Essential accessories for mountain biking

Essential accessories for mountain biking

Every outing MTB has its share of surprises, both good and bad. We're going to focus on the bad ones, the ones that can really spoil your fun. There's the fall, the puncture, the physical failure, the mechanical incident, the capricious weather... To make the most of your outing, it's best to anticipate these risks and plan every solution to overcome them.

Probikeshop offers you an overview of accessories to take with you on a mountain bike outing.

Preparing for a mountain bike outing

Taking on the trails is not without risk, especially if you're a serious mountain biker. Exposed to the terrain, your bike is not immune to mechanical failure or a puncture, which can occur without warning. You too can fall, suffer from rain or dehydration. Fortunately, there are a number of essential accessories for the mountain biker in distress, which can save the day.

To prepare for a mountain bike outing, it's not enough to choose the right route. You also need to take stock of all the items that may come in handy along the way. Your choice depends above all on the length of your outing. Obviously, a mountain bike touring trip requires a lot more equipment than a quick session just out of the office.

If we're talking about the quantity of accessories you need to take with you on your ATV, we also need to consider transport solutions. Rucksack or fanny pack? Water bottle or hydration pack? The idea is always to optimize your load, so you don't get too bulky and get in the way when riding.

Essential accessories for short mountain bike outings (less than 3 hours)

Certain accessories are always useful, whatever the rider's profile or the type of outing. These are the "must-haves" that follow you everywhere! They include basic supplies (water and snacks) and the minimum tools needed for everyday repairs. We're not talking about helmetwhose importance is indisputable.

Repairs: inner tubes, mini-pumps, tire levers and multi-tools

In the event of a puncture, you should always remember to take your repair kit with you. You'll need at least one inner tubean mini-pump (or a CO2 cartridge and firing pin if you're used to them) and tire levers.

A multi-tool is another "must-have". It takes up very little space and can help you out in many situations. Thanks to the various wrenches, you can tighten certain fasteners or make adjustments on the side of the road. We recommend choosing a multi-tool with a chain-drift function and carrying a quick-release.

All these items fit easily into a saddle bag. The pump can be attached to the bottle cage, and the inner tube to a frame tube.

Basic hydration and nutrition

Even for a short outing, take at least one water bottle. It normally fits in the bottle cage, but if not, it can be stored in the dedicated pocket of your fanny pack.

Take at least one cereal bar to secure your ride. Stored in a jersey pocket or in your fanny pack, it will help you overcome a moment of weakness and stave off hunger pangs.

The essential cell phone

The cell phone is essential for managing emergency situations. You're always contactable and can call for help in the event of a nasty fall. Your smartphone can also help you find your way home if you're riding without a bike GPS. Remember to store it in a pocket away from rain/sweat, or pack it in a waterproof case.

The fanny pack: practical for short outings

For a short, fast-paced, dynamic mountain bike outing, avoid carrying a backpack. We prefer to ride free, without straining our backs and shoulders. The belt bag or MTB fanny packwhich takes up considerably less space, is a good alternative. Lightweight and practical, it's easy to forget when you're in the thick of the action! You can easily store your keys, phone, change, supplies, tools and more.

Complementary accessories for day-long mountain biking trips

Naturally, the longer you ride, the greater the risk of encountering a problem. And the deeper you ride, farther away from civilization, the more problematic failure becomes. If you're going to be riding all day, here's a series of complementary accessories to help you get off to a more serene start.

A water bag to keep you well hydrated

First of all, it's a good idea to set off with at least 2 liters of water. You can take 2 cans with you, or opt for the 2L or 3L water bagintegrated into a backpack or beltpack. The best thing to do is to plan your itinerary, anticipating stops to recharge water levels.

In the same way, you'll need to bring plenty of refreshments. Take your favourite sweet or savoury bars, compotes, energy sweets... You can also stop off at a bakery along the way (always slip some change into your mountain bike luggage).

The complete anti-puncture kit

If you're going on a day trip, take along a complete puncture-proof kit to deal with a bad run of punctures. Add patches, a tube of glue and sandpaper to your basic equipment (inner tube, pump, tire levers). For tubeless tires, don't forget your set of tubeless bits and the tools that go with them. Your puncture-proof kit takes up very little space in your pannier or backpack.

Chain stay and spare links

For peace of mind on the road, it's always a good idea to bring along something to repair a broken chain. Dreaded by mountain bikers, chain breakage can bring your ride to a screeching halt if you're not equipped. Add a chain stay to your list of accessories, and count on a few quick-releases to replace the broken link.

All the accessories you need for your backpack

A full day on the bike requires at least one comfortable fanny pack. The larger ones have a capacity of 5, 6 or 7 liters, and must include a pocket for your hydration system. If your load requires it, or if you prefer, there's a wide choice of backpacks optimized for mountain biking, with good stability on the trails.

Here's a list of interesting additional accessories to slip into your pannier/backpack:

  • A well-stocked multitool (including spoke wrenches);
  • A spare derailleur hanger;
  • A set of Rilsan clamps;
  • A roll of electrician's tape;
  • A compact windproof and waterproof jacket;
  • Thermal undershirt;
  • A spare MTB jersey/t-shirt;
  • Sunscreen;
  • A paper map of your playground;
  • A set of lights for a safe return.

    • Accessories for a multi-day biketrip

    Mountain bikers and travelers are used to setting off on multi-day biketrips. These very wild or well-marked biketrips always require a great deal of preparation beforehand. You need to calculate your itinerary, define your stages and anticipate all logistical issues (catering, accommodation, repairs).

    You also need to plan in detail the equipment that will accompany you on your trip. All the equipment mentioned above is necessary. You'll need to add some extra equipment specifically for mountain biking.

    Your luggage for the mountain bike tour

    You will absolutely need mountain bike backpack with a minimum load capacity of 30 liters. If you want to be totally self-sufficient, you'll also need a set of bikepacking (handlebar and saddle). If you're riding a semi-rigid, add a frame bag if the geometry allows.

    Your bivouac gear

    If you plan to bivouac for the night, your panniers must be able to hold your sleeping gear (sleeping bag, mattress, ultra-light and compact tent, stove). This equipment fits easily into bikepacking bags handlebar/saddle bags.

    Accessories for mountain biking

    On a multi-stage mountain bike trip, you'll want to make sure you're comfortable and have enough spare clothing. Add a few extra tools, mountain bike maintenance products, a first-aid kit...

    The following accessories should be added to your "essentials":

  • First-aid kit: disinfectant, bandages, gauze, Velcro tape, scissors, gloves, tweezers, tick tweezers, whistle, blister dressings, survival blanket, first-aid medicines... ;
  • MTB clothing and accessories: padded shorts or undershorts, rain jacket, technical/thermal undershirt, neckband, socks... ;
  • Change of clothing: underwear, socks, t-shirts, sweatshirts, pants... ;
  • Toiletry kit;
  • Tools: derailleur cable, chain cleaner and lubricant;
  • Solar charger or external battery for your electronic devices.

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