Getting an MTB, what else do I need?
Discussion
What essential kit do I need for local rides and the odd trail centre visit? I'm going to order this bike, which doesn't have pedals, so they've been added to the list. I assume will need some sort of pump and spare inner tubes etc too but are there any other essential that a cycling newbie should get?
For pedals, if you don't want to spend mega-money have a look on Superstar and their El-Plastico pedals, I have the same ones although under a different brand - I bought them as a 'get me by' that was 18 months ago and they're brilliant.
As for the rest.
Helmet and Gloves
Hydration pack with multi-tool, pump, spare tube, tyres levers as a minimum - you can substitute the spare tube for self-adhesive patches if you like, but I wouldn't.
With the bike, get the sag and rebound right on the fork, remove all the H&S stuff if you don't plan on riding it on the road and remember than one of the pedals is reverse-thread.
I'd also recommended a track pump (Tesco have usable robust ones for £15) and something like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-bike-to...
Used in conjunction with YouTube you'll be able to fix 90% of stuff yourself, it'll save you money, but more importantly it'll give you the skills to keep yourself going, because they never break in the garage, but 10kms from the centre in the pissing rain.
As for the rest.
Helmet and Gloves
Hydration pack with multi-tool, pump, spare tube, tyres levers as a minimum - you can substitute the spare tube for self-adhesive patches if you like, but I wouldn't.
With the bike, get the sag and rebound right on the fork, remove all the H&S stuff if you don't plan on riding it on the road and remember than one of the pedals is reverse-thread.
I'd also recommended a track pump (Tesco have usable robust ones for £15) and something like this
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/x-tools-bike-to...
Used in conjunction with YouTube you'll be able to fix 90% of stuff yourself, it'll save you money, but more importantly it'll give you the skills to keep yourself going, because they never break in the garage, but 10kms from the centre in the pissing rain.
Definitely good to carry a spare tube (at least one) AND a puncture repair kit, or instant patches.
I usually repair the tube on the spot, if there's enough light and I can find the puncture without the aid of a bowl of water. If it's dark, cold, or I cannot spot the hole, I'll sling the new tube on there, and repair the punctured one at home. I don't hold with buying new tubes left right and centre. The tube in my rear tyre (MTB) now has ten patches on it, and it'll only get replaced if there's a tear, or a puncture too close to an existing patch.
As others have said, off road essentials (IMHO) are:
Helmet
Gloves
Glasses
Spare Inner Tube
Puncture Repair Kit
Pump
Multi Tool
Chain Tool
Spare 'Quick Links' (to repair a broken chain)
Make sure all of the above are appropriate for the components fitted to your bike, and that you have at least a vague idea of how to use them properly. Then add a cage and water bottle or a hydration bladder, and whatever clothing suits the weather.
I usually repair the tube on the spot, if there's enough light and I can find the puncture without the aid of a bowl of water. If it's dark, cold, or I cannot spot the hole, I'll sling the new tube on there, and repair the punctured one at home. I don't hold with buying new tubes left right and centre. The tube in my rear tyre (MTB) now has ten patches on it, and it'll only get replaced if there's a tear, or a puncture too close to an existing patch.
As others have said, off road essentials (IMHO) are:
Helmet
Gloves
Glasses
Spare Inner Tube
Puncture Repair Kit
Pump
Multi Tool
Chain Tool
Spare 'Quick Links' (to repair a broken chain)
Make sure all of the above are appropriate for the components fitted to your bike, and that you have at least a vague idea of how to use them properly. Then add a cage and water bottle or a hydration bladder, and whatever clothing suits the weather.
Gizmoish said:
cailean said:
Also new here to MTB'ing. Do most people just carry a spare tube instead of puncture repair kit? Makes sense.
Both. But the tube gets used first. Craikeybaby said:
How do I know what tubes to buy? There are more choices than just size!
I've already got canelbak and padded shorts from previous cycling trips, but they were always on hire bikes, so didn't need to worry about the bike.
1. Valve type...I've already got canelbak and padded shorts from previous cycling trips, but they were always on hire bikes, so didn't need to worry about the bike.
(There are other types, but you'll almost never see them.)
2. Tyre size...
inner tubes usually span a variety of tyre sizes, grab one which has a range that covers your tyre size
3. Valve length...
not usually an issue with MTB tubes, more for deeper 'aero' road rims
At a pinch, you can use a Presta type tube where a Schraeder ought to go, but unless you drill the hole in the rim bigger, it won't work the other way. Alternatively, nip along to a decent local shop, point at the wheels and grunt "tubes, for them" and the gadgy behind the counter ought to get you the right ones...
Bike ordered! I was going to wait until I get back to the UK, but figured that the £15 off code from Chain Reaction would pay for a multi tool.
yellowjack said:
1. Valve type...
(There are other types, but you'll almost never see them.)
2. Tyre size...
inner tubes usually span a variety of tyre sizes, grab one which has a range that covers your tyre size
3. Valve length...
not usually an issue with MTB tubes, more for deeper 'aero' road rims
At a pinch, you can use a Presta type tube where a Schraeder ought to go, but unless you drill the hole in the rim bigger, it won't work the other way. Alternatively, nip along to a decent local shop, point at the wheels and grunt "tubes, for them" and the gadgy behind the counter ought to get you the right ones...
Thanks for clearing that up, I'm sure with this knowledge I'll be able to figure it out once the bike arrives. Failing that, I'll need to visit the local shop to buy a helmet (and no doubt some other stuff), so will pick some tubes up then.(There are other types, but you'll almost never see them.)
2. Tyre size...
inner tubes usually span a variety of tyre sizes, grab one which has a range that covers your tyre size
3. Valve length...
not usually an issue with MTB tubes, more for deeper 'aero' road rims
At a pinch, you can use a Presta type tube where a Schraeder ought to go, but unless you drill the hole in the rim bigger, it won't work the other way. Alternatively, nip along to a decent local shop, point at the wheels and grunt "tubes, for them" and the gadgy behind the counter ought to get you the right ones...
Justin Cyder said:
I've stuck flataway tape on my tyres & not had a flat since, despite riding on heavily flinted trails on the south downs. I consider that to be the best money I've spent on my bike.
Glad it's working for you Justin If you change tyres run a central bead or blobs of superglue on the tyre and stick the used flataway tape on that
If you're really new to mountain biking, and want to ride the bike properly, without years of trial and error experimentation, i'd suggest you try to save up for some proper MTB skills tuition (or get someone to give you a course voucher for birthday/chrimbo etc) !!
You'd be amazed at the number of people with "all the gear, and no idea" and if you want to ride some of the more difficult terrain that a modern MTB makes possible, getting the basic techniques correct, from day 1, might well also save you from at least some minor embarrassment and at worst a trip to A&E etc
You'd be amazed at the number of people with "all the gear, and no idea" and if you want to ride some of the more difficult terrain that a modern MTB makes possible, getting the basic techniques correct, from day 1, might well also save you from at least some minor embarrassment and at worst a trip to A&E etc
Max_Torque said:
If you're really new to mountain biking, and want to ride the bike properly, without years of trial and error experimentation, i'd suggest you try to save up for some proper MTB skills tuition (or get someone to give you a course voucher for birthday/chrimbo etc) !!
You'd be amazed at the number of people with "all the gear, and no idea" and if you want to ride some of the more difficult terrain that a modern MTB makes possible, getting the basic techniques correct, from day 1, might well also save you from at least some minor embarrassment and at worst a trip to A&E etc
Thanks! I've had a few days at trail centres (Afan/Sherwood Pines) on rental bikes, so not totally new. I have been planning on having some training at Cannock Chase too though. You'd be amazed at the number of people with "all the gear, and no idea" and if you want to ride some of the more difficult terrain that a modern MTB makes possible, getting the basic techniques correct, from day 1, might well also save you from at least some minor embarrassment and at worst a trip to A&E etc
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