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.

• Closed-toe footwear.  Bike-specific shoes are recommended for comfort and durability.

• 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, or (hydration) backpack to carry riding essentials (tools, etc.)

• 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 basic tools, snack, and a layer if weather is an issue. 

Pros: flexibility, large capacity

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

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.

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.; does not work with a backpack

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 carry well with heavy weight (water), waist belts can be uncomfortable while riding, long hydration bladder hoses can be difficult to manage.