Mountain biking is much more than quietly cycling around an urban bike path. Going off-road takes you to breathtaking scenery, fresh air and new challenges and perspectives. Before you begin your mountain biking adventure, make sure you are prepared. Here are important things to bring with you.

Tire Repair Kit

Don’t leave your tire repair kit at home. A flat tire will immediately cut your adventure short and could mean a very long hike back to the trailhead and your car. Some bike repair kits contain a patch kit as well, but don’t count on it. Bring an extra tire repair kit just in case and make sure it contains a bike tire sealant to handle small punctures quickly and easily.

Water

Water is essential for any mountain biking trip. Always carry at least twice as much as you imagine you will need. For daylong journeys, you might consider using a hydration pack. These are worn like a backpack, and they hold a lot of water. If you are heading deep in the wilderness, you should also consider bringing water purification tablets or a survival water filter straw or bottle in case something happens and you are stranded for a time.

Small First Aid Kit

If you are lucky, you will avoid cuts, scrapes and sprains, but you need to be prepared for these injuries, just in case. Take a small first aid kit with you so that you can treat problems quickly. At minimum, you should include antiseptic sprays or creams, gauze bandages, medical tape, pain medicine, a chemical ice pack and elastic bandages.

Mini Air Pump and Pressure Gauge

Maintaining the right pressure in your tires will make biking easier and will help protect the bike. Bring a mini air pump and a pressure gauge to keep your tires inflated at the perfect pressure.

Quick and Easy Energy Foods

Mountain biking can be rigorous. Make sure to bring food to keep your body fueled and your energy levels up. Lightweight, small and full of nutrition, protein energy bars won’t take up much space but will provide you with much-needed energy boosts along the trail. Bring more than you think you will need in case of any unforeseen circumstance. Other great snacks for mountain biking are dried fruit, nuts, trail mixes, peanut butter and crackers, beef jerky and bananas.

Bike Tools

The last thing you want when mountain biking is for your bike to become completely disabled. Avoid the headache of having to walk back to civilization by bringing all of the tools you might need to fix your bike. This includes a chain breaker and extra chain, which are not always included in repair kits. It’s a good idea to include baby wipes and a degreasing cleaner, like dish soap, for cleaning muck off of your hands afterward.

GPS or Compass

In ideal cases, you will know where you are traveling and you will know how to return safely. Nevertheless, it is always smart to bring a GPS or a compass to help you navigate if you lose your way.

Headlamp

If your bike suffers a flat or other issue in a dim area of the woods or at dusk, you will be thankful you brought a headlamp. You will have illumination that is convenient and hands free. New headlamps have bright LED bulbs and many are also equipped with a strobe setting to signal for help in an emergency.

Goggles

You probably already plan to bring a good pair of biking sunglasses, but pack a pair of goggles as well. You will be grateful for these if you are caught in rainy weather. Goggles will protect your eyes from wind and rain better than sunglasses.

Rain Poncho

In many areas popular for mountain biking, rainstorms can rise up quickly in the afternoon. Pack a rain poncho to stay dry if this happens. Look for these emergency ponchos anywhere that sells camping or hiking gear.

Personal Defense Equipment

When it comes to avoiding certain types of trouble, being on a bike has advantages over walking. However, when you go mountain biking into the backcountry, you need to be prepared for all potential hazards, including wildlife. If you are biking in bear country, this means bringing bear spray and having it at the ready at all times. Bear spray is specially concentrated pepper spray that shoots a stream reaching a distance of around 30 to forty feet. It also works on mountain lions and other predators.

When in doubt, go ahead and bring it. This should be the motto of any mountain biker exploring new trails, especially in the wilderness. Remember that mobile phones don’t often have a good signal when you are away from towns or cities, and you need to be prepared to deal with accidents, injuries and other emergencies that could arise when biking.

Cycling is an enjoyable activity for many people in different age groups and lifestyles. It is an excellent way to do something fun and exercise at the same time. Whether you are doing it as a hobby or sport, biking is an excellent way of keeping in shape and enjoying the outdoors. By cycling regularly, you reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart illnesses, and stroke. It also helps to keep your weight under control while boosting your mood. Here are some tips for road biking.

Before you start

Many people cycle as a form of exercise. It is advisable to see your physician in case you have any existing health problems or concerns before you start road biking. A good, well-maintained bike including a shopping bike, a 10-speed racer, or a mountain bike will do for road biking over short distances.

If you intend to go road biking with a used bike, consider having it serviced first before heading out for your biking adventure. If you are looking for a new bike, there are various models and brands to choose from including mountain, hybrid, and road bikes. You can get invaluable advice on the type of bike that will be suitable for you and your budget in a bike shop.

If you would like to cycle to work, find out if your company has a cycle to work program. The program may enable you to buy bikes and bike riding equipment at affordable rates. People with physical disabilities can also find customized bikes that they can use for riding.

How to cycle safely

First, you need to have the proper riding gear including a helmet as well as elbow and kneepads. If you are a first-time cyclist, practice riding in a safe place such as a park or in your backyard. Always ensure that all parts of your bike are functioning before heading out for a ride. Plan your route beforehand to avoid confusion. In addition, be alert every time you are on the road and observe traffic rules.

If you are new to cycling, consider riding on roads with less traffic before progressing to main roads. Practice riding with one hand because it will make it easier for you to make hand signals, which are very important when road biking. If you are not confident cycling on the road, consider taking cycling lessons.

Adults can cycle for at least 2 hours and 30 minutes as part of their weekly workout routine. On the other hand, an hour of moderate to vigorous cycling daily is adequate for children and teenagers. People who are just starting can start slow and build up as they continue. Consider taking deep breaths when cycling. Start slowly and build up on speed as you go.

How to stay motivated

Once you make road biking a part of your workout routine, you will be motivated to do it regularly. You can use websites and cycling applications to develop a road biking plan. Having a riding companion will also help you stay motivated.

Cycling to work is one of the easiest ways of accommodating exercise into your routine. It can also help you cut on transport costs. Find the shortest route by getting a free bike map from your local council. You may also allow your kids to cycle to school because it will them improve their concentration, health, and confidence. However, accompany your kids if they are riding to school by cycling next to them to and from school. In addition, ensure they wear safety helmets and knee and elbow pads every time they go road biking.

Stay motivated by joining bike rides. Consider signing up for a charity ride or park cycles. These provide excellent means of experiencing the outdoors and meeting fellow cycling enthusiasts. It is the best way to experience outdoors and even meet fellow cyclers. Road biking is an excellent means of exploring country and city sceneries.

Making Your Bike Go Faster

Once you master the art of road biking, you may want to boost the speed of your bike. Aerodynamics and the weight of the bike determine its speed.

One of the best means of improving the speed of your bike is by reducing friction between the tires and the road. Consider replacing thick bike tires with thinner ones. Consider a tire that is in the range of 19mm to 25 mm and use the recommended tire pressure for the tire size.

The wheels of a bike play an important role in determining its speed. Consider purchasing strong wheels that can handle road biking, but are as light as possible.

Spokes can cause drag and slow down the bike. Choose a bicycle wheel with as few spokes as possible. Although deep rim wheels can help improve the speed of your bike, they are only recommended if your average speed is more than 20mph. Since the wheels and tires have the greatest impact on the speed of a bike, consider replacing the wheels and tires with more effective ones.

Choosing the proper bicycle helmet for yourself or a loved one is no small matter. After all, a high-quality, proper-fitting helmet can be life saving. Choosing a helmet is not as simple as going to your nearest superstore and finding a helmet in your favorite color. There are many factors to consider when choosing a bike helmet, like the type of helmet, its construction, the sizes offered and its special features. Read on to discover how to choose the proper bike helmet and to read some reviews of top bike helmets on the market.

Bike Helmet Features

If you’re new to cycling, it can be nearly impossible to make sense of the many features and components of a bike helmet. Don’t be intimidated. The two primary parts of a bicycle helmet are the shell and the liner. The shell serves to house and maintain the integrity of the liner. The liner is made of shock-absorbent material to diffuse the force of a fall before it reaches a rider’s head. A lightweight, yet very safe, helmet will have much more light, protective liner than an inexpensive or poorly constructed helmet.

When reading specs on or descriptions of various bike helmets, you may find references to ventilation, visor and straps. Vents allow air to flow through the helmet’s shell and liner cool your head. Ventilation also reduces the weight of a helmet. Road bike helmets often include ample ventilation to maximize the rider’s speed. It should be noted, however, that vents are holes in the liner of a bike helmet and reduce shock absorption.

Different riders will prefer different strap arrangements. Choose a strap design you find comfortable and invest the time in fitting it properly to your head. The fit of a helmet is often regarded as more important the the helmet itself.

Visors are most commonly found on mountain bike helmets. While it may seem like a negligible detail, a hair port, or hole in the helmet to fit a ponytail, can drastically impact the fit and safety of a helmet. Riders with long hair should look for a helmet that features a hair port to ensure the perfect fit.

Finally, some helmets include Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) technology. With an inner layer that fits and rotates with your head, a helmet with MIPS technology reduces the impact of twisting forces on your brain.

Types of Bicycle Helmets

Different biking or cycling activities require different kinds of helmets. Recreational helmets are the least expensive option. These helmets come in a variety of patterns and styles to satisfy any taste. If you ride bikes sporadically, a sturdy and comfortable recreational bike helmet may be all you need. However, if you ride on roads or on off-road terrain frequently, you might need a helmet with more protection and safety features tailored to your recreational activity, such as a road bike helmet or a mountain bike helmet.

Aerodynamics and speed are the priorities of a road cyclist, and a road bike helmet reflects that fact. Typically a road bike helmet is lightweight and well ventilated. Road bike helmets lack visors, which can slow you down and obstruct your view. The glossy surface of a road bike helmet minimizes friction with abrasive surfaces like a road.

Mountain bike helmets, on the other hand, offer more well-rounded protection. The vents of mountain bike helmets are designed for maximum airflow even at low speeds. That means your head will be cool and comfortable even as you slowly peddle your way over rocks, crags and hills. Mountain bike helmets typically incorporate a visor to shield the face from sunlight and full coverage over the back of the head.

Bike Helmet Sizing

Once you’ve identified the type of helmet you want and familiarized yourself with the various helmet features, you must determine what size of helmet you need. When ordering a helmet online, it is extremely important to measure head circumference around the widest part of your head to ensure proper fit. Compare your head circumference to a sizing guide or the helmet’s specifications.

Some helmets come with sizing pads that further customize the fit to your unique head shape. These pads can also be purchased separately. If you are between helmet sizes, opt for the larger size and adjust with pads. The helmet should be tight enough to stay on your head through multiple points of impact; however, it should not be uncomfortably tight. Be sure you can fit one or two fingers beneath the chin and side straps to reduce chaffing and discomfort. A local bicycle shop can help you adjust your helmet to the perfect size and fit.

Top Recreational Bike Helmet Picks

If you’re looking for an attractive, multipurpose recreational bike helmet, the Critical Cycles Class Commuter Bike/Skate/Multi Sport CM-1 Helmet is a solid choice. This is a perfect helmet for someone who rides for pleasure, on bike paths or short distances to and from work or school. The helmet is praised for its ease, comfort and curb appeal. It’s protective without being bulky. It also looks great comes in multiple colors. In terms of safety, the helmet performs well for the price and purpose. Few vents allow for ample shock-absorbing lining. The helmet offers three sizes and optional pads to customize fit. The inner padding also wicks away sweat to reduce irritation and chaffing around the head and ears.

For more of an investment, the Nutcase is the most popular recreational bike helmet on the market. The retro shape features a small, detachable visor and comes in a range of prints, from cherry blossoms to racing stripes. The helmet stands out as easy to fit, with three sets of pads in different thicknesses. The size is adjusted with a dial that fine-tunes width. It is a safe choice featuring few vents, EPS lining and crush zones to absorb shock.

Top Road Bike Helmet Picks

For half the price of its major competitors, the Giro Revel Helmet is a great all-around road bike helmet. The men’s and women’s versions differ slightly in fit. It features ample ventilation for comfort and a poly-carbonate glossy shell. It is super light, weighing in at 1.4 pounds, and aerodynamic. It comes with a visor that can be snapped on if desired. Needless to say, this helmet gets top marks for speed. When it comes to safety, the helmet ranks high for a road helmet. It does have numerous vents, which reduce the amount of EPS lining that can be included in the helmet; however, it is equipped with an Acu Dial Fit System that allows one-hand adjustments. There is also an optional ponytail adjustment. This helmet is bright and reflective for optimum visibility.

For the most devoted road cyclist, the Smith Optics Overtake Helmet is a sound investment. This helmet tops its class in performance and safety, which explains why it is consistently touted as the top road bike helmet for serious cyclists. Constructed from Koroyd material, this helmet utilizes advanced technology to absorb more energy with impact. The Overtake Helmet is extremely lightweight, at nine ounces, for impressive aerodynamics. It comes in multiple sizes for customized fit. Riders consistently praise this helmet as the best-fitting and most comfortable road bike helmet on the market. It also comes in 12 colors to perfectly match your ride. Although there are no frills or special features, this helmet is a solid choice for serious riders.

Top Mountain Bike Helmet Picks

For a serious mountain biker, the Giro Montaro MIPS Helmet can’t be beat. The helmet is fairly sleek compared to other mountain bikes on the market for faster speeds and attractive look. Another useful feature of this helmet is the POV adjustable visor, allowing full visibility on any terrain. In terms of safety, MIPS technology protects the head and brain by reducing the shock of rotational force. This feature is incredibly important on the uneven terrain of off-road adventures.

Another contender for favorite mountain bike helmet is the Bell Super 2 MIPS Helmet. This helmet is extremely lightweight for a mountain bike helmet, weighing in at only 12.7 ounces. It is also well ventilated and comfortable. The interior padding wicks away sweat to keep chin and side straps from chaffing on long, hot rides. This mountain bike helmet features a camera mount for filming adventures and interfaces with your phone to send GPS distress signals in the event of a crash. In addition to those innovative safety features, the helmet uses MIPS technology and comes in three sizes to ensure a perfect fit.

While it can be intimidating at first, buying a bike helmet comes down to a few important factors: weight, ventilation, lining, material and fit. Make sure to do your research, take time to properly adjust your helmet’s fit and choose the right helmet for your activity. If your helmet is comfortable, safe and appropriate, you’ll be glad to wear it, sporting your helmet head with pride.