When you’re deep into the MTB world, it’s not just about the thrill of the game; it’s about being fully prepared for every ride. As an avid biker, I’ve discovered the ultimate list of 10 awesome mountain bike accessories must have that transform every adventure. From trail-side essentials to performance-enhancing gear, these must-have products ensure you’re ready for any terrain. Whether you’re exploring the vast biking universe or aiming for that cream-of-the-crop performance, the right gadgets make all the difference. Buckle up your helmets, gear up, and let’s dive into an exhilarating world that every mountain biking shredder will love.
Related: Best Mountain Biking Glasses
Top 13 Best Mountain Bike Accessories Must Have
1. Fix Mfg. MTB Field Kit
The Fix Mfg MTB Field Kit is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves hitting the trails. This smart and compact tool kit is equipped with essentials such as a tire plug, valve cover tool, and a quick link breaker, serving as a reliable solution for unexpected repair and bike maintenance challenges. As someone who has faced more trail hiccups than I can count, I know how vital it is to have a lightweight and portable kit that easily fits into a hydration pack or jersey pocket. Always being ready for challenges along the way transforms your rides into smoother adventures, no matter what the trailside throws at you.
2. Tannus Armour Tubeless
The Tannus Armour Tubeless is a game-changer for mountain bikers who dread dealing with flats. This ultralight tire insert not only boosts the performance and protection of your tubeless tires but also gives you the confidence to conquer any terrain without the fear of pinch flats or punctures. As someone who has had a few frustrating moments on the trail, I can vouch for the extra comfort it provides. By removing the hassle of unexpected stops, you can focus on pushing your limits and truly enjoy blazing through trails with unmatched peace of mind.
3. Pit Viper Bradstrap HSOR
The Pit Viper Bradstrap HSOR is the ultimate accessory for hitting the trails in style while keeping your eyes safe. These sunglasses seamlessly combine style and functionality, providing exceptional protection while making a bold statement. With their durable construction and snug fit, they’re ideal for fast downhill runs and fast rides, helping you stay ahead of the pack and turn heads along the way. With their rad look and essential eye protection, these sunnies are built to leave the dust behind as you blaze through every challenge.
4. Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Pedals
The Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Pedals are perfect for riders seeking serious pedal power. These pedals are engineered for aggressive riding and deliver unmatched grip and control even on the gnarliest trails. Their innovative design blends the benefits of flat and clipless pedals, allowing you to confidently tackle technical sections and effortlessly conquer climbs. As a rider who loves pushing boundaries, I find their durable and reliable build ideal for any adventure, helping you keep pushing your limits without hesitation.
5. AMS Mud Guards
The AMS Mud Guards are a must-have for keeping mud and water spray off your bike while adding a touch of style. Crafted with passion and precision, these guards shield your ride from debris and dirt, making them a practical yet stylish accessory. Designed to fit most mountain bikes, they are lightweight, durable, and incredibly easy to install. Whether you’re blazing down a messy trail or cruising on a clean path, they ensure your bike stays clean and you ride with confidence. (And as a bonus, pair it with a bike number plate for added flair!)
6. Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive Saddle
The Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive Saddle redefines what a comfortable and light seat should be for mountain biking. With its innovative design and meticulous engineering, it features a carbon-free shell and rail for unrivaled durability and security, perfect for demanding excursions. What sets it apart is the 3D-printed padding, delivering exceptional comfort tailored to your unique needs. Its engineered zonal cushioning provides precise support where it’s needed most, making long rides feel like a breeze. Weighing only 224 grams, this saddle is the ultimate blend of performance and comfort.
7. Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS
The Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS unit is a must-have for all MTB adventures, helping you plan, follow, and analyze rides with precision. Its large and vibrant touchscreen displays crystal-clear maps and real-time ride data, keeping you informed and on the right track throughout your journey. The intuitive interface allows for seamless navigation, route planning, and performance tracking, so you can stay focused on what matters most: riding. With this advanced GPS, every ride becomes more organized and enjoyable.
8. Topeak SmartGauge D2X
The Topeak SmartGauge D2X is the ultimate tool for keeping your MTB tires at the perfect tire pressure, transforming your riding experience. This smart digital pressure gauge offers precision and accurate readings at your fingertips, eliminating any guesswork. Featuring an ergonomic design and a bright LCD screen, it’s easy to operate, even in dim lighting conditions. Whether tackling high-speed descents or mastering technical climbs, this trusty gauge ensures your tires are perfectly inflated for optimal traction and control. Say goodbye to compromises on ride quality—this is your go-to guru for dialing in the ideal pressure before every thrilling ride.
9. AMS Berm Grips
The AMS Berm Grips combine grip and comfort to transform your riding experience on the trails. With a meticulous design crafted for dominating every ride, these grips feature a cleverly tapered design that ensures perfect balance. They instill confidence in your grip, offer firm control on the inside, and add cushioning on the outside, making them perfect for those tough, downhill runs. These grips are all about making your ride smoother, no matter the twists and turns of your mountain biking journey.
Say goodbye to hand fatigue and hello to the ultimate combo of control and support. The AMS Berm Grips unleash your full potential by delivering unmatched performance that helps you conquer the toughest trails. Whether you’re tackling challenging terrains or enjoying the ride, these grips ensure you stay in charge like never before.
Related: How to Lock Scooter to Bike Rack
10. Rapha Trail Kneepads
When navigating technical terrain, protection should never be a compromise. The Rapha Trail Kneepads are designed to safeguard your valuable assets while keeping you in the game with top-notch defense. Featuring a thin yet powerful protector, these kneepads offer a high level of protection without sacrificing comfort. They provide a secure fit that stays in place, delivering maximum coverage where you need it most.
Whether you’re charging down steep descents or tackling rocky trails, these kneepads ensure you’re covered with protection that even stretches down the shin. With only two knees to take care of, these are the best way to ride with confidence and assurance that you’re ready for anything the trail throws at you.
Related: What to Wear Bike Ride
11. Waterproof socks
Waterproof socks are an essential remedy for cold-weather riding, giving your summer mountain bike shoes the all-season ability they need. Designed with a special membrane to block water and built-in insulation to keep your feet warm, these socks ensure comfort even on the coldest days. They work to keep your feet both dry and free from moisture buildup by allowing perspiration to escape, preventing the dampness caused by condensation. While some may attempt DIY versions with varying success, it’s best to trust high-quality waterproof designs rather than risk developing Stink Foot from methods like using a plastic bag.
12. Quality tools
Doing your own maintenance not only saves money but also gives you control over your bike’s performance. However, striking a balance between the price and durability of tools is crucial. While cheaper tools might seem like a good option for the short term, they often cause damage, such as inaccurate hex keys rounding bolts and ruining components. This can leave you pleading with a smug bike mechanic, a fate worse than death for any rider.
The principle of “buy cheap, buy twice” certainly applies to bike tools, especially multi-tools, where cost-cutting can mean a long walk home. In contrast, quality tools make jobs easier, faster, and more enjoyable, encouraging you to take on more maintenance and keep your bike in top condition.
13. Bike-specific shoes
When upgrading your riding kit, one of the first changes to make is swapping regular shoes for bike-specific ones. While skate shoes or walking boots might offer some grip and protection for first-time riders on the trails, they don’t compare to mountain bike shoes. These flat shoes are designed for maximum traction with a specialized pedal interface, featuring soft rubber soles that morph around pins for added security.
Beyond grip, these shoes include built-in safety features such as reinforced toe boxes and ankle support, which help prevent injuries during mountain biking. Investing in the right shoes ensures both comfort and safety while boosting your performance on the trails.
5 MTB accessories you definitely don’t need
1. Carbon handlebars
Carbon fibre components are known for their weight savings, efficiency increases, and rust resistance, making them a popular choice among riders. Aluminum alternatives, on the other hand, are often just as effective while being significantly more affordable. Some riders prefer aluminum for its durability and ease of damage detection, while others embrace carbon handlebars for their sleek design and performance. The main downside to carbon bars is that they can be too stiff, with handlebars transmitting more vibrations from the trail, which can lead to discomfort on longer rides.
That said, not all carbon handlebars are the same. Manufacturers like One Up are innovating by building flex into their bars for greater compliance and a smoother ride. While the jury is still out on whether carbon bars are more prone to snapping than aluminium bars, many riders fear them because damage is harder to identify.
2. Carbon wheels
Carbon wheels are a sought-after upgrade in mountain biking, particularly for cross-country racers who value their ability to save weight. These carbon mountain bike wheels offer a stiffer structure compared to their aluminium equivalents, delivering a direct feel under power. However, the added stiffness can lead to a harsher ride on rough terrain, making them less of a perk for trail and enduro riding.
While carbon rims are generally stronger than aluminium rims, they have a significant drawback: once they fail, they’re nearly impossible to fix. In contrast, aluminium rims can be bent back into shape, allowing you to extend their use for a couple of months before needing to replace the rim.
Related: Bike Packing Fork Bags
3. Tyre inserts
Tyre inserts are designed to let you run lower tyre pressures while protecting against pinch punctures, but the reality isn’t always that simple. Without a gravity-spec sidewall, inserts can create a false sense of security, increasing the risk of ripping your tyre on janky rocks. Installing an insert can also be a challenge, as seating the bead becomes more difficult, especially on the trailside. The best way to reduce pinch punctures is to use gravity tyres with strong sidewalls, like Maxxis Double Down protection, which provide robust durability for rough rides.
4. Super-technical clothing
We’re lucky to have access to some of the best clothing on the market, often crafted from exclusive fabrics that boast claimed high levels of waterproofing and breathability. While this gear may look stylish and comfortable, it wears out after a season of use, with paddle-pin pants and waterproof jackets deteriorating over time.
For a casual pedal in the woods, it might be better to accept you’ll get wet and focus on dressing to stay warm. Waterproof trousers may sound appealing, but for many, the thought of riding in a wet chamois brings back a kind of early-years nappy nostalgia most would rather forget.
5. Strava
Tracking your rides can be incredibly helpful for training towards an event, or even just to satisfy your curiosity about how many miles you’ve covered in a year. However, taking it too seriously—like lining up at the top of a local enduro trail as though it’s the World Championships—can sometimes kill the vibe of what mountain biking is meant to be.
Additionally, oversharing your routes can unintentionally lead to doxing trails, which might upset the builders who’ve dedicated their time to making them and prefer to keep them secret.
Conclusion:
For MTB enthusiasts, having the right gear can completely transform your mountain biking journey. The top 10 mountain bike accessories must have, are designed to elevate your riding game to exhilarating heights, whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting. From trail-side heroics with the FIX MFG. MTB Field Kit to the confidence and protection offered by the Rapha Trail Kneepads, these products have left no stone unturned in providing the very best for every rider.
Keep unexpected mechanicals at bay with the FIX MFG. Field Kit, and conquer challenging terrain with the peace of mind provided by the Tannus Armour Tubeless. Make a bold statement on the trails with the Pit Viper Bradstrap HSOR, or boost your pedal power and control with the Crankbrothers Mallet Trail Pedals. Your bike will stay clean and stylish with the AMS Mud Guards, while the Fizik Vento Argo R3 Adaptive Saddle delivers unparalleled comfort for long rides.
Take your MTB adventures to the next level with tools like the Hammerhead Karoo 2 GPS for seamless navigation and performance tracking. Fine-tune your tires with the Topeak SmartGauge D2X, and experience exceptional grip and comfort with AMS Berm Grips. Each of these gadgets is a trusty companion, helping you tackle technical terrains and navigate every twist and turn with ease.
So embrace the spirit of adventure and let the trails become your playground. With these gear essentials, you’ll unlock your true potential, creating unforgettable moments and making every ride an adrenaline-pumping experience to cherish.
FAQs
What are the most important mountain bike accessories?
When it comes to mountain bike accessories, a few essentials are non-negotiable for a safe and enjoyable ride. A helmet is your first line of defense, protecting you from unexpected spills. A reliable multi-tool and tire pump ensures you’re prepared for quick fixes on the trail, while a hydration pack keeps you fueled and hydrated during long rides. Don’t forget protective gear like knee pads and elbow pads, which are lifesavers on technical terrains.
How do I choose the best mountain bike accessories?
Finding the best mountain bike accessories starts with focusing on durability and functionality. Consider items with proven ease of use, so you’re not fumbling on the trail. Check out what the biking community is raving about—recommendations from experienced riders often point to the most reliable and effective gear.
Are expensive mountain bike accessories worth it?
Yes, expensive mountain bike accessories are often worth the investment. A higher price usually means better quality, greater durability, and killer features that enhance your ride. Think of it as an investment in both safety and performance, ensuring every ride is as smooth and enjoyable as possible.
How can I maintain my mountain bike accessories?
To maintain mountain bike accessories, it’s essential to keep them clean and free from dirt or grime after every ride. Regularly inspect your gear for wear and tear, paying close attention to critical components like helmets, tires, and tools. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for care and maintenance to extend their lifespan. Store your accessories safely when not in use to avoid any potential damage. Taking these steps ensures your gear stays in top condition, ready to tear up the trails whenever you are.
What is the best way to carry my phone while mountain biking?
When it comes to carrying your phone during mountain biking, a secure phone mount like those from Rokform is the way to go. These mounts keep your device accessible and protected, allowing you to easily navigate trails and track your ride without any worry.
