Basic Accessories to Keep with You When Cycling
When it comes to must-have mountain bike accessories, the very first thing to think about is the length of your journey. The number of bike accessories you’ll need to bring will vary depending on whether you’re going on a one-hour ride, a four-hour loop, or a twelve-hour adventure. If the journey is only an hour, you don’t have to worry about stocking up as much. The idea is to pack the minimum stuff possible while also preparing for any complications that may emerge.
Pumps
A puncture is amongst the most common problems encountered on the route. There’s a good probability anything will happen from stumps, rocks, sticks, bumps, and twigs. You’ll be trapped in neutral if you don’t have a pump! Isn’t it simple to find a small pump? Wrong! How do you pick between various sizes? You, like Goldilocks, must find the one that is just right for you. Unless you’re riding tubeless, this is one of the most crucial items on your mountain bike equipment list, regardless of how long your ride is.
Bottle of water
Water is the second most critical thing to pack after a mini-pump. Even if the weather is ideal, you will become thirsty as soon as you start riding. Dehydration is the most significant energy waste. Carry a bottle, at the very least. Water is a wonderful idea, but for long trips, electrolytes should be added as well. You’ll break a sweat, which means critical salts and minerals like potassium, sodium, and magnesium will be lost. An electrolyte drink can readily solve this problem.
Food
This isn’t something you should keep in mind on short, quick journeys. It’s when you’ve been on the seat for more than an hour that your body’s battery starts to run out. Your body’s supply of quick-burning carbohydrates to power your body is nearly depleted. Unfortunately, it isn’t as simple as chowing down on a massive stack of waffles early and calling it a day. During the journey, the only method to repair this is to replace it with energy bars.
Headlamp
While mountain biking is usually done in the mornings, having a headlamp is a smart idea if you’re cycling in the evening or for a full-day tour. If someone gets harmed or the bike takes longer to repair, you’ll be glad you brought one. It can be tough to see what you’re doing without the sun as it sets.
Gear
Riding gear may seem self-evident, but many new riders are unaware of the necessity of a good pair of bibs, a comfortable helmet, and good glasses. These items not only help you stay safe while cycling, but they also help you feel more comfortable. Any piece of equipment that doesn’t fit well or isn’t the ideal style for the job could detract from your cycling experience.
GPS
A GPS is considerably more prevalent in the roadie/gravel world, but it may be quite helpful for any level of mountain biker. It can track your elevation gain, kilometres, track your rides, etc., in addition to tracking your riding time, which can assist you to keep hydrated and fed based on the time. Many of these devices now include navigation, which is a terrific way to remain on track and avoid getting lost and possibly getting into a dangerous scenario when exploring new locations.
The right bike accessories might make all the difference between a relaxing holiday and a terrible nightmare. Pumps, luggage, and GPS are items you may not use regularly, but you’ll be glad you have all of them when you do.
