No matter if you’re shredding down steep single tracks or riding rolling gravel trails, getting out on a mountain bike just might be the outdoor thrill you need this summer. However, before you hit the trail, it’s important to understand what gear you need to keep you safe and prepared for your ride. We spoke with several mountain biking experts — from coaches and community advocates to trail builders and pro riders — to figure out what you need to know whether you’re brand new or a more experienced biker looking to get back into the sport.
What to know about mountain biking gear
When it comes to buying mountain biking gear, the list is seemingly endless. From purchasing your first bike to picking out the right clothes to getting fitted for the right helmet, beginner mountain bikers have a lot to think about and consider when buying the proper gear. There are a few categories of essentials to consider including bikes, helmets, gloves, apparel, pedals, shoes, accessories and bike racks.
“It is really easy to overcomplicate bike gear,” says Alex Showerman, a professional mountain bike rider and trail builder with the Evergreen Mountainbike Alliance. “The reality is that most of us are going out for pretty short rides, especially when we are first starting out. Even as a pro, a lot of my riders fall into the 1-2 hour category.”
Showerman argues you don’t need super expensive technical mountain biking gear to get started. She also says it’s easy (and smart) to repurpose clothes you already have as long as they are designed to wear outside and be active in, and that you are comfortable in them.
“Save money on all the expensive accessories and apparel you’ll get sold on at the bike shop, and invest that back into the most important piece of gear like your bike and helmet,” says Showerman.
Mike Kuhn, the director of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Cycling League (PICL), says bikes have changed drastically over the years with brands designing for all types of riders across the spectrum — from size and experience to functionality and top-notch performance.
“Mountain bikes are better than they’ve ever been and companies have figured out how to design them in ways that your bike that’s been hanging in the garage for 20 years just doesn’t compare,” says Kuhn.
For beginners considering a new mountain bike purchase, Kuhn says there are a few features he highly recommends. The first is a bike with front air fork suspension, which uses the compression resistance of pressurized air for shock absorption. He also typically recommends most new riders start out on a 29-inch tire (or 27.5-inch for shorter riders).
Lastly, Kuhn recommends a bike with a “1x” drivetrain — with a single front chain ring with a wide spread of gears across the rear “cassette” or gear cluster. These have become popular with everyone from beginners to professionals because they require less maintenance and less thinking about shifting (since you only have a rear shifter to deal with). That said, they may not offer as wide a gear range as traditional drivetrains with double or triple chainrings, so if you think you might want lower gears or more gearing choices to get up difficult grades, it’s still worth looking at bikes with those types of setups (and we have recommendations below for both types).
If you’re using a bike helmet you already have, Kuhn highly recommends checking the expiration date. He says it’s an often overlooked aspect of mountain bike gear and a potentially highly dangerous piece of the process if you miss it.
“Look inside your helmet and you should find something that lists the expiration date or model date,” says Kuhn” Ideally, you should replace helmets every five years, and if you crash in it and hit your head, replace it immediately. Helmets are designed for only one major impact.”
Other accessories like clothes, shoes and even pedals are important too. Beginners might not know that “clipless” pedals are actually meant for clipping in. Our experts recommend “flat” pedals versus “clipless” pedals as they’re more intuitive and beginner-friendly options. According to Liv Cycling, clipless pedals help reduce fatigue and give you more traction on the bike since your shoe’s connected to the pedal. It also allows for full pedal strokes that help with more power and efficiency while riding.
“There’s a lot of beginners [and experienced mountain bikers] who ride flat pedals off-road these days instead,” says Khun. “If you ride a flat pedal, you’ll want to make sure they have some pins in it that will grab the bottom of your two feet. They also make flat pedal shoes that are built for riding those types of pedals too.”
Advice for beginner mountain bikers
Kelsey Wisinski, a professional mountain bike rider and coach with the Boulder Mountainbike Alliance and the Petunia Mafia, is a huge proponent of not only learning about what gear you need but also understanding the foundational knowledge and skills you need to know to ride.
“I always encourage beginner mountain bikers to get some kind of instruction, whether it’s like watching a YouTube video or go take a skills clinic,” says Wisinski. “It’s not that you can’t learn by trial and error but that it’s more frustrating when trying to nail certain features or excel in your riding abilities.”
However, if you’re interested in learning, you may not even know where to start. Showerman says connecting with other riders can be your best gateway into the sport. She recommends finding riders to hit the trail with and get advice from to better find your way in and navigate your growth within the sport.
“One of the biggest challenges for new riders is finding people to ride with,” says Showerman. “The best way to make new friends is going to dig days on your local trails. It’s a super low-stress way to meet people as you aren’t on a bike so you don’t have to stress about skill level, but you are out on the trails having a fun time.”
Similarly, Kuhn recommends connecting with local mountain biking associations, particularly for younger riders who are entering the sport while they’re still in school. Organizations like the National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA), which develops interscholastic mountain biking programs for student-athletes across the country, and the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), a national collective of bike clubs and individual riders, are two great places to start.
From affinity groups to local rides, mountain biking communities are commonplace across the country and one of the best ways to connect to the sport and learn mountain biking etiquette, technique and skills. And despite the seemingly high barrier to entry, Kuhn says mountain biking is a sport for all.
“If you want to ride there’s a place for you to do it,” says Kuhn. “Let’s go ride bikes.”
Beginner mountain bikes
Of course, a solid bike is the foundation for anyone looking to break into the sport, and loads of mountain bikes that routinely make the “best of” lists will cost a pretty penny. Luckily, Trek’s Marlin 8 has loads of drool-worthy features that won’t break the bank too badly. “This bike has a single front chain ring, a wide spread of gears, 29-inch wheels and air forks – all things I look for when recommending a new bike for a beginner rider,” says Kuhn.
Not everyone wants to drop a grand on their first-ever mountain bike, and, thankfully, the fine folks at REI have created this pretty darn decent (and wallet-friendly) front-suspension bike, complete with disc brakes for ultimate control when stopping. Plus, the Shimano 3x7 drivetrain offers a large number of gears to help you crunch uphill and cruise those downhill slopes with style.?
A little on the pricier side for a beginner bike, Giant’s Trance X 1 comes highly recommended by Wisinski. “I love this bike because it’s a great starter bike. I always tell people it doesn’t matter how fancy your components are or what size your wheels are, but for the love of God, please get a dropper post,” she says. A dropper post is crucial for raising and lowering your saddle while riding, without getting off the bike.
A hardtail (no rear suspension) for advancing riders who are ready to shred some gnarlier singletrack, Trek’s Roscoe 7 features a lightweight aluminum frame, a Shimano 1x12 drivetrain, and grippy 2.6-inch tires. “The Roscoe 7 is great for those who start to progress their skills and abilities or want to a bike that’s going to support riders in advancing to the next level,” says Kuhn.
Another excellent hardtail option that isn’t too splurge-y is Jamis’ Divide. Made of lightweight 6061 aluminum alloy, this baby’s got an XC80 suspension fork to help gobble up all the bumps along the trail, Tektro mechanical disc brakes, and a 21-speed Shimano drivetrain for smooth uphills and breezy downhills.
Mountain biking helmets
“In my opinion, the only specialized gear that you definitely need to purchase is a good helmet,” says Showerman. Smith’s Forefront 2 isn’t the priciest on the market, but it’s equipped with the MIPS (multi-directional impact protection system), which helps prevent catastrophic brain injuries. “I have taken some hard falls wearing this Smith helmet and it's kept me safe,” says Showerman.
A rare MIPS-equipped helmet for under $100, the Trek Solstice also offers air vents up top for comfortable riding on summer’s hottest days. Plus, its built-in, removable visor helps protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays.
Similar to the more commonly seen MIPS tech, Trek’s Bontrager Rally uses WaveCel technology to absorb rotational energy and linear impacts during falls to decrease the risk of brain injury. “It’s more akin to what you see in vehicles — it’s designed in a certain way to crumple so it provides greater protection in a different manner,” says Kuhn.
Mountain biking gloves
Gloves are essential for palm protection and keeping control when bombing down steep, rugged trails, and Mike Kuhn recommends the Fox Ranger Gel Bike Gloves above the competition. They’re reasonably priced, designed with low-profile wrist cuffs, and provide TruGel padding in all the right places, for additional protection and comfort when riding.
With well-placed, sweat-wicking mesh, Polygiene Odor Control technology, and silicone grippers in the forefinger and thumb, Dakine has created a truly great, affordable pair of smartphone-compatible gloves with their excellent Covert model. These gloves also come in a women’s fit version.??
Mountain biking apparel
Part of mountain biking (and any cycling, really) is having an easy-to-stow, high-visibility windbreaker for chilly days and breezy downhills. Pearl’s iZumi Quest Barrier is made with recycled polyester, a durable water-repellant (DWR) finish, and BioViz reflective elements to keep you safe and cozy on long rides. Want to stand out from the crowd? Both the men’s and women’s versions come in loads of bold colors.
Hello, cute patterns! Wild Rye’s Alyssa Chammy offers a lot of the same specs you’d look for in an ordinary chammy (high waist, no-chafe fit, compressive nylon), but with fun colors that’ll have you feeling funky fresh on the trail, even with that notorious booty pad. The new and improved 9-inch inseam isn’t too shabby, either.
“Being a mostly downhill mountain biker, I wear pants 90% of the time,” says Wisinski. With an articulated, female-specific fit, bold patterns, and four-way stretch, it’s easy to see why these are an expert favorite. “I love the DHaRCO Gravity Pant because they’re breathable and comfortable. I’ve had them for about three years and have put over 1,000 miles on them and they’re in great shape still,” she says.
Available In a variety of color schemes ranging from mellow to mind-blowing (whiskey camo, anyone?), Zoic’s Ether Bike Shorts are full of well-placed pockets, a moisture-wicking stretch-mesh liner and locking zippers to securely stow your stuff while riding bumpy terrain. Plus, a street-styled fit means they go from trail to town with ease.
“When it comes to apparel, I've been rocking a mix of clothes that I feel stylish and comfortable in,” says Showerman. Built like your favorite at-home joggers, Dovetail’s Christa DYI Pant is actually deceptively technical, with zippered pockets, a gusseted crotch, and reinforced knees. They’re also “soft, durable, look rad on the bike, and are great for cooler temp rides, as it is a thicker fabric,” adds Showerman.
For a sleek, comfy, well-pocketed black chammy, look no further than Terry’s Touring Bike Shorts. Designed for riding big miles in warm weather, they feature no-slip leg grippers and a zippered stash pocket for your keep-close valuables when you’re out all day.
Look, a lot of riders don’t love the diaper-adjacent feel of a chammy, and that’s why Showerman is a big fan of this stretchy bottom. “Under my pants or shorts, for shorter rides, I skip a chammy and have been enjoying the Lululemon Align Bike Short,” she says. With a flirty 6-inch rise, uber-soft fabric, and a hidden waistband pocket, they’ve got all the right features for cycling and can double as a yoga short.
Mountain biking pedals
“I always recommend these for newer bikers because they’re a fairly affordable composite pedal and they come in fun colors,” says Wisinski. The Race Face Chester is made with a slim, lightweight concave platform with eight grippy, replaceable hex traction pins on each side.
While some beginners will want to stick with plastic pedals, others might want something a bit more durable. Wiskinski personally rides on DMR Vault Pedals, which are beefy, “angry” downhill pedals with massive pins for traction. “I always avoid plastic pedals,” she says, “especially the ones that come with the bike when you first buy it, as they’re normally pretty cheap and susceptible to breaking easily.” If you want a sturdier option that’s going to last a long time, opt for the DMR Valuts.?
Mountain biking shoes
“The Skate Old Skool are a fraction of the cost of bike-specific shoes, yet perform the same, and they come in so many more fun styles,” says Showerman. Not only are these action sport-oriented sneakers stylish enough to wear on the streets, they boast sticky rubber soles, toe bumpers, and increased durability for when you want to go hard.
Like the Skate Old Skool, these flat pedal shoes are designed to go big at the skills park (and on long, dusty trail days), but they’ve got enough comfy, everyday design to wear around town, too. EVA insoles provide extra support where you want it most, and the brand’s custom-molded heel and toe protection will help keep your feet protected, should you take a fall.
“These are a solid pair of mountain biking shoes,” says Kuhn. An impact-resistant toe box, water resistance, and a molded EVA midsole give them a lot of the same features you might expect in a more-familiar hiking shoe, but the ultra-grippy soles are what make this pair stand out from the pack. “These help with staying attached to the pedal when riding down the mountain,” adds Kuhn.
Mountain biking accessories
Personally, I’ve had this bike light set for five years now, and I’ve yet to find a better “bang for your buck” set for beginner cyclists on the market. With long-lasting, rechargeable batteries, four different light modes, and a surprisingly blinding glow, they’ve been my go-to for adventurous evening rides for a long time.
For many cyclists, wearing goggles can be a major game-changer when it comes to the health and protection of their eyes. “Ever since my Lasik eye surgery and seasonal allergies, I’ve had to deal with dry eye. Wearing goggles while I ride has helped that immensely,” says Wisinski. “I love the Smith Squad goggles because they’re affordable. I wear these 100% of the time while riding.”
Former competitive cyclist Erika Graves says she’s a huge fan of Selle’s Italia Diva Saddle for both mountain biking and road riding. “Prioritize a good saddle (and gender-specific), since you need to keep those private parts comfy,” she advises. The Italia Diva features a female-specific split design, to reduce physical limitations and pain caused by prolonged pressure in the perineal area.
If you know you’re going to be rising early for dawn patrol, or you love a post-work evening trail sesh, you might want to fork over some cash for a better set of lights. This pair by NiteRider has rechargeable lithium-ion batteries, an easy on/off seat post strap mount, and they are dust- and water-resistant.
One of the first things my more-experienced bike commuter friends told me to buy when I was perfecting my setup was a good, lightweight tire pump for when my tires inevitably got low. The same is true for mountain bikers hoping to cruise down rocky, rooty, bumpy paths. Topeak’s Pocket Rocket is well-priced, can pump up to 160 psi, and weighs a mere 4.1 ounces.
Like with just about every outdoor pursuit, you’ll want a solid yet lightweight first aid kit to toss into your pack when you’re out in the backcountry. Adventure Medical Kits are my favorite brand in stores today, because of their watertight packaging, included elastic bandage, and an impressive array of sterile, wound-cleaning gear.
“I prefer wearing a hip pack over a full hydration pack,” says Kuhn. The Evoc Hip Pack is loaded with secure pouches for snacks, a phone, and a wallet, plus a sizeable 1.5-liter hydration bladder with a magnetic tube clip. “It’s big enough that I store one or two water bottles in the side pockets and other gear that I need inside. Hip packs are lighter than a full backpack and I find have a greater range of motion in them.”
I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer, but about a month after I bought my first “good” bike, it got stolen in broad daylight. The thin cable lock I had around it was no match for someone’s set of wire cutters. After that, I invested in this burly U-lock and cable combo from Krypronite. It’s a must for anyone who plans to occasionally leave their bike out in public to grab a post-trail beer or meal in town.
To stay adequately hydrated, hold an extra layer and stuff down a few snacks and some extra gear, most mountain bikers will want a sturdy, lightweight daypack. Osprey’s Siskin/Salida series can easily double as a hiking daypack, but bike-centric features like a helmet carry, tool organization pockets and an air mesh hip belt make it our choice for rugged riding. Plus, unlike most packs out there, it comes with a 2.5-liter water bladder. They make this hydration pack in a women’s fit too.
There are a few pieces of gear that every cyclist will eventually need to spring for: a multi-tool, tire lever and mini pump. Topeak has done some of the work for you in this department and bundled them all together in this convenient, cost-effective package that stows safely into an included under-seat pouch.
If you’re riding a MTB with tubed tires, a patch kit is essential for staying safely inflated on long days away from civilization. We like Park Tool’s VP-1C kit, because it includes both vulcanizing fluid, plus sandpaper and a variety of different-sized patches. While you’re at it, check your tire size and be sure to grab an extra tube for your gnarliest rides.
Planning to ride in dusty, dry conditions? Rock N’ Roll’s Extreme Chain Lube might have a funny-sounding, overly-macho name, but experienced riders swear by the stuff. It’s designed to keep your chain turning smoothly in the harshest conditions, just apply, spin, wipe off any extra, and you’re good to go.?
Mountain biking bike racks
Yes, bike racks can seem prohibitively expensive at first, but they’re an essential part of safely getting your bike(s) to and from the trailhead with relative ease. Mike Kuhn says you want to purchase a rack that’s going to “carry your bike securely without rubbing or scratching it on your commute to the trail.” This hydropneumatic two-bike rack makes loading and unloading a cinch. “I’ve used Kuat products for the last decade and I can’t recommend them enough,” says Kuhn.
Want access to your trunk or rear van doors while your bike rack it hooked up to your hitch? Kuat’s Pivot v2 securely fastens into most two-inch hitch receivers, turning a regular hitch rack into a swing-away gate for post-ride tailgating with your crew. “I highly recommend this adapter if you want easy access to the trunk of your car without the hassle of removing your rack or bikes,” says Kuhn.
Similar to Kuat’s Piston Pro X but lighter on your wallet, Yakima’s time-tested StageTwo is designed with special “stadium seating” so that your trusty steeds are held securely with additional ground clearance on rutted roads or steep campground driveways. It’s also easy (and tool-free) to install, and boasts a remote-tilt lever so that it can lower and allow access to your vehicle’s rear door.
If you’ve already got a pickup and you just want a solid pad to protect your precious truck bed, check out Yakima’s GateKeeper Tailgate Pad. Choose between plain black or mountain-printed Cascade Blue, fasten it over your tailgate, secure your one to six bikes and be on your way. “I’ve used this tailgate pad for a couple of years now, and I’ve found it's super durable and great for carrying bikes,” says Kuhn. “It doesn’t work as well for road bikes, but I absolutely love it for hauling around my mountain bikes.”
