Mountain bikes are amazing for people who want to explore the wilderness up close and personal. But before heading out on your adventure, you will need some gadgets and accessories. Fortunately, there are tons of amazing accessories and gadgets specifically designed for mountain bikes, and some of them are mandatory.
Some gadgets will enhance your riding experience and make your mountain bike look cooler. On the other hand, others will make your ride more comfortable and secure. If you want to know more about must-have gadgets, then you are in the right place.
Follow us as we talk about the ten latest gadgets and attachments you must use on your mountain bikes.
1. Bike Computers
Bike computers are a must-have if you want to keep track of your speed, navigation, and cycling-related information. There are thousands of different kinds of bike computers available, but most of them have the same functions.
The five things you need to look for in your bike computer are navigation features, smooth connectivity, long battery life, weatherproof durability, and sensors to keep track of your activities and stats, including precise altitude information.
Bike computers are super useful for mountain bikes and trail riding bikes. If you want to evaluate your stats and performance and get better at your trail, you definitely need a bike computer.
2. Mini Bike Pump
Flat tires can be a nightmare when you are out cycling in the woods or a hilly terrain. Carrying a bike pump can solve your problem. However, traditional bike pumps can be bulky and heavy. Luckily, we can now get mini pumps that are portable and lightweight.
Before buying a mini pump, you need to make sure it is made of durable material such as alloy, supports both Schrader and Presta valves, is lightweight, and can provide pressures up to 90+ psi.
These features and functionalities will give you a portable pump that provides the same performance as a traditional bulky pump. Some mini pumps even come with their own puncture kit. A high-quality pump is a must-have item for mountain bikers.
3. High-quality Handlebars
The handlebar that comes in stock with your mountain bike is not necessarily bad, but over time, it may become dainty.
A durable and aerodynamic handlebar will allow you to ride your mountain bike on challenging terrains with relative ease.
Bike handlebars are usually made of carbon fiber or aluminum. Carbon Fiber bars are more lightweight but can take less impact and have a steeper price range. Aluminum bars are more common and a bit heavier but can properly absorb the shocks and impacts of challenging terrain.
Most riders could use handlebars with a width of 710mm to 780mm. Shorter rides may need smaller ones, and tall riders may need ones with over 800mm.
MTB or mountain bike bars can come in flat, rise, or sweep designs. We don’t recommend using flat bars as the other two offer more control over your steering.
Rise bars are the most common ones, and as the name suggests, the bar rises from the center to the tips.
You will have two choices in sweep designs. One is upsweep, and the other one is backsweep. Upsweep bars swing up from the center to the bar ends. The upsweep design offers better wrist rotation and control. Backsweep bars swing back and bring the end of the bars back to you but offer lesser room for wrist rotation.
Choosing the right handlebar is more tricky than you might have thought. It’s best to figure out your terrain, and riding style and then decide which handlebar to go for. Lastly, make sure your handlebars can be mounted with multiple items, such as a bike computer, a bike light, and a bell.
4. Sturdy Mountain Bike Helmet
Safety is a must when you are off to the wilderness. You can choose between half-shell and full-face helmet protection. When choosing the right helmets, look out for the following things-
- Protection
Make sure the helmet covers the back and sides of your head. The more coverage, the better. Also, check if they have a rotational impact protection system. The most trustworthy systems are 100% Smartshock, MIPS, Kali’s LDL, POC’s Spin, Leatt’s 360 Turbine, and 6D’s ODS
- Snug fit
The helmet is supposed to tug your head in the shell properly but leave just a little wiggling room for your head to feel comfortable. Grab a flexible measuring tape and measure your head’s circumference to know which size fits you.
Start from right above the eyebrows and go completely around the head. Also, ensure the helmet has other straps and adjustable features that allow you to adjust the fit manually.
- Weight
High-quality half-shell helmets should weigh around 350 to 520 grams. Full-face helmets weigh significantly more; they are in the range of 700 to 900 grams.
- Ventilation
Helmets should have large ports on the outer side to allow air to flow inwards. Some even have air channels that allow air to flow directly over your head. Surprisingly the amount of ventilation is not related to the number of openings or ports. Instead, it depends on the design.
5. Protective Eyewear
If you are using a half-shell helmet, you will need something to protect your eyes. Hilly terrains will have dust and debris that can harm your eyes. If you are using eyewear that is designed like sunglasses, then make sure it has non-slip grips and UV protection changeable lenses.
6. Hip-pack
Hip packs are great for carrying the absolutely necessary things you will need for your travels. They are small but have enough room to store important things such as your mini bike pump, utility items, tools, etc.
The packs should have adjustable straps so you can fit them accordingly; you need to have a snug fit but provide enough room for breathability.
7. Multitool
Modern multitools for mountain bikes are small in size, lightweight, and portable but offer a range of tools for emergency repairs. Some multi-tools are very small. Yes, the smaller, the better, but if it’s too small, it can be difficult to operate.
Grab one that is medium in size and has tools of length you can use comfortably. Also, check if it has a chain tool. You may not need a chain tool often, but when you do, you will be thankful because chain repairs out in the wilderness can be difficult without the right tools.
Final Thoughts
There are countless other tools, gadgets, and accessories that can be used in mountain bikes. Honorable mention goes to go pros, patch kits, ID bands, and tire levelers. However, these seven items are absolutely necessary whether you are a beginner or a professional mountain biker.
We hope this article helped provide you with the information you needed. Get these cool gadgets to make your hilly rides more adventurous and comfortable.
Written by Alan Parker
Source: TG Daily – 7 Useful Gadgets You Must Have for Your Mountain Biking Adventures