Mountain Bike Tips: Tools and Gear you Need for the TrailThe first few times I went mountain biking, I could have used some basic mountain bike tips on what I needed to take with me to be prepared. The following mountain bike tips have made my mountain bike rides much more enjoyable and have also come in handy when I have had trail mishaps or emergencies. Hydration Bicycle Tools Cash and ID Cycling Food First Aid Kit Head and Eye Protection Warm Clothing Sunscreen Hydration
It is important to stay hydrated when mountain biking. I carry a hydration backpack, which has a bladder with a tube connected to it. This works better for me than carrying a water bottle because it is easier to get to. I just pop the tube in my mouth when I want water rather than having to reach for a water bottle, drink while riding with one hand, and put the water bottle back. A hydration backpack is also nice because I can carry all my essential gear in it. You can also get a bicycle seat bag to carry necessary gear and take some weight off your back. [Back to Top] Bicycle ToolsI always bring some basic bicycle tools along for emergencies. Before knowing what tools were necessary to bring on the trail, I had to figure out how to use the tools and what their purpose was.I have a multi-tool that has various sizes of allen wrenches and screwdrivers (both types). This really cuts down on the weight and inconvenience of bringing along a bunch of separate tools. Open ended wrenches (8mm and 10mm), a spoke wrench, a chain tool, and shock pump are good bicycle tools to have along too. I always carry a spare tube, a tube repair kit, and tire levers. I have a tire pump that attaches to my bike frame and also carry a CO2 cartridge inflator. This has been a mountain bike tip that I always remember because the one time I don't have one of these items with me will be the time I need it...guaranteed! Cash and IDIt's a good idea to bring an ID and a little cash. You never know when you may need it. Also, did you know that you can use a dollar bill to temporarily patch a sidewall cut in your tire?[Back to Top] Cycling FoodMountain biking burns a lot of calories. I always try to eat a good meal before riding and wait an hour or two after eating before hitting the trail. It is also important to bring some food along when riding. I always carry energy bars, gel shots, fruit (dried or fresh) and other lightweight snacks.[Back to Top] First Aid KitI always bring along a first aid kit with basic essentials like bandages, medicine packets (such as ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and corticosteroid cream), and antibacterial wipes. I'm tough and don't ever need that stuff ;), but you never know if a buddy will need it on the trail.[Back to Top] Head and Eye Protection
I always wear a helmet, even if I am going on a short, easy ride. Cycling glasses are important because they protect eyes from flying trail debris, bugs, and the sun. I have a pair of sunglasses with interchangeable lenses for different levels of sunlight. That way, I can pop in the clear lenses when it is really overcast or getting dark and still protect my eyes. [Back to Top] Warm ClothingA very important mountain bike tip that I have learned is to be prepared for changes in weather, especially in areas of high altitude. I have often run into cold or rainy conditions after beginning a ride in sunny hot weather, so now I always bring lightweight rain gear and extra layers of clothing. I like using cycling leg warmers and arm warmers because they are lightweight and easy to keep stashed in a pocket of my hydration backpack.I keep an extra pair of cycling socks in my hydration backpack in case my feet get wet and also an extra pair of full-finger mountain bike gloves. It's a good idea to bring along a cycling cap since our head loses heat quicker than any part of our body in cold weather. SunscreenI fry in the sun, so sunscreen is not something I want to forget. I keep an big tube of sunscreen in my car and also a small one in my hydration backpack. Without sunscreen, I have gotten some nasty sunburns, even on overcast days. One area that I used to always forget to put sunscreen on was the back of my calves.[Back to Top] Return from Mountain Bike Tips to Mountain Bike Riding page Return from Mountain Bike Tips to Mountain Bike Buzz home page |
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