With summer just around the corner, it’s time to start thinking about gearing up for some epic mountain bike rides. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just getting started, having the right gear can make all the difference to your riding experience. Here are some of the best products we think you should consider buying before summer that will take your mountain biking to the next level.
Hydration Pack
If you’re lucky to have scorching hot summers, the first thing you should be concerned about is staying hydrated. A hydration pack is the perfect way to ensure you have enough water to last throughout your ride. Things to consider when looking for a good hydration pack should be:
- Lightweight
- Comfortable to wear and stays tight to the body
- Enough storage space for your water, snacks, and other essentials
- Bladder size and quality
A bag that we feel ticks all these boxes really well is the CamelBak M.u.l.e. Pro 14 Trinkrucksack.
The CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Trinkrucksack is an excellent hydration pack for mountain bikers who need to carry additional water and gear with them on long rides. This pack is designed with a 3-liter hydration reservoir that provides plenty of water for even the longest rides. In addition to this, the reservoir is also easy to fill and clean, thanks to the large opening and quick-release hose.
The pack has a total capacity of 14 litres, which is rather large in terms of backpacks for biking, it provides plenty of space for gear and supplies. The pack features multiple pockets and compartments, including a tool roll, a helmet carry, and a fleece-lined pocket for storing delicate items like sunglasses.
The pack is designed with a comfortable and breathable back panel and shoulder straps, which help to distribute weight evenly and prevent overheating. The shoulder straps are also adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking.
One downside of this pack is that it is quite heavy, especially when fully loaded, but we felt for those big days it was better to have that slightly larger / durable bag. This may be a concern for riders who are used to carrying lighter packs, so if lightweight is your top priority a different model could be more suitable. Additionally, some riders may find the pack to be a bit bulky, especially if you have a slightly smaller body frame.
Overall, the CamelBak M.U.L.E. Pro 14 Trinkrucksack is an excellent hydration pack for serious mountain bikers who need to carry plenty of water and gear on long rides. While it may be a bit big compared to competitors, the pack’s advanced features and comfortable design make it a great investment for riders who demand the best performance and reliability from their gear.
Full-Face Helmet
If you’re planning on taking on some gnarly downhill runs this summer, a full-face helmet is a must-have. The added protection that a full face offers over a open face helmet is enormous. Look for a helmet with good ventilation and a comfortable fit that won’t move around too much while you ride. If you are new to using a full face, it will take some adjustment with the your available field of vision and ability to hear the bike and trail, but this will quickly become normal.
The full face market is flooded with options, but one we feel is a brilliant all rounder in terms of style, fit, ventilation and safety is the Fox Proframe.
The Fox Proframe Pro Sumyt Men’s Helmet is an excellent choice for any mountain biker looking for a full-face helmet that is both comfortable and highly protective. This helmet is designed with a lightweight and highly ventilated shell that is made from a blend of carbon fibre and reinforced with MIPS technology, (if you choose the MIPS option). This combination provides excellent protection against impacts while also keeping the helmet lightweight and comfortable to wear.
The helmet is also designed with 24 large vents that provide excellent airflow and ventilation, making it ideal for hot summer rides. The vents are strategically placed to ensure maximum airflow while also providing excellent protection against rocks and other trail debris.
The helmet’s fit system is highly adjustable, allowing you to customize the fit to your liking. The system also includes a removable chin guard that allows you to convert the helmet from a full-face helmet to an open-face helmet, depending on your riding needs.
One downside of this helmet is that it is quite expensive, which may be a barrier for some riders. Additionally, some riders may find the helmet to be a bit heavy, especially if they are used to wearing lighter open-face helmets.
Mountain Bike Shoes
Dream of dusty trails and railing inside lines? While clipless pedals are super efficient, nothing beats the shear fun and rowdiness you can have on a pair of flat pedals. The often downside with riding them is the wear that these shoes will go through is often more. The twisting on the studded pedals wearing the soles and dragging them through corners, means you require some pretty well made shoes. As worn by many of the pros, Five Tens are a really reputable brand, creating some brilliant flat pedal shoes.
The Five Ten Men’s Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes are a popular choice among mountain bikers, and for good reason. These shoes are designed with a sticky Stealth S1 rubber outsole that provides excellent grip and traction on flat pedals, making them ideal for downhill and freeride riding. The outsole is also durable and long-lasting, making these shoes a good investment.
The upper of the shoe is made with a synthetic material that is both lightweight and breathable, which is great for keeping your feet cool and dry on hot summer rides. The shoe also has a reinforced toe box for added protection against rocks and other trail obstacles.
The fit of the Five Ten Men’s Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes is true to size, and the shoe provides a snug and comfortable fit. The shoe features a lace-up closure system that allows you to customize the fit to your liking, something that is often overlooked on some designs.
One downside of these shoes is that they can take a little bit of time to break in. The outsole is quite stiff at first, which can make it a bit uncomfortable until it loosens up. However, once broken in, these shoes are very comfortable and provide excellent support.
Overall, the Five Ten Men’s Freerider Pro Mountain Bike Shoes are a great investment for any serious mountain biker.
Tubeless Tire Kit
Tubeless tires have become increasingly popular in recent years, and for good reason. Simply, they reduce punctures – pinch flats in particular. A tubeless tire kit is a great investment if you’re planning on doing some serious mountain biking this summer. Sealant dries up over time, so having fresh sealant, clean valves and fresh rim tape will keep you rolling with the best chance your tires will be kept sealed, or seal in the event of a puncture.
Bike Tool Kit
No matter how well you maintain your bike, there’s always the possibility of something going wrong out on the trails. A bike tool kit is a must-have for any serious mountain biker. Look for a kit that includes all the basic tools you’ll need for on-the-go repairs, such as a multi-tool, tire levers, and a pump. Over time, the sharp corners on Allen keys can lose their shape and become slightly more rounded. This increases the chance you will round a bolt as there is a larger gap between the bolt and tool. Enter the summer with some fresh tools to keep your bike in the best possible condition.
Get yourself a reliable and multi-tool packed full of tools to save you when you’re out in the wildness. The Crankbrothers M20 tool is packed with nearly everything you could need out on the trails.
