to pack some food or energy supplements such as bars, drinks, etc. Energy bars are great for keeping your pack light and keeping your energy levels up during the ride. Mountain biking is an endurance sport that requires careful planning before heading out on the trail. It is important that you bring along the essentials listed above to help you manage any emergencies you may encounter.