So you've bought a used mountain bike (or you’re about to). Good for you! You'll be enjoying the trails soon enough, but before you set off, you'll need a few more pieces of gear! Trail riding always carries some level of risk, and crashes and mechanicals will happen to the best of us. To make sure you're ready for anything, these are the 10 mountain bike essentials you should pick up after (or even before) buying your first mountain bike. They’re listed in order of importance and will make riding your new bike safer, easier, and more fun.
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1. Mountain biking helmet
It goes without saying: Protect your head! Helmet use reduces the odds of head injury by 50 percent, and the odds of head, face, or neck injury by 33 percent (check out helmets.org for more stats). Modern helmets are lighter, well-ventilated, safer, and better looking than ever. There’s no reason not to wear one.
You don't need to spend a fortune. I generally recommend planning to spend $80-150 to get a high-quality trail helmet that will be safe and last for years. And if you ever crash and your helmet hits the ground, replace it! Helmets are designed to absorb a single impact. Your head is worth way more than saving 100 bucks on a new lid.
What's the best MTB helmet for you?
Mountain biking helmets can be separated into three distinct styles — XC, trail, and full-face helmets. XC (cross country) helmets are the same helmets used by road and gravel riders. These helmets are sleek, lightweight, and don’t have a visor.
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Trail helmets have a visor and offer more coverage at the expense of some weight and ventilation.
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Can you use a trail helmet for XC riding or an XC helmet for trail riding? Sure. There are no rules governing style. However, the majority of recreational mountain bikers use trail helmets. The additional coverage provides more protection. Visors can shield your eyes from sun and rain and deflect things like branches. XC helmets are more common among riders focused on cross-country racing.
Full-face helmets have a chin bar and provide the most protection. Full-face helmets are typically used for shuttled downhill riding and lift-assisted bike parks. They don’t ventilate as well as half-shell XC and trail helmets, so they aren’t practical for long climbs. However, new highly ventilated and convertible full-face helmets are becoming popular among enduro racers and trail riders seeking more protection without the weight of a classic full-face.
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If you need help picking a helmet, check out our favorite entry-level to high-end helmets: Our Favorite MTB Helmets.
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What is MIPS?
You might notice that many helmets use “MIPS” technology. MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a low-friction “slip-plane” layer added to the inside of a helmet. It reduces the rotational impact by allowing the helmet to rotate 10-15mm on your head during a crash. This can reduce harmful forces transmitted to the brain.
Choosing helmets with or without MIPS is a personal decision. There are studies supporting the effectiveness of MIPS, and as a rider who has suffered for years from the effects of concussion, I always ride in MIPS helmets to reduce my risk of further injury. Some riders may feel that the MIPS layer detracts from the fit of helmets, or that it’s not worth the additional cost and weight.
MIPS is the most popular technology used by many reputable helmet brands, but there are a few alternatives like POC’s SPIN Technology, Lazer KinetiCore, Bontrager WaveCel, and Leatt Turbine. The goal of all these technologies is to reduce rotational impact to protect your brain.
2. Mountain biking pedals (and maybe shoes)
If you just bought a new or Certified Pre-Owned bike, chances are, it didn’t come with pedals. Why? Because there are many different pedal styles. Bike companies leave it up to the riders to choose their preferred pedals.
If you just need something cheap and simple to get the wheels turning, then a basic pair of flat pedals will get the job done. You can use them with your regular shoes.
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As your skills improve and you start tackling harder trails, it might also be worth upgrading to pedals with larger platforms and tacky pins that grip your shoes and help you stay attached to your bike.
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Some riders prefer clipless pedals. Clipless pedals allow you to clip in (confusing, yes) to your pedals with a cleat attached to your shoe. This keeps your feet attached to the pedals which is beneficial for pedaling, climbing, and technical terrain that can bounce your feet off the pedals. Clipless pedals will require clipless mountain bike shoes to function.
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Flats vs. clipless pedals will be an eternal debate in mountain biking. Most prefer one or the other. Some riders switch back and forth. In general, ride what makes you comfortable and confident. If you’re new to clipless pedals, be prepared to tip over a few times!
Any comfortable shoe that you would use for running, hiking, or skateboarding will work for mountain biking on flat pedals. But if your riding addiction grows (and hopefully it does), mountain bike shoes will be worth it. Flat pedal-specific mountain biking shoes have a flatter, stiffer sole, with sticky rubber to help you stay stuck to the pedals in rough terrain.
Five Ten is one of the most popular manufacturers of mountain biking shoes. It is often credited with having the stickiest rubber compound. There are plenty of competitors now though who are closing the gap and offering super-sticky alternatives.
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3. Pump
You can’t ride on flat or underinflated tires, so you’re definitely going to need a bike pump. Floor pumps provide the most leverage and air volume to pump up tires quickly and easily. A small hand pump will work too, but they’re slower and a lot more work. Entry-level floor pumps are around the same price as hand pumps anyway.
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You will want a pump with a head that is compatible with Presta valves, the type of valve used on modern mountain bikes. Many floor pumps have heads that are compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves. A pump with an air pressure gauge is best because it allows you to dial in your tire pressure to achieve the perfect balance between comfort, speed, and puncture resistance.
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4. Flat repair kit
Punctures are the most common mechanical that mountain bikers encounter. Sharp rocks, thorns, and hard impacts can all lead to flats. Modern tubeless tires are much less prone to punctures, and they’re often able to self-repair small punctures with sealant, but you still need a flat kit just in case.
A basic flat kit consists of at least one spare inner tube and an inflation device. The Inflation device can be either a compact hand pump or a CO2 inflation device. For longer rides or harsh terrain, you might carry two tubes. But most riders will carry just one to avoid the added bulk. A tire lever will help with removing and installing the tube.
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If your tires are set-up tubeless, my favorite tool in my kit is a tire plug. Tire plugs are an easy way to repair tire punctures that tubeless sealant is unable to seal without resorting to an inner tube, which requires removing the tire. There are many popular tire plug options on the market like Genuine Innovations’ “Side of Bacon,” Stan’s NoTubes DART, and Dynaplug tools.
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To learn more, check out: How To Plug a Tubeless Tire
You’ll also need a way to carry your repair kit. You can just toss it all in a backpack or hip pack. You could use a saddle bag. Or you can use a velcro strap to attached your kit directly to your frame so it's always on you bike when you ride.
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For more details on how to build the perfect MTB tool kit, check out: What To Pack for Your Mountain Bike Ride.
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5. Chain lube
Don’t be one of those riders with a rusted drivetrain that squeaks in agony with every pedal stroke. A clean and lubricated chain will help your drivetrain run quieter, shift better, and last longer.
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Wipe off your chain and give it a lube whenever you hear it start squeaking. Or better yet, keep a consistent routine where you clean and lube after X number of rides. To learn the basics of chain lube and how to clean and lube your chain, check out: Bike Chains and Lube Explained.
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6. Multitool
A chain breaker can save a broken chain.
Beyond spare tubes, mountain bikers riding alone in the wilderness should add a basic multitool to their flat/repair kit to perform basic trailside repairs. At a bare minimum, a multitool should include:
- 3mm hex
- 4mm hex
- 5mm hex
- 6mm hex
- 8mm hex
- T25 Torx
These six bits will be enough to fit most of the hardware found on a mountain bike. You will be able to perform basic trailside repairs like straightening your handlebars, adjusting your levers, and adjusting your derailleur.
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Many multitools have additional bits that increase versatility. A more complete multitool will include a small chain-breaker in case you need to remove broken links from a chain. This and a spare quick-link for your chain can save your ride if you break any links.
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7. Mountain bike gloves
Crashes will happen, even to experienced riders. I generally recommend riders, especially new riders, wear some form of hand a protection. Our instincts compel us to extend our hands when we fall. This makes your hands one of the most vulnerable parts of your body during a crash. Full-fingered gloves will keep you from skinning your palms or knuckles if you hit the deck. They also provide more grip and control for riders with sweaty hands.
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Any protective work glove is acceptable, but mountain bike-specific gloves have very thin leather or synthetic palms that provide great dexterity and feel without sacrificing protection. The backside of the mountain bike gloves are often breathable and many have an absorbent wipe around the thumb useful for wiping away boogers and sweat.
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8. Mountain bike protective gear
Other than your hands, your knees are the easiest part of your body to injure in a crash. Knee pad design is constantly improving and newer pads use soft and flexible armor that is light and breathable. This makes the pad more comfortable when pedaling. During an impact, the soft armor can harden to protect your knee.
Trail riding knee pads come in two basic forms. They will either hold themselves up with velcro straps or be sleeve-style pads that have armor sewn into a tube of fabric. Make sure your knee pads are comfortable and light enough that you are willing to wear them regularly. Some riders slide pads down their legs or store them in a backpack while climbing.
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Check out: Some of our favorite kneepads.
Elbow pads are another useful piece of protection, but fewer riders wear them. This may be a style thing. I personally don’t wear them, but looking at the scars on my arms, I probably should.
Ultimately, wearing gloves and riding in armor is a personal choice. Armor is less common among cross-country riders because it adds weight, feels hotter, and can inhibit movement. Some riders may feel skilled enough to not need it. Or their local terrain may not warrant protection. Others won’t venture out without the extra insurance of knee and elbow pads.
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9. Mountain bike clothing
Some riders like riding in cotton t-shirts, which is fine, but mountain bike jerseys feature breathable, quick-drying synthetic materials like polyester that is perfect for working up a sweat on the trails.
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Jerseys come in different sleeve options — short-sleeve, 3/4 sleeve, and long-sleeve options. Though they might be hotter, some riders prefer 3/4 sleeve and long-sleeve jerseys because they protect your arms from the sun and will provide a small amount of additional protection during crashes.
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Mountain bike-specific shorts are made of synthetic materials so they are breathable, quick-drying, and protective. They are stretchy and cut to provide more mobility but have a trim fit to avoid catching on your saddle while riding. Mountain bike shorts also rise up higher in the back so your butt and lower back aren’t exposed in the riding position. They also often have nifty features like zippered pockets for keeping your phone and keys from disappearing on the trail. Regular "gym" shorts are unideal because they don't stay put or provide as much crash protection as MTB-specific shorts.
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Likely the most important piece of kit for many riders however, is a padded cycling short, which most riders wear underneath their baggy MTB shorts. These can be can be MTB-specific "liner shorts" or they can be regular cycling shorts or bib shorts. Liners and cycling shorts have a padded chamois sewn into the bottom to relieve pressure and increase comfort on your bike saddle. This padded cycling shorts are the secret to riding more regularly and putting in big miles. For most riders, once you start using one, you don't ever want to go back to riding without one.
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Can you wear a lycra cycling kit mountain biking?
Photo: Dave McElwaine
Dedicated cross-country riders often wear a standard lycra cycling kit. A cycling kit consists of a road cycling jersey and padded cycling shorts or bib shorts, no baggies. This is the same thing worn by many road and gravel riders. A cycling kit fits tighter than casual clothing or mountain bike clothing so there is no excess material to get in the way while riding. They are extremely light, breathable, and designed for hard pedaling.
The major downside of a lycra cycling kit is that it provides little to no protection in the event of a crash. This is usually not a problem for cross-country racers trying to stay light and maximize performance. But for recreational trail riding, it might be preferable to wear “baggies,” or mountain bike-specific jerseys and shorts.
10. Hydration pack or MTB hip pack
A hip pack is a small and discrete way to carry tools and supplies.
Backpacks and hip packs allow you to carry emergency supplies and tools, as well as your phone, wallet, and keys, and any food or hydration for your ride. Any basic Camelbak or hydration backpack will be good for beginner riders. Fancier ones are often sleeker or have more storage options. Hydration backpacks make it very easy to carry more water and drink it while riding. Staying hydrated is key to a good riding experience!
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Hip packs (a.k.a. "fanny packs") have been gaining popularity in mountain biking. Hip packs keep the weight off your shoulders, and closer to your center of gravity. Some can carry small hydration bladders, and others are designed to carry a water bottle. Hip packs are smaller and more discreet than backpacks.
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Check out our MTB backpack article to see examples of packs our riders use.
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Bonus item: First aid kit
A first aid kit can save the day.
Very few riders carry any first aid materials when riding. I don’t, and only one of my regular riding partners carries a small first aid kit. Unfortunately, that's the norm for many riders. But my riding partner who does carry a first aid kit has helped countless hurt riders with gauze, bandages, and antibiotic ointment.
A first aid kit isn’t 100% necessary, but if you’re new to the sport, you'll get some bumps and bruises sooner rather than later. If you don’t want to carry first aid while riding, at least have something stashed in your car in case anything happens. If you do carry a small first aid kit, prepare to be the hero, because you’re sure to find someone out on the trail who needs it.
What essential mountain biking gear did I miss? What can’t you ride without? Let us know in the comments!
