Accessories

     Many people think that once they’ve bought the bike, they’re set. Well, unfortunately you’re not done spending money yet! I recommend a list of things that go loosely from “must have” to “should have” to “might want to have,” yet they’re all things that can make your riding experience safer and more enjoyable.

     You don’t need cycling shorts or cycling shoes to go mountain bike riding. But believe me, even if they do look a little strange, it’s amazing how much more efficient and comfortable cycling-specific clothing and accessories can be

          Helmet—Helmets save lives, plain and simple. Any one who thinks that they can survive a crash landing on their head is sadly mistaken.

          Your helmet should fit snugly and squarely on your head, not on the back of your head with your forehead exposed. The helmet comes with extra “fit pads” of various thicknesses to fine-tune the fit. If it feels a little tight to begin with, this is okay because the pads will compress over time. The retention straps’ adjusters should meet just under your ears, not over your ears. The chin strap should be adjusted tightly enough so that you can barely insert two fingers in between your jaw and the strap.

          The expanded polystyrene in today’s helmets is designed to absorb impact, much like an egg carton. If you crash, even if there is no apparent damage or the impact was minor, it is recommended that you return the helmet to the manufacturer for a replacement. Most companies offer a replacement warranty for a nominal fee, or simply shipping charges, and usually require a description of the crash. Read your owner’s manual for details. Only use helmets with ANSI, Snell, or ASTM certification. By the way, studies have shown that your body temperature does not go up from wearing a helmet.

          Water—If you are planning to be riding for any more than 20 minutes, you need to take water along with you, even if it’s cold. When you work out at any elevated rate, your body cools itself by perspiring. Even if you don’t sweat (in cold weather, for example), you’re still losing moisture, and it needs to be replaced if your body and muscles are to function properly. You need to drink approximately 8-16 ounces of water for every 30-60 minutes of activity, depending on heat and exertion level. I recommend a backpack-mounted drinking system as it allows you to drink more efficiently, in small sips, rather than huge gulps all at one time.

          Cycling Gloves —Gloves serve two very important purposes. First, they absorb moisture for better control of the handlebar. Second, they protect your hands in the event of fall. Also, because your hands are called upon to do more work than just resting there as with road riding, gloves protect your hands from developing painful blisters.

          Full-fingered gloves are the choice for serious off-roading as they absorb the most moisture and offer complete coverage for those trails that have a lot of overhanging brush.

          Cycling Shorts —Cycling shorts absorb perspiration and reduce chafing by creating a double layer between you and the saddle. The liner, which some people still call a chamois from when cycling shorts were actually lined with fine leather, molds to you and absorbs perspiration while at the same time letting the outer short rub against it, not you. The legs are longer and fit tight so that they don’t get in the way when you sit back down after raising up off the saddle. If you absolutely cannot stand the idea of wearing the tight fitting style of cycling short, there are “sport shorts” available that have a liner but are cut more like a regular pair of walking shorts. Touring shorts are also available that have pockets and look like walking shorts but contour to the body snugly.

          Jersey—I’ve seen just about everything when it comes to what people have worn, or not worn, as an upper body covering. Tight fitting cycling jerseys are really more a carry over from road cycling, but definitely serve a purpose as they stay out of the way of the bike and branches. A baggy T-shirt or sweatshirt may be comfortable, but if it hangs too far down below your waist it will most likely get snagged on the saddle. And because these garments are usually made of cotton, they tend to stay wet, which is okay if you’re going up hill, but if you start going downhill you will get chilled quickly. Today’s cycling jerseys are made from materials that wick moisture away from the skin, allowing it to evaporate quickly from the material. An increasing number of companies are making jerseys that are a little less form fitting and “normal” looking (muted colors, etc.), so you can feel comfortable walking into your local convenience market after your ride and not feel like you just stepped off the circus bus.

          Cycling Shoes—Mountain bike shoes have come a long way in just a few years. They combine the lugged soles of a hiking boot with the solid pedaling platform of a racing cycling shoe. Because your foot is being supported by a small area, it actually arches downward every time you push on the pedal. To counteract this arching, stiffeners are built into the shoe. These stiffeners are specially designed so that when you walk, they allow for the natural walking motion. All this in a lightweight, rugged, water resistant package.

          Eye Wear— The presence of such natural off-road occurrences as dust, mud, insects, and branches makes some sort of protective eye shield almost mandatory. While cheap sunglasses will do the job, more expensive eye shields have undergone impact tests that make them shatter proof. More expensive eyeshields also allow you to change lenses, from tinted to clear to light enhancing, to suit changing light conditions.

          High Carbohydrate Snack— If you will be riding more than two hours, you need to take along a high carbohydrate source of energy. This does not mean a candy bar, but it could be a granola or cereal bar, just as long as the main ingredient is not refined sugar. High sugar content foods will give you a quick burst of energy but then will fall off sharply, leaving you feeling actually more tired than before you ate the food. Basically you want something that has as it¹s sugar source fructose or sucrose. However, if you are sugar-intolerant (diabetic, hyperglycemic), you should consult a physician or registered dietitian for recommended guidelines. You also might want to take along an electrolyte replacement drink such as Gatorade for quick energy.

          Cold Weather Clothing—Once again, you can wear pretty much anything to keep warm out on the trail, but sweatpants, sweatshirts, and heavy jackets are not only bulky and hard to stow should you want to remove them, they also don’t breath well. The key is layering your garments so that you can match the temperature and your body’s heat. Today’s advanced materials extend into cycling clothing as well. Mountain biking generates a lot of heat, and even though it may be cold out, after just a short amount of time you will get hot, especially going up hill. This is why it’s important to wear clothing in layers that breath, allowing moisture and heat to pass away from the body while still providing a protective layer for your skin. Lycra tights for your legs are excellent as they provide just the right amount of heat retention and breathablility. For spring conditions, around 45-55 degrees, a Lycra jersey underneath an unlined shell is probably sufficient. The shell should have either Lycra panels under the arms and on the back, or zippered vents so you can control how much heat is retained. For colder weather, a Capilene or Polypropylene long sleeve T-shirt under a Lycra jersey, with a lightly lined shell is sufficient. You might also consider insulated full-finger gloves and Polypro socks. There are also neoprene accessories for the head, face, and feet that can protect against high winds and extremely low temperatures.