If you love hitting the trails and getting down and dirty, you know that the sport of mountain biking requires all the right gear. This article will show you the best mountain biking gear out there, perfect for both advanced riders and novices. As you are probably aware, mountain biking is about more than the bike itself. You need the right shoes, the right clothing and protective gear, and storage capacity for those extra long rides and camping trips. Also, depending on the environment, you might need extra outerwear to keep you warm when things start to get chilly. Read on to get an idea of some great gear, as well as some inspiration.
With all of the abuse that your bike takes on the trail, you can only imagine the type of impact that your feet withstand. In order to keep your feet protected, you need a pair of specially designed shoes that will give you the support you need and the comfort that will sustain you on extra long rides. The "Code" mountain bike shoes from Giro are designed to keep your feet in great condition no matter how bad the trail is, and with plenty of extra features, you can rest assured that these stylish shoes will increase your performance. Featuring molded EVA footbeds that have three different arch support sizes allowing you a personalized fit, the Code shoes also feature a lightweight, synthetic nylon and leather, microfiber mesh upper designed to offer both breathability and waterproof comfort. The welded scuff guards located on each shoes edge protect areas that are prone to extra wear, while the soles are made from carbon fiber for a better pedal feel and transfer of power. Traction lugs are perfect for keeping your feet on the pedals in the muddiest of conditions, and the ratching buckle allows you to make quick adjustments while riding.
With the danger of collisions and wipeouts ever present in the mountain biking world, you should never start a trip without wearing the proper safety gear. A properly fitted helmet is one of the most essential pieces of safety gear that you can wear. Fortunately, with the advancement of materials available and aesthetics, many manufacturers make helmets that are extremely comfortable, ventilated and stylish, all while offering the maximum amount of head protection and safety. The "Slant" bicycle helmet is an example of the perfect helmet to strap on before you hit the trail. Available in stylish silver and white, black and charcoal, and black and lime green, the Slant features an integrated liner and micro shell increasing strength and impact resistance while making for a more lightweight structure. Fitting the Slant is a breeze, as it features the patented "Ergo Dial" system, allowing you to simply press a button and turn a dial to find the perfect, most comfortable fit, while side strap cam lock levers allow you to make smaller fit adjustments on the go. The blade visor on the front of the Slant is detachable for when the clouds roll in and you need all the light you can get. With 21 separate channeled vents to give you maximum ventilation, the Slant will give you the safest and most comfortable ride possible.
Sometimes you need to bring more than just your bike and a sense of adventure when you hit the trail. Whether you are spending several days camping and riding or you are bringing extra gear to go mountain climbing, a backpack specifically built for the mountain biker's needs is a convenient companion to have. A pack is also useful for carrying things like extra water and replacement parts for when the trail is really rough. The "Crank 25" pack from The North Face was designed with mountain bikers in mind, and is built extra tough to handle all of the action. Featuring an extra capacity hydration reservoir with antimicrobial properties, the Crank even includes a magnetic valve clip for easy access and storage. The three-liter holding space is plenty of room for even the longest rides. The internal pockets also have plenty of storage space, and five smaller, zip-access exterior pockets keep all of your other things safe and organized. The Crank also includes a large external drop pocket to store things like your helmet or a jacket, while the padded, adjustable hip belt fits right on your lumbar support zone. To keep you dry, the Crank also includes a mesh patterned back panel designed to wick away excess moisture.