Summer mountain bike riding essentials
What to take with you for a ride this summer? Check out our favorite kit of essentials for summer mountain bike riding and racing.
1. Leatt 3DF Airflex knee and elbow guards
These elbow and knee pads are so soft and breathable, they feel like arm warmers when you have them on. The gel is soft and squishy but instantly hardens on impact, protecting your joints and skin. The elbow guards retail for $79 and the knee guards for $99.
2. Osprey Raptor 14 hydration backpack
It’s much easier to drink from a tube than a water bottle when mountain biking. Take along a hydration pack, where you can also stow your jacket, food, and tools. The Osprey Raptor ($140) sits flush on your back thanks to the “Biostretch” harness, hipbelt, sternum strap and has great airflow, so you can also use it for hiking and running.
3. Dakine Derail Shorts
These shorts are made for pros, but are also stylish to wear after the ride. The Derail shorts ($75) have a 4 way stretch that allows for great movement, and a DWR (durable water repellant) coating gives them great performance. Quick and easy waist adjustment and designed with patterning at knees so they’ll fit over your pads, and a super relaxed fit. It’s the perfect ride to post-ride short. If you are looking for the womens version, check out the Dakine Cadence ($60).
4. Bell Stoker helmet
This 13 vent mountain bike helmet ($75) comes in both mens and womens styles and has a great fit system for easy adjustment and fit. We like the overbrow ventilation in the front and the extended rear coverage. It’s also got a adjustable visor. The helmet has it all for a great price, and aside from less vents, is comparable to higher priced helmet.
5. Park Tool PFP-7 Professional Floor pump
There is nothing more annoying than a floor pump that’s hard to use and falls apart after a year. This Park Tool pump (around $66.95) was designed for heavy duty use in the bike shop or garage. It inflates quickly and smoothly thanks to powerful pump action, grippy handle and foot pads you can actually lock for extra stability.
6. Sombrio Vagabond riding shirt
This riding shirt, the Sombrio Vagabond ($99) is just too cool. The design is slick and looks great, but also it rides great, thanks to durable stretch fabric, reinforced articulated elbows and underarm ventilation. Hidden pockets are great to stash all of your essentials.
The name of the company is actually from a real place, Sombrio beach on the west coast of Vancouver Island, right on the Juan de Fuca trail.
7. Five Ten Hellcat Freerider shoes
These shoes ($130) have a leather upper and a stealth rubber sole for extra grip. If you ride with clipless pedals, they also have two-bolt cleat compatibility. The Hellcats have impressive cushioning, enhanced traction and even a bit of vibration absorbing characteristics to keep your feet from getting fatigued. Lace them up, while the velcro top keeps your laces from flapping around.
8. The Castelli Velo Cycling Jacket
The Castelli Velo jacket is extremely lightweight windproof and water resistant jacket. It features breathable fabric and ventilation ports in a very small and portable package. It comes in mens and womens versions. The jacket also has rip stop protection so you won’t rip it in case you snag it on any branches. It’s fitted, with articulated sleeves and is long enough to keep from riding up. The jacket packs into a little pouch the size of your fist, so you can literally take it anywhere.
9. The Castelli Velocissimo Cycling Short
The Velocissimo short ($110) has one of the most comfortable low-profile chamois out there and is great for mid to long distance rides. It conforms to your body and stays with you while you move. They are very breathable and the leg cuffs aren’t too tight, but won’t ride up.
10. Fox Sidewinder Gloves
The Fox Sidewinder gloves ($40) are great all-around use lightweight, breathable and durable glove. I always opt for full finger coverage, even on hot summer days, since it can be easy to cut up your hands in a spill. The gloves are breathable and have knuckle padding for extra hand protection. Synthetic leather on the palm ensures you’ll get a great grip on the bars, and silicone on the fingertips give you extra grip on shifters and brake pads.
Any other favourite products you have for riding this summer? Comment below.
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