| There is a massive range of accessories | | | | Mountain bikes are prone to breaking down |
| available for mountain bikes and it is | | | | when you least expect it. A basic repair kit |
| possible to spend as much as you did on the | | | | is a great mountain bike accessory to own and |
| bike. But a lot of the accessories are | | | | can be a real lifesaver. This should contain |
| gimmicks and are not needed for typical | | | | a puncher repair kit, allen key, screw driver |
| mountain biking. There are, however, some | | | | (to adjust the front and rear derailleur) and |
| mountain bike accessories that are essential. | | | | a pump. Other equipment includes a spoke |
| | | | tool, spanners and a bottom bracket tool. Of |
| Helmet | | | | course, a lubricant is essential! |
| | | | |
| This is the most obvious accessory for | | | | Cleaning equipment |
| mountain biking. It is advisable for any | | | | |
| cyclist to wear a helmet and it is | | | | Mountain biking can be a dirty sport and |
| particularly important if you are going to be | | | | bikes tend to not like dirt! So the right |
| mountain biking. It is common to fall off | | | | cleaning equipment is required to keep your |
| your bike when mountain biking off road and | | | | mountain bike in good working order. It is |
| the surface can be unforgiving. A good solid | | | | possible to buy stray that will degrease your |
| helmet is necessary to protect you head from | | | | gears. A small brush is often necessary to |
| any impact with the ground, trees or rocks. | | | | remove the stubborn dirt. |
| | | | |
| Cycle Shorts | | | | Bike bottles and cages |
| | | | |
| Mountain biking on rough bumpy roads is very | | | | Make sure you carry plenty of liquid when |
| hard on the body. It is very common for | | | | mountain biking. You should buy a cage to |
| cyclists to have a sore bottom after a hard | | | | hold a water bottle. If it will fit, two |
| days mountain biking. A good pair of cycle | | | | cages is a good idea so that you can carry |
| shorts will help absorb some of the impact. | | | | extra liquid. |
| | | | |
| Gloves | | | | Cycle lights |
| | | | |
| For the same reason as above, gloves are an | | | | If you are going to do any cycling at night, |
| important part of your mountain bike kit. A | | | | you will need lights. There is no point |
| lot of people overlook gloves, but they do | | | | taking the risk, as it is easy for cars to |
| absorb a significant amount of the shock that | | | | not see you. |
| travels up through the handlebars. Gloves | | | | |
| with gel padding are the best ones to buy for | | | | Lock |
| mountain biking. | | | | |
| | | | If you are going to leave your mountain bike |
| Other Clothing | | | | unattended for any length of time, then you |
| | | | will need a lock. Of course this depends on |
| If you are going to be out in the countryside | | | | where you live, but in most places, bikes are |
| for a day, or even half a day, make sure you | | | | stolen on a frequent basis. You can get locks |
| protect yourself from the weather. A | | | | that come with a guarantee against breaking. |
| lightweight waterproof jacket is needed in | | | | |
| case of rain. An outer layer is a good idea | | | | Summary |
| on hot sunny days to protect your skin from | | | | |
| the harmful sunrays. | | | | Mountain biking is a fantastic form of |
| | | | exercise and can be enjoyed by most people. |
| Repair kit | | | | With the right mountain bike and accessories, |
| | | | you will have the time of your life. |