MOUNTAIN BIKING

BIG GEAR RATIOS / SUSPENSION

26/27.5/29 INCH WHEELS

BIG TYRES

HYDRAULIC BRAKES

MTB

A well maintained mountain bike. ... Mountain bike helmet (mandatory) ... Padded cycling gloves (mandatory) Elbow, knee and shin pads (optional) Eye protection (strongly recommended) Your usual cycling clothes. Drinking bottle or Camelbak for water.

MTB - ACTIVITY SPECIFIC

TYPES OF BIKES

BMX

BMX  stands for Bicycle Motocross. A BMX bike is made for off-road racing and trick riding. BMX originated in California in the 1970s. Inspired by motocross riders of the time, people started to race their bikes on dirt tracks.

DIRT / SLOPE BIKE

Slopestyle bikes were designed to allow dirt jump riders to fly higher, hit rougher trails and give you extra stability when on air. ...

They have single gears and 100mm travel rear suspension.

XC BIKING

Cross country (XC) mountain biking is a form of mountain biking that is performed on paths consisting of forrest paths, smooth roads, singletrack, and paved roads connecting trails. XC biking emphasizes endurance above technical skill.

TRAIL BIKES

Trail riders lean more towards the adventurous side of the sport. They may do some of the same things as cross country riders but look for bigger features and obstacles.

ENDURO BIKES

Enduro bikes tackle rolling hills efficiently and can even do technical sections or big drops. Enduro is even adaptable to urban riding.

FREE RIDE BIKES

Freeride is a discipline of mountain biking closely related to downhill biking and dirt jumping focused on tricks, style, and technical trail features. ...

DOWNHILL BIKES

Downhill mountain biking (DH) is a type of mountain biking practiced on steep, rough terrain that often features jumps, drops, and other obstacles.

MOBILE PHONE

Always carry a fully charged phone in a waterproof protective case.

You need to be able to text or call the emergency services when in remote areas.

SPARES FOR REPAIRS

Carry a couple of spare inner tubes, even if riding tubeless, and also some quick stick puncture repair patches just in case you’re unlucky enough to have multiple flats.

SPARES FOR REPAIRS

you can fix your chain if it breaks

SPARES FOR REPAIRS

rear derailleur hanger - MTB can cause the rear derailleur to break off - a spare hanger will get you home.

MULTI-TOOL

A quality multi-tool that includes a chain tool will allow you to cope with most trailside repairs.

PUMP

A pump is essential for re-inflating your tyres after a puncture. 

CLOTHING

Even if you set out in warm weather, it can rapidly change and, if you have to stop for any reason, it’s very easy to become wet and cold.

MAP

Carry a map of the area if you’re riding in remote areas. You can use G.P.S too.

FOOD AND DRINK

Make sure you have enough food and drink for your entire ride. It’s also sensible to have a small bag of emergency rations that you always leave in your backpack in case a ride goes on longer than expected.

FIRST AID KIT

A basic first aid kit and the knowledge of how to use it should be a priority for all mountain bikers. 

LIGHTS

A puncture, mechanical problem or navigational error and you can easily find yourself unexpectedly caught out after dark. A compact light or headtorch will get you back to civilisation or, if you have some road sections to ride, with a clip-on red rear light, ensure you’re safe and legal.

MONEY

Many remote areas with poor mobile phone coverage still have coin operated pay phones so, always carry some change. Some cash can also be useful for re-supplying with food and drink from small rural shops which may not accept debit cards.

STEEL FRAME POOR BUILD QUALITY £30

SPECIALISZED S-WORKS £12-000

KNEE BRACE £450

CARBON FULL FACE HELMET £250

OTHER COSTS

GLOVES £40

LEGGINGS £100

TOPS £100

CLIP IN SHOES £150

MTB FACILITIES

WHERE CAN YOU BIKE?