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| 1. A good set of flat pedals - for those that use flats All too often I see guys with lots of missing spikes, or they are bent, ground off, or not long enough. It is a crucial point of contact between you and your bike, if that point of contact is vague, then the chances are so is the way you ride your bike. Get a good set of pedals that have plenty of spikes, are repairable, have a very low platform, spin freely, and don't stick out too much in the name for ground clearance. |
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| 2. A handle bar mounted timer with a remote stop / start switch If you DH race, then the only one thing that can measure true performance is a clock. You can do splits, full race runs, use it to compare any changes you may make (tires, suspension, race lines, tuck or pedal, etc...) Even if you race cross country, how will you ever know if your training is making your faster if you never measure you lap times? |
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| 3. A good set of race tires Keep them for racing, until they are flogged and then down grade them to training tires. Schwalbe do a great range, that work in all sorts of conditions. New tires roll faster, grip better, and are more puncture resistant. Choose the tire that suits the terrain you will be racing on, and consider things like rolling resistance, weight, size and compound. |
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| 4. A bike cleaning kit A clean bike works better, looks better, and feels better. A Cleaning kit can consist of a brush, dish soap, a bucket and a hose. Or it can include things like pressure washers, chain cleaners, a box of rags - use rags, save the environment, not paper tools. Use a 'green cleaner'. And don't kill any dolphins by washing toxins down the drain. |
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| 5. Exercise equipment Small, simple things used the right way will do wonders for your strength and conditioning. The key word in there was 'USED', not stored in the garage. A Swiss Ball, a Medicine Ball, a jump rope, a pair of running shoes, a weight set, rubber bands, are some cheap and easy to use tools to make you better on a bike. The stronger and fitter you are, the easier the bike is to ride, you are less prone to injury, big obstacles seem smaller and you can ride longer at a faster pace. |
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| 6. A set of new grips Just like pedals are an important point of contact with your bike, so too are the grips. Worn out, dirty grips that creak and groan make your brain think that the bike is rickety, and you are less likely to trust your bike and feel good about your bike. Being fearless and at your best requires a 'good feeling' bike. Choose a lock on grip that is the right size for your hand. Most choose as thin as possible so that they can get a fully closed fist grip on the bar, but if your hand is big, or if you are doing longer rides, a fatter grip is better. 7.A training program Lack of fitness is one of those things that gets in the way of doing cool things all the time. If you are riding your bike, you are training, but a structured training program will target the specific energy systems needed for you sport, and help overcome your weaknesses. It is one thing that you do have control over, and there is a lot to be gained from having one. Whether you study up and write your own training program, or get somebody with experience to do it for you, the physiological benefits are almost matched by the psychological benefits. A fit rider can spend more time out there having fun, racing faster, and you will feel better in all areas of your life. 8.A skills clinic This is where you can actually buy skills and get taught the proper techniques for you. Reading about it in a book is one thing, but having somebody there to coach you through the fundamentals forces you to make a difference. It is unfortunate that most people learn bad habits before they learn proper technique. Unless you have somebody pointing out a way to improve your riding technique, it is very difficult to improve. Even the top pros practice and refine their skills. Better skills means a safer ride with more fun to be had. |
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| 9. New lenses for your goggles or glasses Swapping out a new lens for the scratched up lenses that look like they have been used as beer coasters, is the same as having a thorn removed from your ass. On a subconscious level as much as on a conscious level. Get a few new lenses to have on hand so you can swap them out as soon as they get scuffed. 10.Grease gun Your bike has bearings and pivots all over it. Plus a few tight fitting bolts, posts, bars, etc... When these things get wet and dirty, they don't seem work as well. Your wheels don't roll, pivots creak, your seat post gets stuck. A grease gun can help push grease into where it needs to go, and as it goes into bearings, it pushes out the poopy looking grit that is causing all the problems. A grease gun is an easier way to store and dispense grease without getting it everywhere. A smooth rolling, noise free, well lubed beast is what you want. |
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| 11.Cold weather riding gear Just because it is cold and dark most of the day, it doesn't mean you can't get in a quick bike ride. It will be that much more enjoyable if you are not cold and wet. Gore Tex (or Gore Tex style fabric) socks and gloves, a 'light weight' rain jacket that covers your neck, a thermal undershirt, some thermal tights to put under your pants, if there's room under your skinny jeans. A skull cap under your helmet will do wonders too. If you are from Down Under, the cold won't be such an issue, get some ice cubes instead. Seriously. A cold drink is awesome for you, plan for it. 12.A mud guard Even a little one on your fork will make life much easier. Keeps mud off your bike, and out of your eyes - which is particularly handy if you ride where dogs walk and poop!! |
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