Beginner Guide To MTB #3 | Beginner MTB gear part two — helmet, hydration + more

Now there is a BOATLOAD of MTB gear you can get, and I can’t give you directions for all of them. So I’ll give you a list of items worth considering no matter what discipline you chose, and then some discipline-specific items.

Disclaimer: All protective gear examples and links are certified to protect you from crashes.

Before we start it’s EXTREMELY IMPORTANT to know that if you have had a major crash while wearing a helmet you will have to replace it promptly. Helmets are one use only items and should be checked for cracks or other defects after every crash.

Let’s start things off by listing all the gear that is essential (‼️) to go on a ride, and move on to other things that are nice to have.

• ❗️You ❗️
• ❗️Bike ❗️
• ❗️Helmet❗️
• 1-2 spare tubes
• Small hand pump and/or 1-2 co2 inflator
• Tire plugs (tubeless)
• MTB shoes
• 1-2 water bottles/ hydration pack
• multi-tool
• Riding Jersey(s)
• Riding pants/shorts
• Floor pump
• Shock pump
• Allen wrenches
• Knee pads
• Gloves
• Glasses/goggles

The easiest way to buy this stuff is to go to your local bike shop. Introduce yourself as a beginner and tell them what riding you’ll be doing and what you want to get. They can probably give you advice on what to buy and what not to buy as well, so don’t be shy.

If you don’t want to go to a bike shop I suggest you go online and search (as an example) “MTB trail helmet” and read reviews and watch YouTube reviews to find out what would be a good fit for you.

If you take the online route I would start by getting a helmet + other protection if needed, then spare tubes, hand pump/co2, water bottle/hydration pack, glasses, and finally gloves. This is a good way to start.

However, you may not be able to afford everything on my list. So just work your way from the start to the end when you can. Meaning you would start by getting a bike, protection, and a source of water. After that start buying gloves glasses and other such items.

Here is a list of items you may want to consider buying based off of the discipline you choose.

Cross Country

• Chamois (pronounces shammy)
• Chamois butter (to reduce friction between you and the chamois
• Xc Clipless pedals and shoes (intermediate + required)
• Riding jersey with back pockets
• Power meter (for those serious about working out/racing)
• Heart rate monitor (for those serious about working out/racing)

Trail

• Riding jersey (with it without back pockets)
• Water proof Riding pants
• Knee pads
• Trail Clipless pedals and shoes (intermediate + required)
• Power meter (for those serious about working out/racing)
• Heart rate monitor (for those serious about working out/racing)

Dirt Jump

• Knee (+ elbow) pads
• Uhhh…Shovels
• Wheelbarrow

Enduro

• Baggy riding pants and jersey
• Knee pads
• Chest protector
• DH Clipless pedals and shoes (intermediate + required)
• Power meter (for those serious about working out/racing)
• Heart rate monitor (for those serious about working out/racing)

Downhill

• Chest and back protector
• DH Clipless pedals and shoes (intermediate + required)
• Power meter (for those serious about working out/racing)
• Heart rate monitor (for those serious about working out/racing)

Freeride is the same as DH, so that makes things easier for both of us.

You don’t necessarily need everything here, but I wanted to make sure I included everything available to you as a beginner and maybe intermediate rider.

To all the intermediate and advanced riders, did I miss anything that should be included on this list? Let me know!

If you don’t know what bike to get, let me help you. Just click this link, and I’ll see you there.