| sary equipment for the casual bike rider consists of a | | | | hydropack of some kind, so that you can drink liquids |
| helmet, and a headlight if there's a chance of biking at | | | | on the go. |
| night, and that's about it. Anything else is gravy. | | | | It's possible to scour the web for your clothes and |
| The same can not be said for the mountain biker. To | | | | accessories, but to be sure of a good fit, it's always |
| have a safe and enjoyable ride, the mountain biker | | | | best to give as much business as possible to your |
| needs quite a bit of gear. | | | | local bike store. |
| Even more so than for the casual biker, a helmet is a | | | | The Bike |
| must. And take care about choosing a helmet. A | | | | You've got the gear, now you need the bike. |
| poor-fitting helmet is of no use, so make sure it fits | | | | And these are not your granddaddy's bikes. |
| your head securely. | | | | Technology has improved the design of bicycles in |
| A good pair of gloves serve two purposes. You'll get | | | | every way, and quality bikes are offered at affordable |
| a better grip on the handlebars with your gloves, and | | | | prices - but you've still got to pick the right one for you. |
| of course should you take a spill your hands won't get | | | | The best thing to do when choosing a bike is talk to |
| torn up. | | | | owners of various types of bikes - maybe even |
| Clothing | | | | borrow a ride on them, so you can compare the |
| What to wear? Most people go mountain biking in the | | | | differences in saddle feel, shock absorbers, handling, |
| summer, so they wear shorts, t-shirts, and tennis | | | | and most importantly, weight. Don't just talk to one |
| shoes. If they're the hardy sort, they'll put on | | | | person, get a good cross-section of opinions. |
| sweatshirts and pants for the colder months. | | | | If you're going to be a competitive mountain biker - |
| But it's also a good idea to wear padding on knees | | | | taking parts in races - you'll need a more expensive |
| and elbows. The thing about mountain biking is that it's | | | | kind of bike, of course, one with a titanium frame and |
| not a question of if you'll fall, but when. So it's only | | | | all the bells and whistles. If you're just going to be going |
| common sense to wear padding and prevent a | | | | out to the trails on the weekends in your version of |
| serious injury. If you're a dedicated rider you don't want | | | | kicking back and relaxing, you won't need that much |
| to have to spend any time off the bike recuperating | | | | bang for your buck |
| from a broken arm when with a little common sense | | | | There are two main types of mountain bikes: the |
| you could avoid the problem. | | | | Hardtail, which has a frame with no rear suspension |
| Shoes | | | | and the Softtail, which has a frame with a small |
| Don't forget the shoes! These days shoes are | | | | amount of rear suspension. The most comfortable bike |
| designed especially for every sport under the sun, and | | | | is perhaps one with full or "dual" suspension - a front |
| mountain biking is no different. As a mountain biker you | | | | suspension fork and a rear shock. |
| want to make sure your feet stay on the pedals, and | | | | The type of bike you get also depends on the kind of |
| you want shoes that are comfortable to well as well. | | | | riding you'll want to do: cross-country, enduro, free ride, |
| Accessories | | | | downhill, etc. Again, you'll want to talk to fellow riders to |
| A new trend in mountain biking is riding at night. Well, if | | | | see which is the best kind of bike for the particular kind |
| you're going to ride at night you've got to have a light! If | | | | of riding you want to do. |
| you're going for long distances you'll want to have a | | | | |