What Mountain Biking Gear is Essential

If you’ve recently decided to get into mountain biking, you may wonder what kind of gear you need. You might be overwhelmed at all of the accessories offered at your local bike store, so here to help you is a list of items that most riders consider absolutely essential. While this list isn’t meant to be all inclusive, it can help you to get properly outfitted for your next ride.

• Helmet – This is the most important safety accessory you can have, and it’s absolutely essential for protection.
• Shoes – Mountain bike shoes are designed to be rugged, hard wearing, and stiff to improve power transfer.
• Pedals – Pedals come in a variety of styles, but you should match the type of pedal you’re going to use to the type of shoes you’ll be wearing.
• Clothing –Mountain bike clothing is breathable, flexible, reinforced in specific areas, and made of sturdy material that’s unlikely to tear if you take a spill.
• Pads and body armor – Even the most experienced mountain bikers can take a fall. A combination of knee, shin, elbow, and back protection will allow you to take the occasional spill and come out with only your pride injured.
• Gloves – Sturdy full finger gloves will protect you from foliage, scrapes, and falls with protection across the top of the hands and knuckles. They’ll also help you to keep a firm grip on your bike at all times.
• Eyewear – While sunglasses protect you from the sun’s harmful rays, they can also provide impact protection and keep debris or insects out of your eyes.
• Hydration – If possible, outfit your bike with a water bottle that connects directly to the frame and fill it before you begin your ride. For longer rides, you may want to use a hydration pack that either attaches to the frame or is carried in a backpack.
• First aid kit – Things happen, and you should always carry a fully stocked first aid kit.
• Tool kit – If you have a mechanical problem with your bike, a simple tool kit will help you to get it back in ridable condition and back on the trail.
• Flat repairs – Carry a patch kit and an air pump or if you prefer, a CO₂ cartridge to inflate your tires. It never hurts to pack an extra tube or two.

Where to Go

When you decide to set out on your biking adventure, come visit Klamath County, Oregon, where you can find a variety of mountain biking trails for riders of all skill levels. With breathtaking scenery, beautiful forests, stunning waterfalls, and some of the best trails to be found anywhere, this is a perfect destination for mountain bikers. For information about all the recreational opportunities available in Klamath County, order our free visitor’s guide. We look forward to seeing you there!