| There's more to mountain biking than just getting a cool | | | | getting a flat tire, but when you're going cross country |
| bike. Mountain biking can be a dangerous sport - as is | | | | or down mountains, the chance of getting a flat tire |
| any sport where you're heading downhill at speed. | | | | rises exponentially. You don't want to get stuck on the |
| The younger generation has a tendency to think it is | | | | trail - so make sure you have a repair kit underneath |
| invincible, and so will not bother with the common | | | | your bike seat. And just as important - practice with |
| sense safety gear that could save them from | | | | that repair kit so that you actually know how to use |
| unnecessary bumps, bruises, cuts or breaks. Of | | | | the tools! |
| course, even with all the safety gear, those bumps, | | | | Gloves |
| bruises, cuts and breaks can happen, but they'll more | | | | It is more comfortable to ride any bike with gloves than |
| than likely be less severe. | | | | without them. Mountain bike gloves ar specially |
| Bike helmet | | | | designed to withstand the harsh conditions under which |
| The helmet is not really an "accessory," is an essential | | | | they're used, and not only will they save you stress in |
| part of the mountain biker's gear. Every mountain biker | | | | just gripping the handlebars, but they'll also prevent any |
| is going to fall off his or her bike at one time or another | | | | nasty scrapes should you take a header. |
| - and the helmet will very likely come in for a beating - | | | | Hydration system |
| much better than the rider's head. Helmets these days | | | | Nothing ruins the ride more than feeling hungry or |
| are comfortable and come in an array of styles. Make | | | | thirsty while you're in the middle of it... but thirst probably |
| sure you purchase one which fits properly. | | | | is more annoying than hunger. Bring a water bottle at |
| Eye protection | | | | the very least. A hydration backpack also fits the bill - |
| Second only to the helmet, eye protection such as | | | | all this is is a specially fitted backpack with liquid of |
| goggles are a must. Going downhill at speed, it's easy | | | | your choice in various containers, fitted so that they |
| for your tires to kick up rocks or dirt that, if they get in | | | | feel almost weightless. |
| your eyes, will blind you and cause you to run off the | | | | Shoes |
| trail and into a tree, as often as not. There's always | | | | For many types of biking, your average tennis shoe will |
| the chance that mosquitoes, midges, or other | | | | work just fine. But for mountain biking, shoes made |
| no-see-ems will get into your eyes, which is why | | | | specifically for the sport are pretty nice to have. You |
| goggles are better than glasses or sunglasses - | | | | want them to be comfortable, durable, and suited to t |
| although they will serve. | | | | heir purpose - which is to keep your feet safe and |
| Once you've got the helmet and eye protection out of | | | | injury free while you ride. They come with stiff soles |
| the way, everything else can safely be classified as | | | | for better efficiency while pedaling, and you can get |
| "accessories," which would definitely be nice to have | | | | them for clip or clipless pedals. |
| but are not mandatory. | | | | Shorts |
| Trail repair kit | | | | Padded shorts are a must for any type of biking! It |
| Of these types of accessories, perhaps the most | | | | increases the comfort of the ride no end (along with a |
| important is the trail repair kit. You may be able to ride | | | | gel-filled saddle! |
| your entire life on the streets of your city without | | | | |