Get ready for a thrilling day of mountain biking! Our comprehensive list of essential gear for mountain biking is here as a reference point to ensure you have all the items needed for a day on the trails. From what to bring when mountain biking to why those items are required, this checklist will allow riders of any experience level to prepare for any challenges they may encounter.
Protection
Whether it’s your first ride or thousandth, protection when mountain biking is vital to prevent injuries. We always recommend choosing quality gear to ensure the ultimate level of security.
Helmets
Did you know that a helmet is the most effective solution for preventing severe head injuries? It doesn’t matter what kind of trail you’re after—a helmet is necessary for mountain biking.
Sun & Ski Sports is proud to carry a variety of high-quality helmets to ensure your safety on the trails. For a dynamic, adjustable helmet designed to keep the sun out of your eyes while you tackle those fast descents, check out our Bell Men’s Super Air MIPS Mountain Bike Helmet.
Goggles
When riding on trails, the dirt, debris, and rocks can be unpredictable, to say the least. Goggles allow for maximum visibility and comfort. Protect your eyes and give yourself a wide field of view with Fox Airspace Merz Bike Goggles. Or, if you prefer protection in a more traditional form, check out Blenders Eyewear Eclipse Sunglasses.
Gloves
From messing up your hands when crashing, scuffing a tree with your knuckles, and keeping sweaty hands at bay so they don’t slip on the grips, gloves offer an additional layer of protection. For full-finger, gel-padded gloves that are touch screen compatible, see Fox Ranger Gel Bike Gloves.
Pads
From elbow to knee pads, these guards offer a combination of absorbing protection with a sturdy build. They are a great solution to ensure your safety in case you fall. We always recommend wearing knee and elbow pads for beginners and seasoned riders alike.
Shoes
Mountain biking shoes are essential for maximum control of the bike, and they’re great to start out with as a new rider—so, not just for seasoned riders. Whether riding flat petals, or clip-in pedals, we have a large variety of shoe choices to choose from, we recommend the Giro Men’s Riddance Mountain Cycling Shoes. These sweet kicks are made for pedal-sticking power, so you can complete the most demanding trails and jumps without worry. They’re also available for women, too!
Hydration
There’s nothing like a cool sip of water during a long adventure. Staying hydrated is essential to remain energized and healthy. From insulated water bottles like the CamelBak Podium Ice 21 OZ Bike Water Bottle, to hands-free hydration packs like the CamelBak Men’s Chase 50 oz Hydration Bike Vest, and even hip packs like the Osprey Seral 7 Hydration Pack, Sun & Ski Sports is proud to carry a variety of hydration options to ensure long-lasting energy.
Inflation
It’s always best to prepare for tackling those unpredictable trails. You never know when you’ll get a flat tire, so we recommend that all mountain bike riders carry emergency inflation tools. See below for more information.
Pump with CO2 Combo Head
The Blackburn Mammoth Co2fer Pump is the perfect portable air pump with enough puff for any mountain bike tire. This pump has a built-in CO2 head, so it can inflate with CO2 cartridges. You can also use the pump if the cartridges run out, or for small top-offs!
CO2 Cartridges
Don’t forget spare cartridges! Small and lightweight, store a Blackburn Threaded 25g Co2 3 Pack in your bag in case of an emergency. You’ll never have to worry about being stranded.
Tubeless Repair Kit
For all-in-one, tubeless maintenance, check out the Slime Tubeless Ready Kit! This kit has everything you need to ensure you return home promptly in case of a flat tire emergency.
Spares
Don’t get stuck without a spare! Carrying spare parts like tubes, tubeless sealant, and tubeless valve stems are helpful in cases where a tire is punctured. We recommend prepping for every kind of emergency so you’re never left stranded.
Tubes
Spare tubes are essential to ensure a smooth ride, regardless of the situation. For a high-quality spare tube, click here.
Tubeless Sealant
Need to repair a punctured tire? The Muc-Off No Puncture Hassle Tubeless Sealant Kit can instantly repair holes and tears, and it is non-corrosive! For a tubeless sealant that is perfect for any climate, look no further.
Tubeless Valve Stems
To ensure that your bike isn’t punctured again, we recommend adding removable valve stems to add sealant easily. To cover up to an 8mm hole, check out Muc-Off Tubeless 44mm Valve Kit.
Tools
Never worry about being underprepared during an emergency again! By carrying tools, or a multi-functional tool, you can enjoy your next bike ride seamlessly since you know that you’re prepared for the worst.
Multi-Tools
For a high-quality multi-tool, we recommend the Blackburn Wayside Multi-Tool. This is a 19-function multi-tool that includes a knife blade, a flat head screwdriver, spoke wrenches, chain assembly hooks, and more. Adjust any bolt with the individual hex keys on this tool, allowing for a quick and easy fix for nearly every type of biking situation. Also, this multi-tool is on our essential gear for mountain biking list because it allows for quick comfort adjustments on the trail, like when you need to fix your handlebar position, brake and shifter position, and even your saddle height.
Clothing
Your choice of clothing can have all the impact on your day of adventuring. For example, you can choose a cloth jersey more prone to collecting sweat or a TruDri fabric jersey that wicks away sweat with its breathable, light fabric. The proper clothing allows for the best performance and comfort, whether you’re in for a long climb, or bombing downhill.
Shorts
For shorts with secure zip pockets, external waist adjustment, belt loops, and hand pockets, look no further than the Fox Men’s Ranger Bike Shorts with Liner. These shorts are versatile, durable, and perfectly comfortable for a day of mountain biking. And they’re available for women, too!
Bibs
For maximum comfort on the trails, bibs are your best friend. Cover them up with mountain bike shorts for additional protection, and to gain some handy pockets! We recommend the Giro Women’s Arc Cycling Shorts for seamless comfort and support. These are available for men, too!
Jerseys
Keep cool when you hit the trail with the high-quality, lightweight Fox Men’s Ranger TruDri Bike Jersey. Also available for women, too! Tailored for a mountain bike fit, this jersey offers coverage in addition to the comfort of your favorite t-shirt.
And there you have it: all your essential gear for mountain biking. Whether you’re looking to hit a new PR, shred the trails, or explore with friends, this comprehensive list will help you prepare for your next ride. For more information on biking and other outdoor adventures, check out our Adventure Resource Guide. Or, visit your local Sun & Ski Sports today!