Do you like stage races, forest tracks, and rocky roads? If you're an avid mountain biker, then you're probably looking for high-quality, reliable gear that will support you during your wild, challenging treks. Whether you're new to the sport and you're interested in purchasing first-rate, durable equipment or you're a more experienced customer who wants to experiment and upgrade your current devices, we've got you covered! Keep on reading to find out about the finest high-performance mountain biking gear currently on the market.
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While this may seem obvious to those of use who've been sidetracked and stuck on the road with an under-inflated tire, this accessory is a must for all your biking journeys. Functioning like a scaled-down floor pump, this high volume device features an adjustable hose, a useful folded handle and a practical fold-out base that allows you to keep the pump upright and stable using your feet.
It can be confusing to choose an appropriate crank set for your mountain bike, with all the mix-matched, pricy group sets of hand tail available on the market. There are 3 types of front crank sets used for mountain biking. The first is the classic model - the triple - which includes 3 front rings, out of which the largest one is up to 44-tooth. A more modern version of this is the double crank set, which allows for a lighter bottom gear and facilitates climbing more abrupt slopes. The most recent crank set is the one with a single ring. This model has grown in popularity recently and is widely-used for its size and chain security. We recommend this type of crank set, as it provides you with a much lighter and more secure setup.
Need a place to store all your accessories and essentials? Bring this spacious pack with you to load your riding clothes, helmet, shoes, and auxiliary equipment for your long, weary day on the bike. Look for a bag with end pockets so you can lodge your sweaty, damp gear separate from your fresh, everyday clothes.
If you're mountain biking for an extensive amount of time and you're already used to releasing from your pedals, we recommend using clipless bike pedals. There are 2 other types of pedals you could purchase - platform and cage. The former are good for ride stunts and racing on high-stakes terrain, however they do not offer any attachment between the pedal and the foot, so pedaling efficiency will be compromised. Cage style pedals are a hassle when it comes to adjustment and will often get you stuck. This is why we generally recommend low-maintenance clipless pedals with good mud clearing capabilities and a minimal amount of platform.
Derailleurs help move the chain between rings across and at the front of the rear cassette. There is a myriad of well-designed options available, most of which come with a cable connected to the shifters which do the pulling. There is one brand in particular that has created an innovative technology - electronically-actuated derailleurs. The system uses one battery and offers faster and more accurate shifting. In addition, you'll be able to control both your front and rear derailleurs with a single shifter.
There are many options when it comes to tire gauges. Here are the key-points you should look for. When purchasing your product, make sure that it can read low-pressure since the desired range generally runs between 20 and 35psi. If you're trying to determine the right pressure, then start out at 35 psi and keep dropping 5 psi after each ride until it feels just right.
Most mountain bikes do well with a cassette that has a wide spread of gears in order to facilitate climbing. There is a large array of speeds and sizes available, but you generally should opt for the standard ratio range - 11, 32, 34 or 36-tooth count. Usually, the large 36-tooth cassettes are suitable for 10-speed drivetrains.
A few years ago, simple cable-operated brakes were the most common choice. Nowadays, disk brakes are the new trend as they've outclassed their old-fashioned competitors. In today's market, you can choose between 2 types of disk brakes - mechanical or hydraulic. The former are found at the entry-level and only have basic functionalities. On the other hand, hydraulic disc brakes offer improved modulation and stopping power. Additionally, they're very low-maintenance and easy to clean.
Although carrying a multi-tool is second nature for experienced riders, most people invest in devices without a chain tool due to their light weight. However, this is a mistake when it comes to safety and reliability. Unless you want to risk having your future ride turn into a dull hike home, then we recommend purchasing a multi-tool that also comes with a chain breaker. Most options on the market should include screwdrivers and 8 hex wrenches.
Regardless of your stamina and physical strength, your performance is only as good as your tires allow. The best enhancers you could ever purchase to boost your riding efficiency are great tires. A high-quality set of tires will reinforce your suspension, improve traction and handling, as well as make your bike lighter. Here are some of the newest, trendiest tire models you should check out: Maxxis Ardent, Maxxis High Roller II, Kenda Nevegal and Continental Trail King.
So take a look at your current gear and then come back to this short list to see what upgrades or new purchases you need to ensure a smooth, exhilarating ride. Remember that mountain biking performance is highly-dependent on the quality and constant maintenance of your equipment and enjoy shopping!
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