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