So you've got yourself a nice bike. That's the first big step, but having the right accessories and components can make a world of difference. Let's take a gander at some of the most important parts to outfit your rig.
Helmet - Don't Leave Home Without It
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From the simplest to the roughest of conditions, no matter what kind of riding you do, the importance of a proper helmet cannot be overstated. At the very least, a good helmet can save you from a nasty cut, but at the end of the day, a bike helmet can mean the difference between life and death.
Besides, these days modern bike helmets are incredibly safe and stylish, there's just no good reason to ride without one. There are virtually unlimited color and style options, so take your time and find a helmet you like.
Eye Protection
If you're riding at high speeds, especially downhill, then you really need to protect your eyes. The smallest fleck of dust or dirt can mean losing vision at a crucial moment, and that can spell disaster. Not to mention the wind blowing in your face, making your eyes water and occluding vision. For sunny days a decent pair of sunglasses is fine, or you can also try goggles or clear lenses.
Hydration - Drink Lots of Water
Serious biking means a serious workout, and keeping properly hydrated is incredibly important. Any cheap water bottle will do the trick, and for a few bucks you can find a simple-to-install bottle bracket to attach to the bike's frame. For serious riders, however, we recommend a backpack hydration system, such as the Camelbak. It will keep your hands free at all times and make hydration a carefree task.
Mountain Bike Shoes
What makes the best kind of shoes will ultimately depend on the type of pedals your bike has. If you have clip-less pedals, which most mountain bikes do, we recommend specific mountain bike shoes. These come standard with special cleats, designed around your pedals, and are both sturdy and comfortable. They have rigid soles to keep your feet from suffering any pain or damage. Your feet, like everything else, are going to take a bit of a beating, so having the right shoes is a huge help.
Mountain Bike Shorts
Let's face it: if you're riding rough terrain, nothing takes a bigger beating than your rear end. While a proper seat is a must have, some high-quality mountain bike shorts can really help relieve the pain. You could swing for those ubiquitous tight-fitting Lycra shorts (you know the ones), but recently fashion has caught up and now you can find well-padded, comfortable riding shorts in a wide variety of styles and colors.
Mountain Bike Gloves
Your hands may be the most crucial part of controlling your ride, so you need them free and capable at all times. Between gear shifting, braking, and the inevitable death-grip of a rough patch, your hands see a lot of wear and tear. A decent pair of mountain bike gloves can help alleviate that pain. And if you fall, you'll really want those gloves to take hit the dirt, not your bare hands.
Emergency Preparedness
Mountain biking is about fun and adventure, and most of the time that's exactly what it is. But accidents do happen, so you want to be prepared with a few tools. Just a few things, such as a multi-tool (made especially for bikes, preferably), a patch kit and tire lever for flat tires, an extra tube, and a mini-pump are all super-handy to have around in a pinch. Also don't forget a small first aid kit, with things like bandages and Neosporin for cleaning up scrapes.
Mountain Bike Accessories - What You Must Have For Your Mountain Bike FLECK WATER
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