EQUIPMENT GUIDE

Riding a bike on trail requires some equipment...

Required equipment for all riders:

• A properly-fitted, well-maintained bike shop (not department store) quality mountain bike.

  • Your local bike shop can advise on an appropriate bike for your rider.

• A properly-fitted bike helmet in good condition, less than 3 years old.  Full-face helmets require special permission from the MCA to race.

• Closed-toe footwear.  Bike-specific shoes are recommended for comfort, traction on pedals, and durability.  No Crocs.

• Water bottle and frame-mounted bottle cage, or a hydration pack.  

  • Handlebar-mounted water bottles are not permitted for safety.

• Spare inner tube that fits your wheels and tires.

• Bike-specific multi-tool for adjustments and repairs.

  • A chain-breaker tool is optional

• Pump or CO_2 inflator with cartridges

• Tire levers

• Spare chain master link that fits your specific chain for repairs in the field.  Your local bike shop can help determine which one you need.

• Front and rear bike lights.

• Handle bar end plugs (this is a safety measure).

• Necessary medications (albuterol inhalers, epi pens, glucagon, etc.)

Required gear for racers:

• Team jersey (available for order at the beginning of the season)

Additional recommended equipment:

• Eye protection

• A lightweight, wind-/water-resistant (but breathable) cycling shell for inclement weather

• Bike gloves

• Padded cycling shorts

• Non-cotton athletic clothing

• Frame bag, under-seat bag, hip pack, or (hydration) backpack to carry riding essentials (tools, etc.).  See below for options.

• Sufficient snacks for the planned ride (200 - 400 calories of simple carbohydrates per hour of planned riding)

• Spare derailleur hanger that fits your bike

Leave at home:

• Kick stands

• Bike Locks

• Jeans

• Bar ends

• Anything that you do not want dirty

How to Carry Your Gear

Hydration backpack

This option allows the most flexibility to carry large amounts of water, basic tools, snacks, first aid kit, and a layer if weather is an issue.  Excellent option for coaches.

Pros: flexibility, large capacity, coaches' two-way radio can be clipped to the shoulder strap

Cons: can be heavy, not necessarily pleasant to wear when it's hot.

Frame bags

This option can be a good alternative, depending on the particular bike frame design.  Some frame bags are designed to ride on the top tube and provide quick access to snacks.  

Pros: weight is off of the rider

Cons: fit, vibration and clearance for riding can be tricky to work out.  Also, they will tend to dull/scratch glossy frame finishes, due to grit and vibration.

Under-saddle bags

This option is very convenient for the minimalist.  They usually offer enough space for basic tools and a tube, and of course can be left on the bike, which means it's harder to forget basic ride gear.  Great as an option in conjunction with jersey pockets (see below).  

Pros: easy, secure way to carry gear.  

Cons: will get covered with mud, fit can be challenging with a dropper post (cannot clamp to post; tire clearance with full suspension bikes), limited space, interference with tail lights.

Specific Recommendations: Topeak Elementa seat bag or the Silca Mattone seat bag (both are available in muliple sizes).  These bags are water-resistant and provide enough space to carry basic tools and an inner tube.  They are also compatible with most full-suspension bikes equipped with a dropper post.  Avoid burrito-style roll-up packs, as they tend to open up due to the vibration of trail riding. 

Cycling jersey with 3 back pockets

It's amazing how much can be carried comfortably in three pockets on the back of bike jerseys: light rain shell, snacks, light tools.  Combined with a small saddle bag, this is a winner.  

Pros: very accessible while riding

Cons: whatever you carry will get wet with sweat/rain/mud, etc.

Small hip/fanny pack

The 90's called and left a voicemail... and this option offers many sizes/features, including hydration bladder options.

Pros: more comfortable in the heat, potential for high capacity, flexibility

Cons: do not always carry well with heavy weight (water), waist belts can be uncomfortable while riding, long hydration bladder hoses can be difficult to manage.