
Don’t forget that, in order to have the best mountain biking experience, there is some essential mountain bike gear that you will need in addition to the bike itself. First and foremost in this category is safety gear, and equipment designed to protect your bike. There is also gear available which is not mandatory, but which might be worth looking into depending on what kind of riding you plan to do.
The most important piece of gear you will need is a helmet. This can make the difference between life and death if you happened to fall over in the mountains, and you should never go riding without one. You might also look into buying specialized bike clothing, which can improve your aerodynamics and comfort while riding. Biking gloves are also highly recommended.
From there, there is a wide variety of gear available. What you need will depend on your specific bike and your particular needs. If you will be riding on fairly hardcore terrain, additional safety equipment such as elbow pads and kneepads are recommended. If you’ll just be taking your bike casually through the mountains, this likely won’t be as necessary.
If you are planning to ride your bike at night at any time, you will need to have a headlight for the bike so that others can see you approaching, and so that you are able to take your bike in traffic in case that is necessary. Reflectors are also a good idea in this instance—many people will have a flashing light that they place on their back so they can be seen from behind, as well. Often times, mountain bikes are not taken out on the road, but this gear is still useful in the mountains if you are riding on trails commonly used at night. Such safety gear helps prevent collisions.
You also have the option of purchasing several different kinds of upgrades and improved gear, from better suspension to more gears. These kinds of purchases are often more expensive, and if you are a novice rider, it’s not a bad idea to seek the advice of others before you commit to such upgrades.
Whatever kind of gear you are looking into purchasing, it’s always a good idea to consult others and to shop around online. That way you will get a better sense of what is available, as well as what has proven to be effective and durable for others in the past. Another way to accomplish this latter goal is to read consumer reviews online, which are widely available.
There are many kinds of mountain bike gear available. Right from the beginning, you should purchase the necessary safety equipment, especially a helmet. Also make sure that you have a dependable lock that can’t be cut, in case you ever need to walk away from your bike, however temporary the amount of time. From there, get a sense of how your bike rides, and determine what upgrades you need. Consult the advice of experts and trusted friends, browse available gear online, and make informed decisions from there.