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hobie · 03-12-2008, 09:24 PM

hi all!
so i have been commuting for a month now on my new MTB. i am a novice rider. i am wanting to do some trails when i get a weekend off sometimes. BUT, i dont have a clue what to bring or wear as i have no experience.

here is what i have. right now i wear some synthetic shorts and shirts from target on my ride to work. i carry on my bike a tube, tire tool, allan wrenches, patch stickers in the saddle bag, and mini pump. thats it.

and i have a back pack for hauling my big stuff.

what else do i need? water bottle or 2 water bottles? what about shoes and pedals? is it a must for clipless pedals? helmet? helmet liner? do yall carry back packs?

bascially, before i go and try to ride some trails what else do i need that i dont know about so i dont show up and look stupid and unprepared

davidB · 03-12-2008, 09:27 PM

all you'll ever need
and here

Red Hot Sloth · 03-12-2008, 09:29 PM

From San Diego!!!
And this thread should help out

What do you carry with you on ride/Whats in your Camelbak?

OldDogDan · 03-12-2008, 09:31 PM

A helmet is a must -- you oughtta wear one on the commute too -- fenders and curbs hurt at least as much as rocks. Otherwise what you've got is fine, as long as the shorts let you slide on & off the saddle without getting hung up. Water bottles and/or Camelbak is a must. Lots of people like an energy drink in one and water in the other. I bring a bandanna also for wiping off blood, mud, or grease. You can search the forums -- there's lots of threads on what people carry, but you've got the basics already. Have fun!

hobie · 03-13-2008, 03:04 AM

thanks for the links. i read thru all the post. thanks for not flaming me about asking newb question. i am working 15 hour days right now and i dont have time to search and read thru forums like i would usually do when i am looking for info.

so i have 2 questions.

now that i have a list of stuff to get (i already have most of it in my pack for multi-day hikes), where does everyone carry all this stuff? back pack or does everyone have pannier racks?

and should i get clipless pedals?

un-kola · 03-13-2008, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

thanks for the links. i read thru all the post. thanks for not flaming me about asking newb question. i am working 15 hour days right now and i dont have time to search and read thru forums like i would usually do when i am looking for info.

so i have 2 questions.

now that i have a list of stuff to get (i already have most of it in my pack for multi-day hikes), where does everyone carry all this stuff? back pack or does everyone have pannier racks?

and should i get clipless pedals?

Most people use a Camelback type of backpack to carry water and whatever they need,tools spare tubes,food,etc.As far as clipless pedals go,some people love'em,some people are ok just using flats.(Personally I like them.)Since you're just starting out,you might wait awhile until you feel that you're ready to try them.Also don't worry about getting flamed,you don't see that here.That's not what we're about.Besides,we were all new at one time and had the same questions.You might want to join us on the ride in Marshall Canyon in LaVerne on the 22nd of this month.This ride is for new members and new riders such as yourself.We don't leave anybody behind and afterwards we go get a bite to eat and drink.Hope to see you out there. - Lloyd

CalEpic · 03-13-2008, 07:41 AM

If you don't already have a pair, look into dedicated riding shorts. The chamois pad in the crotch makes all the difference in the world on long rides.

schleppp · 03-13-2008, 07:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

thanks for the links. i read thru all the post. thanks for not flaming me about asking newb question. i am working 15 hour days right now and i dont have time to search and read thru forums like i would usually do when i am looking for info.

so i have 2 questions.

now that i have a list of stuff to get (i already have most of it in my pack for multi-day hikes), where does everyone carry all this stuff? back pack or does everyone have pannier racks?

and should i get clipless pedals?

I shove it all down my shorts, the ladies love it!!!

Like mentioned above, get a camelback or something of that nature. Don't worry about the pedals just yet, just get comfortable on the bike and go from there.

Also, you will never get flamed for a question here. You may get ribbed a little though. We were all newbies at somepoint. Except Two-wheel Lee, I think he started as an expert!!

jeffj · 03-13-2008, 08:10 AM

Don't sweat being new to the sport, site, whatever

Anybody here that goes after newbies for politely asking questions should, and generally does, get their eyes pecked out (figuretively speaking) pretty quickly

It sounds to me like you got most of what you need to get you going. The water bottle or Camelbak is pretty important, but you might want to start out with 2 water bottles for now. Then, get to know the sport a little better to decide which type of hydration pack you think you'd prefer or if you want one at all. You have a backpack, so it's not like you don't have anything to get started with.

The one thing I haven't seen you mention that I would rate fairly high is a pair of gloves for hand protection to go along with the helmet protecting your head. They also help maintain grip when your hands get sweaty.

Again, I wouldn't worry too much about clipless pedals for now. You have more than enough to worry about without complicating it too much at once.

Choice of riding attire is a personal thing. Most riders eventually gravitate towards some sort of riding shorts, but if it's not going to bother you physically to ride in the shorts you normally do (at least for now), don't feel like you need to have something in order to show up to ride with other riders. And I'll go ahead and answer this question for you right now: Yes, it's true that riding shorts were designed for riding without underwear

I learned long ago not to judge other riders by the way they dress or what kind of gear they show up with. Keep your rig maintained well so needless mechanical breakdowns are kept to a minimum, be friendly and participate and the rest will take care of itself as time goes on.

You're not too far way from me, so if you ever get a day off and want to sample the trails that lie a half hour's drive up the I-5, send me a PM and I'll be happy to show you around

hobie · 03-13-2008, 01:09 PM

wow. thanks for being cool about it all.

so i will head over to bicycle johns today and get another water holder bracket. 2 water bottles. a helmet and some gloves. i have some motorcycle gloves but i notice that the MTB gloves have the fingers cut off of them.

thank you for the invite. i will try to be there the 22nd if i can get that day off. thats just the thing i was looking for.

i might at least get some MTB shoes because i have already noticed that my tennis shoe soles fold over my pedals and its getting on my nerves.

thanks for the underwear tip

i have been wearing some running shorts that are underwearless. i will start looking at biking shorts as well.

ryandood · 03-13-2008, 02:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

wow. thanks for being cool about it all.

so i will head over to bicycle johns today and get another water holder bracket. 2 water bottles. a helmet and some gloves. i have some motorcycle gloves but i notice that the MTB gloves have the fingers cut off of them.

thank you for the invite. i will try to be there the 22nd if i can get that day off. thats just the thing i was looking for.

i might at least get some MTB shoes because i have already noticed that my tennis shoe soles fold over my pedals and its getting on my nerves.

thanks for the underwear tip

i have been wearing some running shorts that are underwearless. i will start looking at biking shorts as well.

not all mtb gloves have the fingers cut out, mine are full finger gloves. moto gloves are probably a bit much for mtnbiking though. you also may not need the mtb shoes quite yet either, I just ride with some vans and they work fine for me. definitely get the shorts though. They can be expensive but your groin region will thank you.

Misael441 · 03-13-2008, 02:12 PM

I agree w/ getting riding shorts. First time I went riding for 2 hrs.......the next day I felt it. Went out got shorts and eased the pain. I also take some small snack for the ride,always has come in handy.

hobie · 03-13-2008, 02:34 PM

okay. i will definetly get some shorts

northshore · 03-13-2008, 02:43 PM

beer...

slayer · 03-13-2008, 04:09 PM

are you the same hobie from pirate4x4?

DownHillPhil · 03-13-2008, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

okay. i will definetly get some shorts

Don't forget to pack a blue streak so when you fall and cut up your arm, you can pull it out and impress everyone with your "vocabulary"...

OldDogDan · 03-13-2008, 06:10 PM

I second the full-finger gloves! There are lightly padded XC types -- don't need to be full-on MX type.

un-kola · 03-13-2008, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

wow. thanks for being cool about it all.

so i will head over to bicycle johns today and get another water holder bracket. 2 water bottles. a helmet and some gloves. i have some motorcycle gloves but i notice that the MTB gloves have the fingers cut off of them.

thank you for the invite. i will try to be there the 22nd if i can get that day off. thats just the thing i was looking for.

i might at least get some MTB shoes because i have already noticed that my tennis shoe soles fold over my pedals and its getting on my nerves.

thanks for the underwear tip

i have been wearing some running shorts that are underwearless. i will start looking at biking shorts as well.

Yeah,good biking shorts(baggie or lycra),will make you feel a lot more comfortable during a ride.Moto gloves are a little heavy,so you might want to get bicycling glove wich are a bit lighter,especially during the summer.- Lloyd

hobie · 03-13-2008, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slayer

are you the same hobie from pirate4x4?

yep..hope thats a good thing, hahahaha

KeepsWhatHappens · 03-13-2008, 07:52 PM

First of all...don't wear underwear!!!

Never wear cotton!

You will eventually want clipless pedals. I suggest Shimano multi-release. cleats.

If you wear a Camelbak you don't need a bottle unless you are riding 3+ hours.

Helmet liner? F that.

You sound like you are prepared and will be fine. Enjoy and I hope to see you out there!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by hobie

hi all!
so i have been commuting for a month now on my new MTB. i am a novice rider. i am wanting to do some trails when i get a weekend off sometimes. BUT, i dont have a clue what to bring or wear as i have no experience.

here is what i have. right now i wear some synthetic shorts and shirts from target on my ride to work. i carry on my bike a tube, tire tool, allan wrenches, patch stickers in the saddle bag, and mini pump. thats it.

and i have a back pack for hauling my big stuff.

what else do i need? water bottle or 2 water bottles? what about shoes and pedals? is it a must for clipless pedals? helmet? helmet liner? do yall carry back packs?

bascially, before i go and try to ride some trails what else do i need that i dont know about so i dont show up and look stupid and unprepared

03-12-2008, 09:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
hobie Member	Trail Riding Items for Newb hi all! so i have been commuting for a month now on my new MTB. i am a novice rider. i am wanting to do some trails when i get a weekend off sometimes. BUT, i dont have a clue what to bring or wear as i have no experience. here is what i have. right now i wear some synthetic shorts and shirts from target on my ride to work. i carry on my bike a tube, tire tool, allan wrenches, patch stickers in the saddle bag, and mini pump. thats it. and i have a back pack for hauling my big stuff. what else do i need? water bottle or 2 water bottles? what about shoes and pedals? is it a must for clipless pedals? helmet? helmet liner? do yall carry back packs? bascially, before i go and try to ride some trails what else do i need that i dont know about so i dont show up and look stupid and unprepared

03-12-2008, 09:27 PM	#2 (permalink)
davidB ^needs to ride more	all you'll ever need and here __________________ WTB: NINER ONE 9 - large My SponsorHouse www.thepathbikeshop.com

03-13-2008, 07:41 AM	#7 (permalink)
CalEpic STR Moderator	If you don't already have a pair, look into dedicated riding shorts. The chamois pad in the crotch makes all the difference in the world on long rides. __________________ ShinKen: OOhhh helLSS YEsS!~!!! JoeTruth: As far as I'm concerned, I could really care less. Just ride your damn bike and STFU already

03-13-2008, 01:09 PM	#10 (permalink)
hobie Member	wow. thanks for being cool about it all. so i will head over to bicycle johns today and get another water holder bracket. 2 water bottles. a helmet and some gloves. i have some motorcycle gloves but i notice that the MTB gloves have the fingers cut off of them. thank you for the invite. i will try to be there the 22nd if i can get that day off. thats just the thing i was looking for. i might at least get some MTB shoes because i have already noticed that my tennis shoe soles fold over my pedals and its getting on my nerves. thanks for the underwear tip i have been wearing some running shorts that are underwearless. i will start looking at biking shorts as well. __________________ -Hobie

03-13-2008, 02:34 PM	#13 (permalink)
hobie Member	okay. i will definetly get some shorts __________________ -Hobie

03-12-2008, 09:29 PM	#3 (permalink)
Red Hot Sloth Banned	From San Diego!!! And this thread should help out What do you carry with you on ride/Whats in your Camelbak?

03-12-2008, 09:31 PM	#4 (permalink)
OldDogDan STR Veteran	A helmet is a must -- you oughtta wear one on the commute too -- fenders and curbs hurt at least as much as rocks. Otherwise what you've got is fine, as long as the shorts let you slide on & off the saddle without getting hung up. Water bottles and/or Camelbak is a must. Lots of people like an energy drink in one and water in the other. I bring a bandanna also for wiping off blood, mud, or grease. You can search the forums -- there's lots of threads on what people carry, but you've got the basics already. Have fun!

03-13-2008, 03:04 AM	#5 (permalink)
hobie Member	thanks for the links. i read thru all the post. thanks for not flaming me about asking newb question. i am working 15 hour days right now and i dont have time to search and read thru forums like i would usually do when i am looking for info. so i have 2 questions. now that i have a list of stuff to get (i already have most of it in my pack for multi-day hikes), where does everyone carry all this stuff? back pack or does everyone have pannier racks? and should i get clipless pedals?

03-13-2008, 08:10 AM	#9 (permalink)
jeffj Today: Sally O'Malley	Don't sweat being new to the sport, site, whatever Anybody here that goes after newbies for politely asking questions should, and generally does, get their eyes pecked out (figuretively speaking) pretty quickly It sounds to me like you got most of what you need to get you going. The water bottle or Camelbak is pretty important, but you might want to start out with 2 water bottles for now. Then, get to know the sport a little better to decide which type of hydration pack you think you'd prefer or if you want one at all. You have a backpack, so it's not like you don't have anything to get started with. The one thing I haven't seen you mention that I would rate fairly high is a pair of gloves for hand protection to go along with the helmet protecting your head. They also help maintain grip when your hands get sweaty. Again, I wouldn't worry too much about clipless pedals for now. You have more than enough to worry about without complicating it too much at once. Choice of riding attire is a personal thing. Most riders eventually gravitate towards some sort of riding shorts, but if it's not going to bother you physically to ride in the shorts you normally do (at least for now), don't feel like you need to have something in order to show up to ride with other riders. And I'll go ahead and answer this question for you right now: Yes, it's true that riding shorts were designed for riding without underwear I learned long ago not to judge other riders by the way they dress or what kind of gear they show up with. Keep your rig maintained well so needless mechanical breakdowns are kept to a minimum, be friendly and participate and the rest will take care of itself as time goes on. You're not too far way from me, so if you ever get a day off and want to sample the trails that lie a half hour's drive up the I-5, send me a PM and I'll be happy to show you around

03-13-2008, 02:12 PM	#12 (permalink)
Misael441 Junior Member	I agree w/ getting riding shorts. First time I went riding for 2 hrs.......the next day I felt it. Went out got shorts and eased the pain. I also take some small snack for the ride,always has come in handy.

03-13-2008, 04:09 PM	#15 (permalink)
slayer Senior Member	are you the same hobie from pirate4x4?

03-13-2008, 06:10 PM	#17 (permalink)
OldDogDan STR Veteran	I second the full-finger gloves! There are lightly padded XC types -- don't need to be full-on MX type.

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