You need to
carry enough tools and bits so you can hobble home on your wounded bike
but not be laden down like a US Marine.
The
Essentials
Helmet
- Make
sure it fits properly, ie. fits on your head rather than sitting on top
of it and has minimal movement from side to side. Check that it won't
get pushed back to expose your forehead or fall forward on bumpy descents
leaving you temporarily blinded. The straps must be adjusted for a firm
but not suffocating fit. Avoid the older style "chilly bin" models - the
modern micro shell covered helmet provides much better protection: it
will slide rather than bite into the road - minimising potential neck
damage and the shell will hold together longer during multiple impacts.
Visors look cool, keep the sun off your hooter and help deflect unwelcome
bits of undergrowth. It's vital to replace your helmet after any major
impact or when it is visibly deteriorating. Most reputable brands offer
a crash replacement deal (remember to keep your receipt).
Gloves
- When you involuntarily dismount your reflex reaction is to protect
yourself with outstretched arms - your palms take the brunt of the fall
so you need a quality leather or synthetic leather glove to prevent severe
gravel rash.
Cycle
Shorts -
You just gotta have some padding between your bum and the seat. Your choices
are a conventional 4-way stretch short or a baggy cycling sort with integrated
padding.
The
Jolly Important Things
Mountain
biking often takes you out for long days away from home. It's important
to be prepared for the variable conditions NZ's climate can toss at you.
For
winter -
a thermal
riding top made from micro fleece or polypropylene. They don't absorb
water so you avoid chilling after sweating on hard hill climbs or if you
get caught out in the rain.
Cycling
tights or long johns -
toasty
warm and help prevent injury to dodgy knees.
Wind/rain
shell -
keeping
the rain at bay is obviously important. Cold winds are a cyclist's major
enemy - you need to block these out to avoid the chills on exposed tops.
Many cycle specific jackets turn into themselves to form bum-bags when
they're not being worn. Consider hi-visibility colours if you're planning
to ride on the road.
Thermal
hat and gloves
(micro
fleece, polypropylene or similar) - most helmets and gloves are designed
to keep you cool in hot weather, not to protect your extremities from
plummeting temperatures and icy winds.
Eye
wear -
handy
for deflecting wind and bugs on those rapid descents, blocking out those
nasty UV's, and for avoiding mud-in-ya-eye syndrome. Plastic is lighter
and safer than glass, although more prone to scratching.
Lightweight
lights - that
clip onto your bike or clothing are worthy insurance against unplanned
time on the road. It's not uncommon to be caught out later than you intended.
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