- Here at GMBN, we love a good trail centre
but, as with any mountain biking,
being prepared is the name of the game.
- So these are the top 10 things we take with us
when going to a trail centre.
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- Number one, a car boot kit
that always stays in the back of my car.
That includes a track pump.
It's obviously much quicker than using a mini pump
but also really handy for solving any tubeless problems.
And then, I've got this bag that has inside it a toolkit.
So that's just this bum bag.
I've got tools that you probably wouldn't want to carry
out on the trail so
a shock pump, one of these Topeak kits
with a slightly bigger range of tools in there,
some chain lube, and there's also a mini pump.
Any sort of bits and bobs that you might need
like spare cleats.
Then, I've got a tube.
I actually take a 27.5 Presta
'cause that'll fit in, basically, anything.
Some spare clothes, t-shirts, in case I get wet.
Then I've got a towel just to wipe myself down,
just a small one there.
The essentials, a mat to get changed on.
This is actually a surfing mat
so you can stick this on the floor,
stop your feet getting wet,
stick all your muddy clothes in there,
and then it ties up to keep them all
from getting everything else in the back of the car wet.
Spare socks, take them everywhere I go.
- Whether it's a fast blast
or a longer ride at a trail centre,
you definitely wanna go with some spare parts.
We tend to put these inside our hydration packs
and just leave them in there.
Always carry a quality little mini pump.
Some riders like to carry CO2 cartridges
but they're a bit wasteful unless you're racing.
Definitely carry a spare inner tube or two.
We recommend carrying a Presta valve
'cause that'll fit any rim drilling
and make it a 27 1/2 inch because it'll fit 29
and 26 inch wheels too.
Couple of tyre levers, always a great idea.
Decent multi tool, make sure that your multi tool
has a chain splitter on it
because that's gonna happen time to time.
Always a good idea to take some cable ties
because you can fix most sorts of things with those.
We also like to keep some gear inner cables with us.
They're good for seatpost controls
and also, if you snap your rear mech cable,
good idea to fix that out on the trail.
We also like to carry a chain master link,
whether that's eight, nine, 10, 11, or even 12 speed.
It's a good idea for repairing a chain quick
out on the trail, nice and safe as well.
Finally, carry a little bag of bolts and spares.
Inside this, I tend to keep chainring bolts,
brake boss bolts, and cleat bolts for your shoes
which can also double up as disc brake bolts.
- Number three, water.
Now, some people prefer to carry a hydration pack
with a bladder inside.
I actually, generally prefer to use a water bottle
and a bottle cage on my bike.
But that's only 600 ml so if I'm going for a bigger ride,
I will resort to using a riding pack.
- Number four, pile of loose change.
Perfect for the car park
and getting the cheeky coffee on the way out.
Number five, riding kit.
Definitely need some good quality padded shorts,
faithful GMBN jersey, and, riding in the UK
or anywhere else in Europe,
probably a decent waterproof jacket
just to stash in that pack.
- Food. Now, it's always quite nice
to have something on you just in case you need it.
But, especially for those bigger rides,
you're going to need to fuel them properly.
Fruit and nuts are a great idea.
Also, you could use sport specific things like gels,
you've got tabs that can go in your drink,
and also a recovery drink for after is a pretty good idea.
- Protection. So, of course
at the very least, you're gonna need
a good mountain bike helmet.
Obviously, the better quality,
the better it is for your head.
And also pick a helmet that's suitable
for the type of riding you do.
So this is a trail helmet
and it comes down lower at the back of your head
to give you that bit more protection.
Pads, so you can think about knee pads and elbow pads.
Again, appropriate for the type of riding you do.
And also eyewear, especially important
if you're riding in wet conditions.
Stop anything getting in your eyes
and potentially damaging your eyeballs.
- Always take your phone with you as well.
Obviously for safety reasons if you need to ring anyone.
Good for taking videos, taking a picture of your bike
for Bike Vault on the Dirt Shed Show.
And of course, keep it nice and safe and waterproof
in one of our little pocpacs.
- Number 10, take a riding buddy with you.
Of course, riding by yourself is fun
but it can be more fun using your limits with someone else
and, of course, it's much safer.
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on what to wear in a bike park, click right here.
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