→ So you bought a mountain bike, what else do you need?
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Mountain Bike Jumpstart Guide
Congrats on the bike!! Now... there's a few more things you'll need to complete the kit, which I'll help you out with. Remember when I said you should budget $500 for additional things you'll need?? This is why lol.
Must-haves:
So for starters, you need to make sure you have a helmet, gloves, and knee pads! These are the most important things to get started, and you shouldn't skimp on these!
Helmet is personal preference, but I'd recommend one that can serve double duty as a commuter bike helmet AND has MIPS! MIPS is a rotational impact protection system that is proven to reduce the likelihood of concussions in accidents. It's going to cost more, but honestly... it's your brain... and your brain is worth it. Will picked an orange helmet so he's easy to spot on a trail:
Fox Speedframe Helmet w/MIPS (basically the gold standard)
Gloves are pretty simple. Some basic Mechanix gloves from home depot will suffice, but maybe you want something more MTB focused? I personally have the 100% Cognito glove with D30 impact gel, and Adam and Will use the same glove but made by Fox Racing. Same glove, different mfg.
100% D30 Impact Gloves (cheaper than fox version)
Knee pads are also easy, get some softshell pads that breathe well. The big dogs in this space are Fox, Leatt, POC, and 100%. Adam and I personally use the Leatt Airflex Pro, Will uses the POC Joint VPD. Dakine Slayer is probably the best bang for the buck.
Dakine Slayer Kneepads (good value)
Trail Bell: If you're biking on any trails that are multi-use hiking trails (especially around LA), it is really really important that you have a bear bell or trail bell. Most people prefer the Timber! brand trail bells because they have an on/off switch and mount really easily next to your grips, but the demand is higher than supply, so it can sometimes be a challenge finding one. Your other option is to buy a cheap bear bell with a magnet attachment. They kinda suck because they tend to wander around your handlebars, but they work and are way better than nothing.
Timber! Trail Bell
or
Cheap Bear Bell
Apparel, not as necessary but you'll probably want it:
You will also want PADDED BIBS. Or padded bike shorts. Whichever you prefer. I have shorts and bibs and definitely prefer the bibs. I've been told spending under $50 on these is a bad idea, but I don't know what it's like to spend more than $50 on these so I choose to remain blissfully ignorant.
Padded bibs:
https://amzn.to/2ZoSDYr
Padded bike shorts:
https://amzn.to/3idS0IM
Wrap-around sunglasses are cool too, especially if they’re photochromic for when you go into a wooded area - I recommend these cause they’re cheap and still work well:
https://amzn.to/3if1TZr
Wear a moisture-wicking shirt on the trail!! And like with most outdoors sports, avoid cotton. It makes a huge difference.
Trail Repair Kit (you should probably get this within your first month of riding):
It sucks, but sometimes you'll get a flat or mess up your bike in another way. You'll need a trail repair kit so you don't get stranded or have to mooch off of other cyclists. This should include everything you need in case you get a flat or have a bike maintenance issue. It should include the items that will either fix your problem or be a short term fix. Below is the setup that Adam and I use - note, we are running tubeless tires (which you should absolutely consider if you aren't already, it only costs $8 if your tires are already compatible).
Dakine Hotlaps Gripper - this is what carries all the stuff below
Bacon Strips - for tubeless tires, replace this with an tire patch kit if you are not tubeless
CO2 inflator - you need this to inflate a flat tire
Multi Tool - for working on your bike in the field
Tire Iron / Tire Lever - for getting your flat tire off the wheel
That should be enough to get you started for now. As with most outdoor sports, the sky's the limit when it comes to how much $ you can spend. You'll find little things to upgrade here and there as you spend more time on your bike and discover your preferences. For now, this should be a really solid and fairly affordable kit to get you going.
Cheers!
-Macon