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