It may start with the bike, but you’ll quickly discover that there are many useful accessories to have in mountain biking. In fact, I’d argue that many of these aren’t just useful but are in fact required from a safety standpoint!
This list includes items to have at home as well as with you on rides.
#1 Eye Protection
Oakley took their decades of lens optics experience and applied to to crafting one of the best-ever sports performance sunglasses built specifically for cycling. It's durable yet comfortable frames keep them in place while also ensuring that you can wear them all day.
Losing vision while riding your mountain bike might spell disaster. Regardless of whether it’s a bug or piece of dust, you do not want your vision obscured mid ride!
Moreover, if the wind blows your face, your eyes have a high chance of becoming watery. Thus, occluding vision, and this brings about the need to have your eyes protected.
#2 Proper Shoes
An impact-resistant toe box complements the medium-stiff build for a responsive ride. The signature sticky rubber and purpose-built tread pattern keep your feet firmly planted on your pedals. The shoes have a casual look for times off the bike.
The Giro Empire VR90 MTB Shoes feature a lightweight, laced, one-piece upper for unrivaled comfort and an Easton EC90 full carbon outsole with Vibram Mont molded rubber tread for relentless grip.
The choice of the mountain bike shoes will be dictated by the pedals that your bike has i.e. flat (Five Ten above) or clipless (Giro above). Flat as the name entails means that your foot is free to move around the pedal, whereas a clipless pedal keeps it locked in place.
Regardless of which route you go, having a pair of mountain bike-specific shoes is one of the best investments that you can make to up your game and ride more safely.
If you’re still on the fence about this, make sure to take a look at my article on are mountain bike shoes worth it.
#3 Bike Shorts
Whether it's a day of aggressive singletrack or a casual trail ride, the Fox Ranger Cargo Shorts meet all your off-road demands. Resilient 2-way stretch shell moves with you for enhanced pedaling efficiency while the detachable liner and high-density EVO chamois provides comfort over rough terrain. Adjustable hem lets you determine the fit and ample pockets lets you have your essentials within easy reach.
Mountain bike shorts are a perfect solution in reducing pain while you are riding. The market today has well-padded and comfortable riding shorts in different styles and colors.
Sure, you could try riding for a while with regular gym shorts….but spare yourself the chafing and get a proper pair now!
#4 Gloves
A simple, durable glove for riding trails, jumps, berms, and anything else you can find. Built to be affordable and long-wearing with a supple feel thanks to the Super Fit engineered AX Suede palm that eliminates excess material and bunching. The upper breathes well and offers 4-way stretch more maximum comfort day-in and day-out.
Hands are a critical part whenever you control your ride, and this way, they need to be free and capable always. With the gear shifting and braking, your hands might experience numerous wear and tear.
However, with decent mountain bike gloves, you can alleviate any pain caused by these activities.
#5 Mini-pump
This pump is specifically designed to inflate high volume bike tires as the fat barrel moves more air per stroke. The SmartHead Threadlock works with both Presta and Schrader valves, and its aluminum construction keeps it lightweight.
Having a flat tire is one common encounter for most people, especially when it comes to mountain biking. Without a pump, getting stuck during your pedaling experience is possible.
Therefore, carrying a mini-pump as a key accessory anytime you are to have mountain biking is ideal. Don’t be that guy or gal walking your bike home because you didn’t bring a pump!
#6 Windbreaker
This lightweight jacket is both wind and waterproof, ensuring that you'll stay comfortable out on the trail. It can be easily packed into it's own back pocket for easy storage, and has a big hood design to ensure that it fits over a helmet.
Mountain biking in fair weather is always the goal, but we all know just how fast the weather can change at times.
That’s why having a compact but effective windbreaker is such a good item to keep on hand to ensure that you stay comfortable out on the trail.
#7 Patch Kit
The Sahmurai SWORD (Super Wicked Original Repair Device) is a tubeless mountain bike repair kit that conveniently and safely stores in the handlebars of your mountain bike. The kit includes a fork tool, a reamer tool and 5 plugs in a single packaging tube. The plugs can repair holes from 3.5mm to 5mm in size.
Patch kits are your best option for quickly handling those pesky flat tires! Let’s face it, while no one enjoys a flat tire you’re bound to experience one from time to time.
Rather than letting a flat ruin your ride, you can quickly take care of them by having a good patch kit on hand.
#8 Multi-tool
- Magnetic case keeps storage of the F Series easy and also supplements the handle for more leverage
- Includes chain tool 8/9/10/11/12 speed compatible
- Equipped with - hex wrenches: 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, screwdrivers: Phillips #2, flathead #1, spoke wrenches: 0, 1, 2, 3 and Torx t-25
- Fitted with a bottle opener for that after ride reward!
One of the standard backcountry tools you need to have with you, whether sun or snow, is the
Multi-tool with pliers enables you to have great simplicity as you repair the bike whenever a need arises.
#9 Tire Lever
The ergonomic shape of these tire levers and dual spoke makes removal of even the tightest tires a simple task. Their molded box construction ensures that they are both lightweight and durable.
Rims on any mountain bikes are not cheap. If you do not have a tire lever for the popping of the tire off correctly, you can easily damage the rim.
Most of the tire can hardly get out without using the tire lever, and thus you need a tire lever at hand.
#10 Zip ties
Zip ties are the duct tape of the mountain biking world! Like the running flat of a car, zip-ties are a perfect solution whenever you temporarily fix your mountain bike.
Zip ties easily fix any form of breakage that your mountain bike may encounter. If, for example, seat droppers fail or other breakages, zip-ties easily corrects the issue.
#11 Snacks!
Clif bar is the ultimate performance energy bar, purposefully crafted with an ideal mix of protein, fat, and carbohydrates to sustain active bodies before and during long-lasting, moderate-intensity activity.
If you plan to spend several hours on the trail then it’s always a good idea to keep some snacks on hand!
Whether it’s out of necessity for the energy boost or just a good excuse to stop and enjoy the views, I’d recommend keeping something available in your bag.
From trail mix to energy bars, you’ll want to get something that provides some carbs and has a respectable calorie count to ensure that it’s worth carrying.
#12 First aid kit
These compact kit contains the 27 most used and versatile first aid supplies such as antiseptic wipes, antibiotic ointment and latex-free bandages.
Carrying a first aid kit will always be a necessity when one is going for longer rides. A first aid kit helps cover up any health emergency that might come along.
The first aid kit needs to be fully equipped with key things such as bandages and Neosporin, to enhance great safety.
#13 Hydration Pack
- The Crux Reservoir delivers 20% more water per sip, with an ergonomic handle for easier refilling, and an on/off lever that makes it easy to prevent leaks.
- Magnetic Tube Trap keeps your tube secure and accessible when you need it
- Stabilizing load-bearing hip belts with cargo optimizes a custom fit and keeps essentials close at hand
Even with favorable weather, carrying a water bottle is critical as you’ll want to stay hydrated during your ride. One of the biggest energy drains will result from dehydration, and it’s not something that you want to mess with on a ride.
While water bottles are certainly a viable option, you can usually hold more water for longer trips by also adding a camelbak to the mix! You should also consider reading my article on water bottles vs hydration packs if you’re not sure.
#14 Saddlebag
Aerodynamic seat bag holds tubes, tools and other repair items. Mounts with the Topeak innovative Quick Release Buckle system to fit all railed saddles and is available in four sizes to fit a rider’s needs.
A saddlebag offers extra storage for several items, such as a puncture repair kit, food, and many other things. These bags are common for most mountain bikers, for they offer great support. Anytime you aspire to get a saddlebag, you are entitled to a hassle-free process since different designs and styles are available.
#15 Headlamp
The Spot is equipped with a dimming function, a flashing mode, maximum power for long and short range, a red night vision mode, and waterproof housing. All this is packed into a lightweight and compact headlamp that fits in any backpack or glove compartment.
Mountain biking is normally done when the sun is shining. However, some people might have an extended full-day tour; a situation that a headlamp comes in handy!
After the going down of the sun, it can be difficult for you to see while pedaling.
#16 Spare inner tube
While patch kits are the go-to for most mountain bikers, a spare inner tube is your ultimate fallback in a bad blowout. While swapping a new inner tube on isn’t the fastest fix, it’s certainly faster than walking your bike home!
The good news is that they’re cheap and lightweight, making them easy to strap to your frame or toss in a bag to ensure that you’ve always got one on hand.
#17 Sunscreen
Most people plan on mountain biking in good weather. This means you’ll be getting plenty of sun exposure!
If you’re anything like me, you don’t want slippery hands as a result of regular sunscreen. That’s why my favorite go-to option is a mineral based protectant that is also sweat and waterproof. While you don’t necessarily need to carry it with you on the ride, it’s absolutely a smart item to keep in your vehicle to apply pre-ride.
#18 Knee pads
The G-Form Elite Knee-Shin Guards are built for the extreme athlete who needs it all. They combine the articulation of our knee pad with integrated shin protection and lateral knee coverage!
The number of kneepads available in the market today is incredible. This offers you a chance to get a kneepad of your choice anytime you have a mountain bike ride.
With the kneepads, it is possible to have great comfort and functionality anytime you have a ride.
#19 Bike rack
A premium, platform hitch bike rack delivering maximum strength, security and user-friendliness for 2-4 bikes. I've had this for years and love how well it has performed and held up over time!
As a mountain biker, transporting the bike needs to be made easy by owning a bike rack. A bike rack ensures that you do not have to dismantle your bike whenever you are transporting it.
It would help if you only were a high-quality bike rack, one thing that will ease any mountain bike transportation.
#20 Floor pump
Half air compressor - Half pump, the JoeBlow Booster pump just made it easier to install tubeless tires! This pump has an integrated aluminum air chamber that stores an air to quickly fill your tire and ensure the proper installation on a tubeless rim, just like a shop compressor.
Inflating the tires of your mountain bike is one task you cannot afford to overlook. A
While it’s not something that you’d take out on the trail, you’ll certainly want to keep it at home or in your car.
#21 Rain jacket
The Marmot PreCip jacket is a must-have for the cold-weather season. It features NanoPro Technology, a waterproof breathable technology, ensuring a dry and comfortable fit for all-day wear. This jacket can be rolled up and packed away into one of the pockets, delivering a lightweight and portable addition to your adventure.
Rain gear is one of the best gears you can have as a mountain biker. This keeps you on the safe side anytime you are bike riding and there is a change of weather. Lookout from the nearest outlet for the best rain gear you can embrace as a mountain bike rider.
While this article focused on the best mountain biking accessories, one thing that it didn’t get into were maintenance-related tools. To learn about building up your own kit, you can take a look at my full article on mountain bike maintenance kit.
