Recommended Equipment

When I started out I had no idea of the equipment I was going to end up needing when I finally progressed onto longer routes. I’ve come along way from cycling up the local hill in my jeans and t-shirt! Detailed below is an idea of the equipment I’d recommend for anyone progressing in mountin biking.

• Pump – get one to fit your valve type. Compact pumps are light, popular, and fairly efficient with many adapting to either style of valve.
• Gloves – these will keep you from compressing nerves in your hand, getting blisters, and save your skin in the event of a fall.
• Bicycling shorts – buying padded bicycling shorts are more practical on a bike than loose fitting shorts, and will prevent chaffing.
• Jacket – windbreaker or light jacket for spring, fall, or winter riding.
• Mountain bike shoes – these will provide plenty of comfort and prevent the pedals from digging into your soles.
• Spare tubes and tire irons – you’ll be able to replace the tube on the trail. Keeping a patch kit close will provide with a back up in case you’ve used all your spare tubes.
• Tools - small screwdriver for adjusting derailleurs, small crescent wrench for removing wheels without quick-release, small metric wrenches (8 and 10mm), allen wrenches, chain tool for fixing a broken chain, and a spoke wrench for tightening spokes or removing broken ones.
• Rag – for wiping the grease off your hands.
• First aid kit – better to be safe then sorry!
• Sunglasses – to protect your eyes from the sun and dust.
• Seat bag, or backpack – to keep all the above in.