The Best Accessories for Your Mountain Bikes
Mountain biking is a great way to exercise, and has become a very popular sport in recent years. Many people who enjoy mountain biking have transformed their love for this recreation into a more serious endeavor. There are many mountain bike races each year, and others spend long periods of time traveling with their bikes and camping out for days at a time. Whether you’re interested in short rides or long ones, there are some important accessories you will need to have in order to stay safe on your bike. Some accessories are designed for general maintenance, while others are designed more for longer-term rides. For the mountain bike enthusiast, however, all of these tools will be necessary at some point. This article will give a general overview of the best accessories available for mountain bikes, and help you decide which tools you will need depending on the type of mountain bike ride you wish to take.
Headlights
One of the most important accessories you can have for your mountain bike is a headlight. These are important for a couple of reasons. First of all, it makes you visible to others. This is extremely important when riding close to dark or at night. Headlights are usually attached to the helmet or to the handlebars on the bike, and allow others to see when you are coming. This will help prevent collisions when it may be difficult to see others. Another important function of the headlight is to help you see where you are going. While this may sound obvious, there are many people who do not even think about putting a light on their bike until it is too late. Especially if you are mountain biking in an area that is densely populated with trees and growth, it may be difficult to see even if the sun is still up. Always use a headlight when riding in these conditions for these reasons.
Saddle Bag
Another very important accessory for your mountain bike is a saddle bag. This is a bag designed to attach to the rear of the bike and it is generally used to carry such things as a credit card, cash, cell phone, spare tubes, CO2 cartridges, and other parts. The saddle bag is a great accessory to have because it allows you to carry items without worrying about things falling out of a pocket on your clothes. The saddle bag is designed to hold items you will need while riding. If you get a flat tire, you will be able to keep a spare tube in your saddle back just in case. These prove very useful once something like this occurs, and everyone who rides mountain bike trails should consider purchasing a saddle bag for their bike.
Computer/GPS
The bike computer and GPS systems have become increasingly popular in recent years. This technology allows for riders to monitor speed, distance, and time on the most basic models. More complex computers and GPS models allow for riders to track where they are on a map, as well as view topographic maps of the ride once they are finished. This will show levels of elevation as well, which will help if you are training for an event or for physical fitness. Bike computers can also be hooked up to heart rate monitors, for those interested in monitoring the heart rate while riding. This is special significance for those interested in training for athletic events, or exercising in a way that burns fat or builds muscle. By monitoring the heart rate, you will be able to see whether you are exercising in an aerobic or an anaerobic manner, which is of extreme importance to athletic training. Bike computers are also helpful in tracking speed and time, so if you are training for an event, you can practice the route and keep a record of how long it takes you to complete the route. This will help in developing training techniques and practices for serious riders.