While there are lots of “accessories” that a mountain biker can get, these are what I consider to be some of the most important purchases. These items allow you ride more safely while also enhancing your riding experience!
Best Mountain Biking Helmet
The first and most important piece of gear that any mountain biker should purchase is a helmet. You’ve only got one brain, so you better protect it!
Falling off a mountain bike and banging your head is just asking for a concussion or other head injury, so riding without a helmet is borderline insanity in my opinion.
The best bang-for-your-buck helmet that I’ve come across is the Giro Chronicle MIPS helmet.
It’s light, comfortable, and has many of the same features as helmets that cost twice as much.
The Chronicle MIPS provides the essential trail performance and protective capability you need in an affordable package that doesn't skimp on style!
Best Mountain Biking Shoes
Aside from your hands, your shoes are one of the most important contact points with a mountain bike. Your legs push the pedals, the pedals turn the wheel, allowing your mountain bike to move from point A to point B. Needless to say, they’re pretty important!
Regardless of whether you’re riding with flat or clipless pedals, a good pair of mountain biking shoes will be worth the investment.
Here are just a few of the reasons why you should get a pair:
- Better power transfer to the pedal and increased riding efficiency
- Enhanced protection of the foot
- Greatly enhanced grip (in the case of flat pedals)
- Save your sneakers or road cycling shoes from being ruined on muddy trails
Best Flat Pedal Shoes
When it comes to flat pedal shoes, the best name in the game is Five Ten. Their Freerider Pro offers incredible grip and toe protection in a lightweight package.
I’m no style guru, but I think that they’re a pretty darn good looking shoe as well! Look no further than this pair.
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.
Best Clipless Pedal Shoes
If you’re looking for the best clipless mountain bike shoes on the market, then look no further than the Giro Empire VR90.
These are the lightest, stiffest, and most comfortable shoes available. Note, that they’re only available with 2-hold mountain cleats.
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.
Best Mountain Biking Padded Shorts
While there are plenty of more expensive options on the market, my go-to mountain biking short is the Fox Ranger. They have a relaxed casual look that makes them good both on and off the trail. Its constructed from a stretchy nylon material and has an adjustable waist for comfort.
Last but not least, they actually come with the padded liner included. Many shorts on the market have you buy the liner separately.
For these reasons, I always recommend the
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.
Best Mountain Biking Gloves
For the average rider, Giro’s DND gloves are a perfect glove. They’re made from a moisture-wicking fabric with 4-way stretch fabric makes them incredibly comfortable.
As unisex gloves, they also come in a wide variety of colors and sizes to suit your personal taste.
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.
Best Mountain Biking Knee Guards
Your knees can really take a beating from mountain biking. While some of the old-school
The compression fabric helps keep the guards in place while also wicking away sweat.
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!
Best Mountain Biking Sunglasses
In case you haven’t noticed, I’m all about versatility! Some cycling glasses are just downright goofy, and you wouldn’t want to be caught off the trail wearing them.
The same can’t be said for the Smith Rebound sunglasses. Their photochromic lenses automatically adapt to changing light conditions and help to enhance your visibility on the trail by increasing contrast.
The lightweight frames come in a variety of colors, ranging from classic to contemporary. They're made of bio-based material, with a slight butterfly shape that is universally flattering.