However, before you begin this exciting sport, you must get all your stuff together; especially when you do not want this to end in a wallop. But, no need to delve further into adversities because the list is definitely short of breaking your budget. All you have to do is ensure you are perfectly equipped, at least for safety, if not fun. The right gear makes this sport safe and gives an authentic taste of mountain biking.
To cut things short, in this article, we have made the most essential dirt-bike parts the centre of our detailed discussion. So here are the top picks which will ensure that your next biking journey is a real thrill;
Helmet
A helmet is your most faithful friend when you go mountain biking. A life saviour, a fellow traveller, one cannot put enough emphasis on its importance. Yet, it is surprising that most mountaineers or bikers need a proper helmet to leave for the trails. Either they are not wise enough to anticipate a fatal fall causing brain injury, or they are accustomed to toying with danger. It is unarguably the most essential safety accessory for a biker. It saves the brain by not letting the impact of the fall penetrate deep enough to damage the mushy organ on which our lifeline depends.
Today, we have helmets specifically designed for mountain bikers, offering almost 100 per cent cover-up of the skull. Despite its mighty scenery, a mountain has many piney monsters ready to cause severe damage if you accidentally land on them.
The MTB-specific helmets cover the temporal and occipital regions of the brain. This feature sets them apart from ordinary bike helmets. If you are riding down the hill, helmets are available for full-face coverage to protect the face, chin, and mouth. Also, there is a new trend for full-face ‘convertible’ helmets. They have gained fame because of their unique design and reliable endurance. These helmets also remove the chin guards when climbing up the hill.
For steep locations that demand more technical riding skills with enhanced protection, helmets with MIPS technology work better due to their sophisticated safety features.
MTB helmets are designed to provide enough ventilation, even at lower speeds. The latest models of mountain biking helmets consist of a visor, also known as peak, which includes eye protection for the bikers against scorching sun and deflects the overhanging foliage.
When exploring a variety of helmets, you are very likely to come across abbreviations such as MIPS (Multi-Directional Impact Protection). As evidenced by the name itself, this latest technology offers excellent protection from rotational impact injuries. Another amazing feature that the mountain bike helmets host is a small torch attached to them.
Footwear and Pedals
Your riding kit is complete with your footwear. It is one of the few contact points that will keep you physically adhered to by your bike. Besides, like an oar to a boat, your footwear helps you control your bike's movement on every terrain.
The footwear for mountain biking is designed as rugged, stiff and hard-wearing to ensure maximum power transfer from the body to the pedals.
Mountain bikers are provided with plentiful options for choosing footwear for their ride. They can either go for flat pedals or clip-in pedals. The pedals here are different from the ordinary road-bike pedals as they are clipped in from both sides and function by shedding the mud, offering a small cleat for a smooth run.
Usually, cross-country bikers go for the clip-less, lightweight pedals, also known as the SPDs. Such pedals allow a smoother and more effective use of the pedal stroke to ensure adequate power transfer and maximize the rotations to deal with steep and rough trails.
The downhill bikers and trail climbers opt for a similar mechanism, except that they have a cage around the pedal that provides them with a better platform, making the paddling easier.
On the contrary, flat pedals are an excellent option, for they are robust and comprehensive, providing a solid platform. Typically, the flat pedals are fitted using the pins to make the shoe grip on the pedal firmer.
Make sure your shoe compliments the choice of your pedal. The cleat-specific MTB shoes and flat-soled shoes work great in their respective areas. The former ensures better foot protection and has stiff soles and specially-designed threads that set it apart from regular skate shoes or sneakers.
Different platforms require a specific type of shoes; not all classes will complement the riding brand you wish for. Once you decide on the pedal type, consider the kind of riding you are interested in. Gravity shoes will work in your favour if your riding also involves vigorous walking, as they provide maximum foot protectifavourainst thorns, piney mountain surfaces, and rocks. However, they are heavier than the other type, high-performance cross-country shoes. These shoes are lightweight but could be better for walking.
Clothing
What sets mountain bikers apart from roadies? Their attire.
Whereas all the biking outfits do not serve as ‘biking uniforms’, they are meant to make the riding smooth. Similarly, mountain biking outfits are designed to maximize your comfort during the journey. Yet, there is a lot more to it than what it reveals.
Mountain biking suits are more breathable, reinforced, and flexible to no end (so that the rider can move equicklyaround the bike) and are tailored in a stricter material compared to the roadie outfits (to ensure no ripping happens in case of a fall).
Let us break down the components to make things easier and more tangible.
A well-working fastening system will make things hassle-free for you. For mountain biking shorts, choose one with at least one zipper and zip pocket. Another thing to keep in mind is the length. Do not go for too long (it can restrict your movement) or too short (it will keep stretching up).
Most MTB shorts have a removable inner short, allowing you to choose if you should have extra padding. Alternatively, you can also wear the normal roadie or cycling shorts underneath the MTB shorts (which do not come with an inner).
When choosing a jersey, get something made out of a breathable fabric because you will utilize as much oxygen as you can while riding up the hill. Usually, the MTB jerseys appear as T-shirts, but they feature placed seams made from wicking cloth. Usually, the MTB jerseys appear as T-shirts, but they feature placed seams made from wicking cloth. A good mountain biking jersey has extra padding space. Considering the time of the year you are riding in, choose a jersey favouring the climate.
Body Armor & Pads
As the trail progresses, a rider must push the limits and muster the best out of him. In this scenario, the wisest idea is to ensure you are padded with the proper body armour. Cover your knees with flexible knee pads to protect the kneecaps from a potential shock. Shin elbow and back protection are equally essential for the trail.
MTB knee and elbow pads are available in various shapes and sizes. When buying one, try it out and check if it provides enough flexibility and ride comfort.
Most popular brands produce elasticized pads. Another great option is Velcro straps or the BOA wires, which ensure the biker’s security and comfort.
If you are not seeking a thrill, you need soft cushions because they allow smoother pedalling and enough ventilation. Then, we have pads with a hard, plastic exterior. Their designs are designed and manufactured to safeguard the rider by resisting high impacts.
Gloves
The MTB gloves offer protection against foliage and scraps from falls. They are typically full-finger-length gloves that ensure the total safety of knuckles and exposed parts of the hands.
The mountain biking gloves often appear light on padding, ensuring better handlebar control.
The fit is one of many things you must guarantee while searching for the right pair of MTB gloves. You need to look beyond by testing the surface grip and checking whether the gloves are temperature-friendly, concerning the climate you are riding...
Eye Protection
Eyewear protects the eyes from the sun's scorching rays but also acts as a barrier against all the dirt and debris from getting into your eyes. Eyes are the most precious thing entrusted to you by nature, and you would never want to compromise on your site for any adventure. Therefore, choosing the correct eye protection is something to be considered at any cost.
There comes unique eyewear for mountain biking that comprises goggles and sunglasses. They are a new trend, a step up from regular fashion sunglasses. This eyewear is designed to curve around the biker’s head and fit into the helmet, providing comfort and extra protection. Travelling through the scrub at high speed can cause all kinds of harmful particles to invade your face. These sunglasses offer additional security while presenting you with a better alternative than those odd-looking biker goggles.
GPS Tracking
Who would not want a small computer on their bikes to save them from getting lost in the mountains or being unable to track how far they have come? A GPS tracking device has ride recording apps and the capacity to withstand all weather conditions. They attach to your bike neatly without spoiling its look of it.
A GPS tracker mainly runs on battery, but its battery outlasts one of the smartphones. It offers intelligent features like ride recording, distance tracking, and speed meters and comes with essentials such as Bluetooth connectivity and heart-rate monitors.
These functions allow the rider to evaluate their riding details and learn about instant information such as the total distance or alleviation gain. The latest devices comprise technological features that let a rider upload a route to his computer if he wishes to follow a particular way.
Frame Protection
Besides the mud, mountain bikes must undergo all kinds of trials, like deflecting rocks, stray debris, sticks, chain slaps, etc. This makes the frame protection just as important as the outfit or helmet. The MTB-specific equipment such as chain protectors and mudguards are vital, as you never know what trouble lies ahead in your journey.
Mountain bike frame protection is highly recommended if you want to maintain the freshness of your bike’s paint – keeping it young forever.
A decent-looking MTB mudguard is another aspect that must be considered. Usually, it is located under the crown or on the down tube. Usually, it is located under the dome or down the line. This will prevent the mud from slapping into your face while high-speeding.
A mudguard stays out of the way of the suspension and does not obstruct your fronton vision.
Final Word
Mountain biking might not be the ultimate extreme sport, but it sure can turn into a horrible experience – or let us say ‘accident’ – if you are not correctly prepared for it. The gear above list contains elements of absolute importance and must not be overlooked.
Keep in mind, whether you are anticipating trouble or not, it can appear at times when you are least expecting it. Moreover, you would never want the enthusiasm for your first expedition to vanquish in a disaster…
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