Help required - Total NOOB!

Tavish11

I plan to buy my first MTB over the weekend (Rockrider 8.1) & wondered what essentials I should buy.

I'm assuming the obvious such as Helmet, Gloves, Pump, Puncture Kit & Multi-Tool but is there anything else that is required for someone that is new to the world of MTB'ing.

I would be grateful if people could help me out & point me in the right direction.

mcnultycop

You've named the essentials there. A pair of padded liner shorts or some bib shorts (you can wear them under your normal clothes) are a good idea tool. Bottle and cage or hydration pack are a great idea too. For shorts and hydration packs Decathlon are good,

Tavish11

Thanks mcnultycop. Can you recommend any Helmets that I can consider buying.

mcnultycop

One that fits. You don't have to spend loads. I wear the £20 On one MTB helmet.

mcnultycop

http://www.on-one.co.uk/i/q/HEOOTSH/on- ... ort-helmet

Long_Time_Lurker

I would suggest buying a couple of inner tubes rather than relying on a repair kit.
It's quicker just to replace the inner tube and then fix the punctured tube at your leisure.
(Plus, there is always a chance that you will get a puncture next to the valve, meaning that you will never get it fixed with a repair kit.)

Remember the tyre levers too - you may get some in the repair kit. No point in carrying all that stuff around if you can't get the tyres off!

cooldad

Chain lube.

As I may have mentioned once or twice before, I use Squirt.

welshkev

not essential, but maybe a camel back to carry all the stuff around in?

*I should read every post in a thread first :oops:

Tavish11

Thanks for the help people. I'm sure my Mrs will be thrilled with my growing list

Can anyone recommend a good pair of shoes that I can get? (not ridiculously expensive)

The Rookie

On flat pedals, just start with decent trainers with a stiff(ish) sole and you'll be fine for a while.

Tavish11

The Rookie are these worth getting for the £'s

http://www.sportsdirect.com/muddyfox-to ... e=14401890

or something more like this

http://www.sportsdirect.com/airwalk-bro ... e=24218526

The Rookie

The muddyfox are designed for use with clipless cleats, not flat pedals.....

Airwalks or Vans both work quite well as cycling shoes. I use some stiff soled Sketchers when I use (rarely) flat pedals.

Cookeh

mcnultycop wrote:

One that fits. You don't have to spend loads. I wear the £20 On one MTB helmet.

Good helmet, not the lightest, not the most coverage, but does it job- meets the CE standards. Had a really nasty off the other day (28mph, landed on a stray brick), broke the helmet along three crossmembers and I was absolutely fine - barely even a headache to speak of.

Tavish11

The Rookie wrote:

On flat pedals, just start with decent trainers with a stiff(ish) sole and you'll be fine for a while.

Can you recommend any flat pedals as the Rockrider 8.1 comes with clipless. These tend to be a front runner with a lot of people.

http://www.highonbikes.com/wellgo-mg1-m ... tAod1EsAGw

Cookeh

Those are pretty much the best for the money imo - especially at that price.

cooldad

What I use ^^^^^^^^^^^

So no argument.

The Rookie

Must be true then! LOL

mcnultycop

I think Decathlon will stick flats on for you; I think someone who got one on here said that. I think.

Tavish11

Looks like they will be added to the list then.

Since I'm awake at this crazy time watching the World Cup I have decided to have a look at mudguards & have come across these.

https://www.themudhugger.co.uk/

Anyone know if they are any good?

The Rookie

Look like they will just fill with mud and clog.....

Tavish11

Any suggestions The Rookie

cooldad

Mucky Nutz stuff - cheap and works. If you must have mudguards.

rockmonkeysc

Water bottle or hydration pack is missing from your list. I prefer a hydration pack (Camelbak Mule) because I can carry other crap in it as well.

Tavish11

cooldad I will have a look at them thanks.

RockmonkeySC I was thinking about getting a hydration pack because I'm assuming there good for carrying spare tubes, tools etc in.

Tavish11

Gutted that I couldn't get my bike today, apparently there is going to be no M size for 3-4 weeks

The Rookie

The tesco direct hydration pack is excellent value, just enough room for essentials in the extra compartments.

Tavish11

The Rookie which one are you referring too as they have loads :?

http://www.tesco.com/direct/force-cycle ... d=135-2175

http://www.tesco.com/direct/unisex-spor ... d=570-4619

http://www.tesco.com/direct/esprit-10l- ... d=580-2609

cooldad

None of those actually come with a bladder, they just have a hole for the hose.

Try this

http://www.tesco.com/direct/tesco-hydra ... d=215-1572

Tavish11

Thanks cooldad I will get that during the week. Just got to wait for my bike to come in stock now.

chrisw333

Re Mudhuggers - they don't just clog with mud. People shoot sometimes from the hip with advice on here. They work well and have several magazine reviews agreeing with this.

They are pretty much the best mudguards you can get (rear at least) for comprehensive protection. Whether this is something your after (some people feel more manly riding without guards) or the aesthetics are to your taste is obviously personal choice. But if you want the best mud guards, these are them.

batmo

chrisw333 wrote:

some people feel more manly riding without guards

There are few things in the MTB world more manly than a wet bottom...