What Gear Is Needed For Mountain Biking?

Mountain biking is not just an adventure sport, it can also boost building power, strength, and skillfulness. Here is a primary concern that practically every mountain bike beginner has – what gear is needed for mountain biking?

The essential things that you need for mounting biking are a bike and helmet. You must also have food, water, eye protection, and other protective gear. If staying overnight, you must carry an extra set of clothes in a backpack. Other crucial things are the bike repair kit and a first aid kit.

You might be wondering why these things and other gear are needed for mountain biking? If so, then keep on reading to know the reasons why the above gear holds importance.

What Gear Is Needed For Mountain Biking? And Why?

Below you can understand the reasons why the gear is necessary for mountain biking. Let’s dive into the details!

Bike Helmet:

As your safety is crucial, you should never ride a mountain bike without a helmet. Wearing the helmet lessens the risk of head injuries. It blocks the sunlight so you can keep your entire focus on the road without getting diverted by glare or flash.

Food And Water:

For survival purposes, you need food and water (water bottle or hydration pack). Energy and protein bars are some foods that you can eat while riding on a mountain bike. Plus, they are easy to carry. If your backpack has a hydration pack, you do not have to take water bottles or a separate hydration bladder.

Eye Protection:

Wearing eye protection while riding a mountain bike will keep away the dust, sand, and debris from your eyes. Plus, they will allow you to get a clear view in bright sunlight and dark areas. It is best to buy a frame that has an interchangeable lens system with different lenses for fluctuating light conditions.

Protective Gear:

Wear protective gear like elbow pads and knee pads to escape severe injuries. Other equipment includes upper-body protection and shin guards.

Bike Repair Kit:

Bike multi-tool is the most vital item. It contains chain tools, built-in screwdrivers, spoke wrenches, flatheads, and drivers. Even if you have a tubeless mountain bike, it is best to carry a spare tube. Other bike repair kit essentials are:

• Tire levers
• Patch kit
• Portable bike pump (CO2 inflator with cartridges)

Extra Repair Kit For Long Journeys:

Here is the list of the things you need while planning to have a long journey on your mountain bike.

• Multi-tool
• Zip ties
• Master chain link
• Derailleur hanger and mounting bolts
• Duct tape (small roll)

First Aid Kit:

Injuries often happen while riding a mountain bike. So, to treat your wounds, you need a first aid kit.

Small Waterproof Bag:

Besides the backpack that you carry, it is best to have a small waterproof bag. You can store essentials such as money, IDs, compass, charger, and many more. You need a waterproof phone case to save your phone from water.

Light Or Headlamp:

While riding your mountain bike during the nighttime or at dark places, you must have a bright and reliable headlight. You can avoid accidents, and if your bike has stopped working midway, you can use this light to check and repair it.

Skin Health:

While riding through the forest, or isolated tracks, you will get in contact with several kinds of bugs and mosquitoes as well. So, you need mosquito repellent and bug spray. For maintaining your skin health, you must carry sunscreen.

Clothing:

Bring an extra pair of clothes if you plan to spend a night on your mountain biking trip. Get mountain bike shorts that have at least a single zipper pocket and a durable fastening system. Buy a jersey that is comfortable, breathable, and has slight padding. The full-finger mountain bike gloves offer a strong grip. Others include body armor and portable extra layered clothes.

Compass And Essentials:

If you are riding on a new track, it is best to carry a guidebook, a compass, a map, or a trail app. By doing so, you can ride through the correct path.

Other Things:

Here are other items that you might need during your ride:

• A lightweight backpack or hip pack to keep all these things
• Clipless pedals
• Medical information or emergency reference card
• For cleaning, you need a compact quick-dry towel and baby wipes
• Toiletries
• Insulation layers for cold places
• Wind jacket and raincoat (depending on the weather)  
• Saddlebag and extra storage options
• Assorted nuts and bolts
• Emergency whistle
• Frame protection

Do I Need Elbow Pads For Mountain Biking?

Only a few mountain bike riders wear elbow pads. But, if you are concerned about safety and scars on your arms, it is best to wear them. Make sure to wear the heavily padded gear while riding on downhill routes and risky terrains.

What Do Mountain Bikers Carry In Their Backpacks?

Many mountain bikers carry emergency tools and kits in their backpack. Other things include food, phone, wallet, extra pair of clothes, hand pump, compass, and map or guidebook. If your backpack has a hydration bladder, you do not have to carry a separate water bottle or hydration pack. For longer journeys, a new set of bike tools, parts, survival kits, wet wipes, blankets are necessary.

Do I Need Knee Pads For Mountain Biking?

Yes, knee pads are another safety gear you must wear as knees have a high chance of getting injured. Wear knee pads so that if an accident happens, the soft padding will protect your knees. Choose the breathable, comfortable, and lightweight knee padding. While climbing, you can keep them in your backpack or move them down to your legs.

What Sort Of Helmet Do I Need For Mountain Biking?

Based on the type of activity, you can choose between the three different styles of mountain bike helmets. For long journeys, cross-country helmets (XC) are ideal. The trail mountain bike helmets are perfect for both short and lengthy trials. If you are going to ride in downhill routes at high speeds and different terrains, buy full-face helmets.