Mountain Biking - What will I need?

[anniesdad]

I'm going with a friend, but have no gear to do it. I'm borrowing his bike and a cycle helmet, but other than that what will I need?

I'm thinking - Cycle shorts, gloves, cycle shoes(?), thin top, maybe a shell suit type top(?)

We're doing a cycle track in the Lake District which is sponsored by the North Face or something, if this helps.

Cheers.

[Plotloss]

A bike and a mountain.

First things first.

[anniesdad]

Plotloss said:

A bike and a mountain. First things first.

Check.......next!

[jacko lah]

I took my son Mountain biking at the week end. Next time I will take some gloves and a helmet.

I wore jeans which went a little tight after I fell head first in a river, so I'd suggest some old track suit bottoms, and old trainers.

Best thing I did take : too adjustable spanners.

My rear wheel decided to move and jammed itself on the frame, so they were handy.

[shadytree]

Plasters, Band Aid, Swabs, bandages, sutchers, anticeptic creams. Telephon enumber of the local Emergency unit and Mountain rescue.

Have fun by the way

>> Edited by shadytree on Thursday 6th October 12:14

[anniesdad]

jacko lah said:

after I fell head first in a river

[anniesdad]

Ok so I need a spanner and a first aid kit. Fire extinguisher?

[lord summerisle]

clothing wise... layer up

say - short sleeve T, long sleeve fleece and a shower proof jacket. and have maybe a small rucksack as somewhere to stuff em if you get too hot. - weather is changable in that part of Lancashire.

Also makes a handy place to put snacks - mars bar and a banana.

Water Bottle - thirsty work cycling and a little bit of cash for the obligatory cake/tea shop stop.

[holbayhead]

mobile phone
punture repair kit/spare inner tubes
pump
sunglasses
Dry Jumper/kacks/socks/shoes/woolley hat to wear afterwards
bog paper
plastic bags
water
money

[Wildfire]

holbayhead said:

mobile phone punture repair kit/spare inner tubes pump sunglasses Dry Jumper/kacks/socks/shoes/woolley hat to wear afterwards bog paper plastic bags water money

Get yourself a cycling top. They really are worth it.

Get on the bike a bit before to get you ar*e used to the saddle, a good set of full finger gloves for this time of year (not thermal one mind you).

[KITT]

jacko lah said:

I fell head first in a river

You weren't the first or last to do that trick That's one of my mates doing exactly the same thing (note you can just make out his head bottom left). Only afterwards did we realise there's a massive dip in the middle of that ford.

[pdV6]

As this is not a regular thing for you and presumably your mate will have the appropriate emergency/repair kit already, the 2 essentials you'll need are: gloves and sunglasses (even if its not sunny).

[lord summerisle]

i got some pics from years ago from a mid feb ride with light frost on the ground - heading along a disused railway, and going through the crossing of the Irwell (since the bridge has gone you have to ford it) and the river is a little more swollen, and for some reason on this day we decide to do a bit of pratting about... and ended up waist deep... made for a swift ride up Holcombe Hill and back...

[johnny]

I'd also consider a Camelbak. Mine's big enough to get my multi-tool, pump, spare innertubes/puncture kit, sunglasses, gloves, nutrition bars etc. and holds 3 litres of water. Once it's on i don't even notice it's there and of course it has the mouthpiece to drink from as you ride.

Might be a bit expensive if you don't really plan on riding all that often though.

I'd also make sure you have a warm change of clothes for afterwards. Makes things sooo much nicer!

[esselte]

anniesdad said:

Fire extinguisher?

For when your thighs rub together?

[L100NYY]

This thread is getting me itching get out on my mountain bike again - it's been far too long!

Some of the greatest days out were had when I was a lad going out exploring the local woods and fenn lands, ahh those were the days!

Not a care in the world back then, lazy, hazy summer days........

I think that if I do get my bike out again I will realise just how unfit I have now become!

Went on mtb holiday years ago up to the Yorkshire Dales, what a great holiday that was with plenty of scenery like this



combined with this





>> Edited by L100NYY on Thursday 6th October 12:49

[zippee]

anniesdad said:

I'm going with a friend, but have no gear to do it. I'm borrowing his bike and a cycle helmet, but other than that what will I need? I'm thinking - Cycle shorts, gloves, cycle shoes(?), thin top, maybe a shell suit type top(?) We're doing a cycle track in the Lake District which is sponsored by the North Face or something, if this helps. Cheers.

Steve,

First off if its the lakes I'd suggest new lungs and legs, especially if your a little unfit.
If your borrowing a lid (helmet) make sure it's a good fit and the straps are adjusted properly.
Unless you've got no flab whatsoever steer clear of Lycra. A decent pair of cycling shorts though is a must, theres many good pairs available that look just like normal cargo shorts.
Gloves are useful, they do provide a lot more comfort on the bars, espcially if your bike has rigid forks.
Shoe wise, I presume the bike your borrowing will have flat pedals? In that case trainers will be OK, Cycling shoes are more rigid but aren't worth buying for occasional use.
Tops, T-shirt will be fine, if you have a goretex jacket then wear that. Layers will be best as you can easily strip them off the hotter you get.
Take plenty of water with you, either in bottles or a camelbak style hydration pack. Same goes for food - I always used to take a couple of bananas and mars bars with me.
Tools - spare tube, pump, puncture kit, allen keys and 10mm spanner should suffice. Though a chain tool and spoke key would be handy providing you know how to use them.
One more piece of advice - Start steady, don't burn yourself out on the first couple of miles.
I raced MTBs in the nationals for several years so do have a rough idea of the above. Most of all though - best of luck. You'll need it half way up the first hill.

[dodgyviper]

anniesdad said:

what will I need?

holbayhead said:

mobile phone punture repair kit/spare inner tubes pump sunglasses Dry Jumper/kacks/socks/shoes/woolley hat to wear afterwards bog paper plastic bags water money

New legs
AA Relay cover

[apache]

anniesdad said:

Plotloss said: A bike and a mountain. First things first. Check.......next!

life insurance?

[Oi_Oi_Savaloy]

If you wear contact lenses pack a coulple of spares for each eye just in case you get mud in them (or fall in the water and they wash out).

there's nothing worse then being blind, wet, hurt and stuck up a mountain with a bike you cant ride back down........