-
Step 1
Shop for a bike helmet at a bike shop or sporting goods store. Try on several helmets to find the best and most comfortable fit: snug, but not tight, level and impossible to pull off once buckled. Check for a U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission sticker inside the helmet to make sure it meets safety standards.
-
Step 2
Carry one or two extra tire tubes wherever you go. Find the size and type of the tube you need printed on the sidewall of the mountain bike tire.
-
Step 3
Select a tube patch/repair kit that you can easily carry with you. It should include a tool for removing the tire from the bike's rim, several rubber patches, adhesive and a tool to scruff up the tube's surface before placing the patch.
-
Step 4
Mount a small bike pump to your mountain bike's frame in a spot where it won't interfere with your riding, such as under the top horizontal bar between your legs, or against the vertical section of the frame. Pump kits usually come with simple mounting hardware; if not, try sturdy plastic zip ties.
-
Step 5
Consider attaching a small bag under your seat to carry parts such as your tubes and repair kit. Bike stores sell different size bags, and most are easily attached and removed using adhesive hook and loop straps.
-
Step 1
Secure your trusty mountain bike-daily rider with a solid bike lock. Choose from a variety of styles, but heed the salesperson's advice as to the most up-to-date safeguards. Technologies are constantly changing--on both sides of the law.
-
Step 2
Carry all of your daily goods in a nice big handlebar basket--a bike commuter's favorite accessory. Select a size and style specially made for mountain bikes to make sure it doesn't interfere with your riding.
-
Step 3
Stay dry! Or, at least, drier. Slap a fender or two on your mountain bike to keep the tires from kicking water up on you in the rain. Front and rear models are easy to attach to the brakes or bike frame, often without need of tools.
-
Step 4
Consider mounting mirrors to the handlebars if you ride in a lot of traffic. A handy safety accessory, they are small, easy to attach and give you eyes in the back of your head!
-
Step 5
Light up your bike's path and show others where you are. For night riding, mount a headlight on the frame's neck and a taillight under your seat. Many models blink to bring more attention to your riding skills!
-
Step 1
Get a good grip and protect your hands with a pair of mountain bike gloves. Choose from full or fingerless styles depending on personal comfort, riding temperatures and level of protection desired.
-
Step 2
Get more out of your legs by attaching toe clips to the pedals. They will keep your feet in place on bumpy terrain and give you more power on your up-stroke.
-
Step 3
Drink up! Stay hydrated by attaching a water bottle holder to pre-positioned mounts on the mountain bike frame. Or, choose a personal hydration system that you can wear right on your back. Sporting goods and bike stores have a variety of styles to choose from.
