Mountain biking at Wilder Ranch State Park. Photo: Trek Dirt Series / Bruce Dorman.

Bikes are booming these days as more and more people discover (and rediscover!) the benefits of cycling. Freedom, joy, fitness, health, transportation, family connection — whatever the reason for opting for two wheels, one thing is for certain: bikes are essential.

But what are the essentials you need for your rides?

“Mountain Biking Essentials” is part two of a three-part “Essentials” series. Get road riding essentials here and stay tuned for bike commuting essentials here!

Trek Slash is the trail bike of trail bikes. This long-travel 29er enduro bike is built to be fast, smooth, and fun in the wildest terrain.

The bike

The first essential needed for mountain bike riding is, of course, a bike!

Whereas you can ride pavement on just about any bike, riding dirt trails and gravel roads require a bike specially designed for rough riding — a mountain bike.

All mountain bikes boast wide, knobby tires and straight, broad handlebars for increased stability on irregular terrain. Beyond that, however, models vary depending on a number of factors such as the rider’s goals and desired terrain.

When choosing a bike, you'll consider questions like these: Cross country or all mountain? Hardtail or full suspension? 29er or 27.5"? Aluminum or carbon? Slack or steep geometry? Electric or traditional?

This may sound like a different language to those new to the sport. Have no fear — we can interpret, and help you learn the lingo. Learn all about mountain bikes and the models we recommend here.

A helmet specifically designed for the type of cycling you’re doing is absolutely essential. Knee pads are also highly recommended. Photo: Trek / Ian Collins.

Protection

Protective gear is essential for your safety on the trails. The most crucial piece of protective gear, of course, is your helmet. Protect your head with a helmet specifically designed for the type of mountain biking you are doing.

Half dome helmets are suitable for cross country (XC) and all mountain (AM) riding. For even better AM protection, choose a helmet with a removable chin bar. For downhill, you’ll need a full face helmet for optimum coverage.

Check out the helmet technology and the lids we recommend in our helmet guide.

Elbow and knee pads are always a good idea, especially for trails with rougher terrain. Pads come in a range of protection, and you can choose between hard or soft, pull-on or wrap-on, and other options.

Additionally, protect your eyes with sunglasses or goggles. Some eyewear are made with interchangeable lenses for a range of lighting conditions; goggles are best suited for dusty, downhill runs.

Lastly, keep your hands protected with gloves, which also absorb shock. Be sure to choose a full fingered style with padding that aligns with the type of terrain you’ll be riding.

Many mountain bike models can accommodate a water bottle cage on the downtube for easy access to hydration. This Trek Fuel EX is not only equipped with a water bottle cage, but also a storage compartment neatly tucked behind the cage.

Nutrition and hydration

It’s always best to carry plenty of water and nutrition even when heading out on a fast lap. Don’t underestimate the lure of the trail — sometimes those quickies turn into a longer adventure than you planned.

Most mountain bikes can accommodate a water bottle cage on the frame. You can also carry water in a hip pack or backpack equipped with a hydration bladder and/or water bottle holder. For epic rides, consider bringing a water bottle filled with an electrolyte solution plus a hydration bladder full of water.

Be sure not to skimp on nutrition. Depletion of glycogen stores in your muscles and liver can cause sudden fatigue and energy loss commonly known as “bonking.” Stay fueled up with energy bars, gels, and/or blocks.

Check out this article on what to eat and drink during rides of any length.

Choose clothing that you’ll be comfortable in on and off the bike. Photo: Trek / Ian Collins.

Apparel

As far as clothing goes, although technically you can ride in just about anything, you’ll be most comfortable in a tech tee or wicking jersey. You can choose between two different styles spending on your personal preference: tailored or loose.

Tailored jerseys are commonly preferred by cross country (XC) riders, while all mountain (AM) or enduro and downhill riders tend to prefer a boxier fit.

Tailored jerseys are often designed with back pockets that you can stow energy bars or gels in. They are typically designed with short sleeves; add a pair of arm warmers for those chilly mornings. Loose fit jerseys come in short sleeve, ¾ sleeve, and long sleeve options.

Most mountain bikers prefer to wear a chammy short under baggies (loose fitting shorts), although some XC riders opt for spandex padded shorts. In colder weather, padded cycling tights are a great choice on their own or layered under baggies. Chammy cream will help prevent chafing on long XC rides or rides with extended climbs.

Be prepared for a change in weather with a breathable waterproof or water resistant windbreaker. An extra layer is a good idea, too, on those days that start off chilly but end up warm. Just be sure you save space in your pack or jersey back pockets to stow anything you end up shedding.

A cycling shoe specific to the type of pedal on your bike (clips or flats) and a sock made of a suitable material for the season complete your kit.

A lighting system designed for mountain biking will keep your path well lit on night rides.

Lights

If you’re riding to the trail head, be sure to run front and rear daytime running lights (DRLs) to keep you visible to motorists. Most DRLs are easy to remove and stash away in your pack while you ride the trails.

For night rides on the trails, opt for an MTB-specific lighting system. You’ll want to run lights on the handlebars as well as one on your helmet.

Storage

Depending on the length of your ride and how much gear you’ll be carrying, choose either a backpack or hip pack equipped with a hydration bladder, or a hip pack that accommodates a water bottle.

A backpack, naturally, will offer more space and some are even designed with back protection in case of a crash.

Tools & tire care

Essentials you will hopefully NOT need but should carry anyway include a multi-tool, zip ties, patch or plug kit, tire levers, tube, and hand pump or CO2 cartridge and inflator. Even if you run tubeless tires, it’s a good idea to carry a tube as that’s an easy fix in case your sealant fails.

Some Trek mountain bikes boast integrated storage in the downtube, which frees up space in your pack. This “secret compartment” — Bontrager Integrated Tool Storage (BITS) — is the simplest and cleanest way to carry a flat kit.

The BITS Internal Frame Storage Bag is specifically designed to fit in this spot, and easily accommodates your spare tube, tire levers, and CO2 cartridge and inflator.

First aid kit

Don’t hit the trails without a well-stocked first aid kit. There are pre-made kits available, or you can put together your own using a baggie to hold everything.

Beyond essential

Certain accessories may not be “essential” but certainly offer added safety, convenience and/or comfort.

Consider a GPS cycling computer for navigation and to track your ride stats, and/or fenders to minimize water and mud spray.

If you plan on stopping for a well-earned post-ride meal and bevo, be sure to carry a sturdy bike lock and, of course, your wallet. Don’t ever leave your bike unattended, even when when locked.

For more information on bikes, apparel, protection, and accessories, browse the Trek website, then swing by or give us a call to see what we have in stock. Special orders available.

Happy trails! Tag us in your social posts — we’d love to share your stoke!

Bike, shoes, helmet, hip pack … check. Photo: Ian Collins

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Mountain Biking Essentials