A Beginner's Guide To Buying Mountain Bike Accessories
Mountain biking is an expensive hobby to have. Buying a mountain bike itself requires a lot of deliberation and research. In addition to buying a mountain bike, most seasoned mountain bikers invest in the proper gear for mountain biking. Here is a quick mountain biker's checklist.
The Bike Itself
When buying such costly equipment, it is prudent to spend some time researching and understanding the requirement. A quick survey of the trails and spots where you plan on going mountain biking should ideally tell you about the bike you want to buy. Since you are probably a first time mountain biker, the general recommendation is that the bike you buy be a basic one. It is going to take some experience and skill building before you can think about buying one of the more advanced models like the Scott Scale 29 or the Scott Spark 60.
You may want to give some thought to the type of rider you plan on becoming. Are you someone who prefers a comfortable ride? Or are you a rider who prefers being able to move about quickly and without much effort? If your ride quality takes precedence, then it is recommended that you go in for a full suspension bike. These are bikes with shocks on both ends and offer a great ride quality. These bikes are relatively heavy and are not ideally suited for prolonged riding. However, if you prefer lightweight bikes that are easy to maneuver, then you'd be better off with a hardtail bike. The Scott Scale 20 is an example of this bike.
The Helmet
The helmet should be at the top of a mountain biker's priority list. With mountain biking, unless you are out for some leisurely riding, the occasional fall or bruise is almost inevitable. Bike helmets can save your life. Choose helmets that fit your head and protect it well. Bike helmets should also allow for good airflow and offer some amount of protection at the back. Helmets are available for price conscious riders too. Cycling without a helmet is very dangerous and can cause serious injury. There are literally thousands of people who owe their lives to a good helmet.
Sunglasses
When you're tearing up the landscape, your eyes are bound to be exposed to a lot of dust and other particles. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses that protect the eyes well is a good idea. Sunglasses that come with a strap to keep them secure are a better choice. While bundling through the rough terrain, it's best if the sunglasses don't slip.
Gloves
A mountain biker's hands are constantly exposed to the elements and need protection. Buying a good quality pair of gloves can protect you from the sun and from the rain. While buying gloves, check for the thickness of the gloves. The gloves should not be so thin that they offer no protection. They shouldn't be too thick either. That can cause the rider to have a problem holding the handlebars.
Repair Kit
Every good mountain biker should ideally know how to fix minor problems if they arise. Therefore, having a good tool kit is a smart idea. The tool kit should contain a mountain bike multi-tool, a tire repair kit (unless you have tubeless tires), and at least contain tire levers. The repair kit should always be in the backpack or should be attached to the bike.
Shoes
Shoes look good on mountain bikers. They also ensure that the feet stay safe. While basic running shoes should ideally suffice, a more durable pair of shoes with a thick and soft sole might be needed for those people who love the rough terrain.
In addition to these important 'must haves,' bikers need to consider going in for knee and elbow pads, water bottles, and other cycling gear. It is very necessary that people take all these additional factors in to consideration before going in for a mountain bike. If after all this, you still choose to buy a mountain bike, you have just embarked on a journey that is going to take you places!
The Bike Itself
When buying such costly equipment, it is prudent to spend some time researching and understanding the requirement. A quick survey of the trails and spots where you plan on going mountain biking should ideally tell you about the bike you want to buy. Since you are probably a first time mountain biker, the general recommendation is that the bike you buy be a basic one. It is going to take some experience and skill building before you can think about buying one of the more advanced models like the Scott Scale 29 or the Scott Spark 60.
You may want to give some thought to the type of rider you plan on becoming. Are you someone who prefers a comfortable ride? Or are you a rider who prefers being able to move about quickly and without much effort? If your ride quality takes precedence, then it is recommended that you go in for a full suspension bike. These are bikes with shocks on both ends and offer a great ride quality. These bikes are relatively heavy and are not ideally suited for prolonged riding. However, if you prefer lightweight bikes that are easy to maneuver, then you'd be better off with a hardtail bike. The Scott Scale 20 is an example of this bike.
The Helmet
The helmet should be at the top of a mountain biker's priority list. With mountain biking, unless you are out for some leisurely riding, the occasional fall or bruise is almost inevitable. Bike helmets can save your life. Choose helmets that fit your head and protect it well. Bike helmets should also allow for good airflow and offer some amount of protection at the back. Helmets are available for price conscious riders too. Cycling without a helmet is very dangerous and can cause serious injury. There are literally thousands of people who owe their lives to a good helmet.
Sunglasses
When you're tearing up the landscape, your eyes are bound to be exposed to a lot of dust and other particles. Investing in a good pair of sunglasses that protect the eyes well is a good idea. Sunglasses that come with a strap to keep them secure are a better choice. While bundling through the rough terrain, it's best if the sunglasses don't slip.
Gloves
A mountain biker's hands are constantly exposed to the elements and need protection. Buying a good quality pair of gloves can protect you from the sun and from the rain. While buying gloves, check for the thickness of the gloves. The gloves should not be so thin that they offer no protection. They shouldn't be too thick either. That can cause the rider to have a problem holding the handlebars.
Repair Kit
Every good mountain biker should ideally know how to fix minor problems if they arise. Therefore, having a good tool kit is a smart idea. The tool kit should contain a mountain bike multi-tool, a tire repair kit (unless you have tubeless tires), and at least contain tire levers. The repair kit should always be in the backpack or should be attached to the bike.
Shoes
Shoes look good on mountain bikers. They also ensure that the feet stay safe. While basic running shoes should ideally suffice, a more durable pair of shoes with a thick and soft sole might be needed for those people who love the rough terrain.
In addition to these important 'must haves,' bikers need to consider going in for knee and elbow pads, water bottles, and other cycling gear. It is very necessary that people take all these additional factors in to consideration before going in for a mountain bike. If after all this, you still choose to buy a mountain bike, you have just embarked on a journey that is going to take you places!
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