Mountain Biking Accessories Just like all new hobbies, mountain biking can get fairly confusing for the beginner, especially if you have never bought a bike before. However, when you have the bike you may like to purchase some accessories in order to enhance your biking experience. This is one more minefield for the beginner. The first items to purchase are those that will increase your safety, your comfort and your enjoyment. Not all the accessories are expensive and most of them are fairly obvious, but here is a list of the most essential accessories for the novice mountain bike rider. Crash Helmet: the bikers' crash helmet is not the same as a motorbike crash helmet, because the speeds concerned are not as high. However, a tumble at 15-20 MPH may still be quite significant and even fatal. Most of the significant bikers' injuries are head injuries. The bikers' crash helmet is the same as is worn by Olympic riders and competitors in the Tour de France, so they are up to the job. Do not fail to buy a helmet of decent quality or you might just as well not bother. Riding Gloves: no matter what weather you cycle in, gloves are helpful. If the weather is hot, the gloves will soak up your perspiration and help you keep a good grip on the handlebars. If the weather is cold, they will protect you from the cold and maintain some feeling in your fingers. Not just that, but it is standard practice to put your hands out in case of a tumble, so the hands are frequently injured and fingers may be broken. Good mountain bike gloves will go a long way to safeguarding you from these ordinary accidents. Cycling Shorts: these are not absolutely necessary, but they will soak up perspiration and protect you if you come off your bike. It depends on the weather and how much you want to exercise yourself really. In colder weather, you may prefer to wear a track suit, whereas you could wear the shorts in the summer. Cycling Shoes: these again are not definitely necessary, but cycling shoes are more comfortable for cyclists than general trainers. The grips on pedals may be fairly rough, so you will need shoes with a harder sole than standard so that you do not feel the grip dig into you. The toe part should be toughened too, because cyclists often scrape the toes of their shoes when kicking off and crashing. You may like some ankle support too. Eye Protection: if you are cycling at speed or on a narrow mountain trail, it could be disasterous to get a blinding flash or an insect in your eye. A glint of bright light off glass or a lake or a fly in the eye, can cause you to crash or come off the path and take a serious fall, which could become dangerous if you are in a remote region.
Water Bottle: you will have to keep drinking water if you are exerting yourself. Stay hydrated so that you stay strong. You do not want to pass out or be forced to drink untested river water. Puncture Repair Kit: let's face it, punctures happen and nuts wear loose, so it is important to have a repair kit and a couple of spanners so that you do not get caught out. Mobile Phone: a mobile phone will get you out of trouble if the worst come to the worst. Owen Jones, the author of this article writes on several subjects, but is currently involved with the Gifts for a Biker. If you would like to know more, visit our website at Gadgets and Toys for Adults.