Posted by mageadmin | Posted in Uncategorized | Posted on 11-02-2011
Tags: biking accessories, mountain biking, mtb equipment
The selection of gear and add-ons obtainable for a men's mountain bike is vast. Not all of it is needed for the beginner or casual rider though. You can simply exceed your budget for mountain bike equipment and still not have what is strictly required. The two primary criteria for selecting what equipment to purchase are safety and comfort. You require to make sure that your gear protects you from the elements and from fall injuries. Comfort is essential too, simply because you'll need to be able to maintain the correct riding position when traversing off-road trails.
The most essential accessory is the bike helmet. Head injuries from a fall from a bicycle can be just as damaging as those from a motorcycle. With mountain biking, this is made worse by sharp rocks, tree stumps and roots projecting up from the ground. Since you will generally be away from roads and urban areas, emergency medical response will take longer than with a road accident. That's why buying a sensible helmet is really a must. All mountain bikers use them and they are available in comfy, fashionable designs.
A good pair of mountain bike gloves will make sure that you've sufficient padding to limit strain and damage to your hands from the constant bumping and shock force travelling up the handle bars. The gloves will also help to save your palms from graze and scratch wounds ought to you fall.
To ensure that you've a long and comfy ride, you'll require proper mountain bike shorts. Mountain bike shorts are specially padded and the modern ones have a more casual look to them, unlike the older style Lycra road cycling shorts.
Cycling shoes created for men's mountain bikes are obtainable for both clipped and clipless pedals. Usually speaking, the clipless pedals are better for mountain biking, because you have more control more than rough terrain should you feet are free to move off the pedals. The soles of the shoes should fit comfortably over the pedals, to ensure that the harder reinforced section is in contact with the pedal. Match up your shoe size and pedal size when purchasing mountain bike shoes.
Having great clear vision is really important. You'll need a decent pair of either clear lensed biking spectacles, or cycling sunglasses. The glasses must be shatter-proof. Wearing inferior quality cycling glasses in a bad fall can really compound your injuries. The cycling spectacles can shield your eyes from wind, rainfall, bugs and dirt. Losing your eyesight even for some mere seconds on an off-road trail can be disastrous.
Due to the rough terrain you will encounter with mountain biking, a great travelling bike repair kit is important. It should consist of a puncture repair, small tube pump and a multi-purpose tool that has all the common spanner and socket attachments built in. This tool ought to double as a tire lever. Consider taking a spare tube with too.
Keeping your body hydrated is essential as well. Get a water bottle with a drinking straw to permit you to drink hands-free. With men's mountain bikes packing a basic first-aid kit is really a priority. Bandages could be utilized to create splints or slow blood flow from nasty cuts. Purchasing these important items will start you off well like a beginner and make sure which you stay safe and comfortable.
