By Amanda Wilks

The origins of mountain biking as we know it today date back to the California of the 1970s. Although it has been a favorite of many people since the early days of the sport, recent years have come with an increase in interest in this field. Due to this, MTB is quickly becoming a popular pastime among adventurous youths from all over the world.

The Must-Haves

Mountain biking still classifies as an extreme sport, even when you go for the easy trails. For this reason, you need to always have your best interest in mind and choose the most fitting pieces of equipment to take with you. Here are the five must-have mountain biking accessories that every beginner should consider getting right now.

1. Bike Computer

Many riders mistakenly believe that bike computers are hefty and intrusive pieces of equipment that make the experience unnecessarily complicated. While that was indeed the case back in the day, things have changed now. According to MountainBikeReviewed, most newer models are the perfect combination of versatile, efficient and compact.

Such an accessory comes in handy for ride monitoring. Considering your beginner status, you will surely benefit from something simple that is also uncomplicated to install, such as the CatEye Velo 7 Bicycle Computer. Its features include a pace arrow, a handy clock, automated start and stop, various speed estimates, an odometer, trip distance and elapsed time.

Nevertheless, you will also benefit from something that is a bit higher end, such as the Planet Bike Protégé 9.0. It has all the benefits of the CatEye, but it also provides your MTB with additional features such as temperature and ride time. What is more, it is also completely weatherproof, so you won’t have to worry about it getting ruined in the rain or snow.

1. Multi-Tool

When you’re out on the trail, unpredictable issues can arise. For this reason, you need to have a few tools on hand to take care of any mishap. But because riding light is a necessity that any good rider is aware of, having your own little one-stop shop in the form of a multi-tool is the way to go. There are plenty of viable alternatives on the market.

One option to consider is the Topeak Mini 20 Pro. It has all the steel hex keys, screwdrivers and Torx you will need, as well as a chain tool, four spoke wrenches, a tire lever, and a bottle opener. The Blackburn Wayside 19 is an equally good choice, as is the Specialized EMT Road. Depending your needs and budget, you will take the appropriate decision.

1. Portable Pump

While most on-road mishaps can be solved at least temporarily with your multi-tool, there’s no replacement for a reliable pump. Fortunately, the MTB accessory market is ripe with portable possibilities that will complete your trail repair kit and prevent you from having to walk back to the trailhead and requesting assistance.

According to Bicycling.com, this piece of equipment comes equally handy when you’re on a flat road or deep inside the rocky terrain of the mountainside. The Specialized Air Tool Flex with its retractable hose is ideal for such purposes, as is the Genuine Innovations Second Wind Road Carbon Mini.

1. Protective Glasses

The common misconception among beginner MTB enthusiasts is that the activity requires sunglasses for protection. In reality, that is completely infeasible, and it should be avoided at all costs. Anything else than clear lenses will impair your vision when you ride through woodland areas and other places where there is a limited amount of sunlight available.

Famous sports brands such as Adidas, Oakley, and Spiuk all make high-quality options with lenses that expertly shield your eyes while maintaining an appropriate visibility level. Choosing the right pair automatically means that you won’t have to deal with the danger of glares or UV rays while out on your bike.

1. Sturdy Helmet

Last, but certainly not least, a sturdy and reliable helmet is an indispensable accessory for beginners and pros in the field alike. This piece of equipment offers you an extra layer of protection that can come particularly in handy in unpredictable situations. Therefore, you should never go on a ride without it.

Some of the best MTB helmets on the market are the Fox Rampage Pro Carbon, the Troy Lee Designs D3 or the POC Cortex DH MIPS. These are made from carbon, which produces a reliable, durable and impenetrable component that remains lightweight and easy to wear. And as you’d imagine, these are the key requirements that should be fulfilled by such a product.  

Final Thoughts

Before you start riding on MTB trails, you will need to equip yourself with a few essentials. Regardless of the difficulty level of the area, a bike computer, a multi-tool, a portable pump, a helmet and protective glasses are all must-haves. With them by your side, your experiences on the bike are bound to be successful and leisurely.

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