Ah, the magical words “Ski Season”, how exciting they are! There’s nothing quite like packing your snowboard and heading to the mountains, preferably the Italian or French Alps, to indulge in some shredding adventures.
With the snowflake-filled seasons being now well and truly behind us, it’s time to shift our focus to another sporting activity that sees many people in the outdoors this time of year – mountain biking. If you’re reading this, I assume that you’re either planning on mountain biking or have already embarked on your first ride of the season. So, in this article, we’re going to look at how to make the perfect mountain bike, how to choose the right bike and learn to pilot it confidently.
Table of Contents
Everything You Need For The Perfect Mountain Bike
To start with, you’re going to need a mountain bike, of course. There are many varieties available, so make sure that you read up on the best one for your needs. As a beginner, it’s advisable to go for a standard bike that’s equipped with a decent set of gears and is sturdy enough to take you around the mountain. Check out our guide to the best mountain bikes for 2020 if you need help choosing the right one. Once you’ve made your selection, take some time to read the user manual thoroughly to get familiar with all the gadgets and functions. Also, make sure that the tires are fitted correctly to the wheels, as improperly fitting tires will affect your bike handling. It’s also essential to check out all the basic controls, such as the gear shifter and brakes, to ensure that they work properly. Furthermore, you should also look into getting a hand brake, which can be operated easily by hand instead of with a lever.
The Gear
Next, you need to consider the gear. A mountain bike is always paired with a bike helmet, so you should get one that’s approved by the CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission) or the Snell Memorial Foundation. Depending on where you’ll be riding and how experienced you are, you may also need an additional layer of protection in the form of a padded jacket or a waterproof shell. You should also look into getting an electric bike if you’re starting off on a trip to gradually increase your pace. With an electric bike, you don’t need to worry about burning out your muscles as you push harder the longer the trip goes on. When it comes to the gear, you should select something that’s simple to use and won’t require extensive fiddling to function properly. An additional benefit of an electric bike is that they’re built with a lot more torque than a normal bike, so they tend to respond better when you pull on the handles. This makes riding much more exciting!
Tires
While the gears are important, it’s the tires that will affect your bike handling the most. The right tires will give you better traction and stability on any surface, especially on wet or icy roads. If you’re going on a road trip, you’ll need a pair of tires that are slightly wider than the normal width of a car tires. There are many tire types to choose from, so make sure you try out a few before committing. It’s also a good idea to get a spare tire in the event of a blowout, which can be very dangerous if you’re not equipped for emergencies. The last thing you want is to be stranded alone in a field with no mobile phone reception when a tire blows out on your first day of a motorcycle trip.
Fenders
If you’re going on a long trip and want to keep your bike looking as good as new, you should invest in some fenders. Made of plastic or metal, fenders protect your bike from getting damaged by stones and other objects that may be thrown at it by passing cars or other vehicles. The best part is that they don’t add a lot of weight to your bike, so it won’t negatively affect your performance. You can choose between several styles and colors to fit your liking.
Riding Pack
Riding gear, including bike helmets, is also important to consider. Made mostly of plastic, a riding pack provides protection for your head in the event of a fall. It should fit snugly around your neck and have an additional strap that can be worn across the chest to keep it in place. It’s advisable to invest in a reliable brand, as cheaper models tend to be poorly made with less protection. Even if you aren’t planning on falling off your bike often, a riding pack can still save you from an uncomfortable bump or fall. It’s also worth noting that cheaper models are usually poorly designed and lack the strength and durability that you need for longer rides. If you’re serious about biking, a bike pack is a must for your kit.
Biker Jacket
Another thing that you need to keep on top of is the biker jacket. Made of a synthetic textile with a soft exterior, this jacket provides protection from the cold while offering the air of a technical textile. Many people also wear them for fashion reasons, so make sure you try out a few before committing to one. If you’re planning on biking in the fall or winter, you should select a thicker jacket with fleece lining or a sherpa lining to keep you warm. You can also choose between several colors and patterns for your biker jacket.
As you can see, this is a lot of gear to carry around with you on your bike. Luckily, it’s not all that heavy, especially if you’re going on a short trip. Still, it’s a lot of stuff to keep in good condition all year round. Make sure you have everything properly packed before hitting the road, and enjoy your time off!