My Favorite Mountain Biking Products

Some of my favorite products for riding 🚵🏾

I started Mountain Biking in High School. These were formative times. Front suspension hit the scene with Rock Shox and Manitou. I purchased a Gary Fisher Pro Caliber and spent a few years biking at my High School as a “sport”. It was awesome.

Gary Fisher was purchased by Trek and my bike was replaced under warranty for a Carbon Fiber OCLV frame (first generation carbon Mountain Bike). These were still front suspension “hard tails” so not so comfortable for riding trails, but suspension bikes were beasts at the time.

From there, I took a nearly 20-year break from Mountain Biking. That is until last summer. We have a “Tiny House” cabin up on Lake Whatcom, in Bellingham Washington. I discovered that we are blessed with one of the best mountain biking trail systems in the Pacific Northwest (Galbraith Mountain). We are also home to the headquarters of Mt Bike maker Transition.

Bikes have changed a lot in 20 years. Last summer I test drove and purchased an eMTB with a “mullet” - which means 27.5 inch rear wheel and 29 inch front wheel. The bike is a “half power” eMTB meaning it’s a hybrid and it can be ridden without the battery. Why? eMTBs are not allowed on all trail systems yet, although Bellingham approved a measure this winter to allow them on Gailbraith.

I really like this bike and for my needs it’s superb. I don’t ride for more than 3 hours, and it is powerful to take the edge of climbs but it’s also a lot lighter than most eMTBs.

In addition to this bike, I’ve also got some recommendations and tips.

Helmets

My son and I were riding in March when a fall sent us to the emergency room, and he ended up with seventeen stitches on his face and a concussion.

If we had been riding with full coverage helmets, he would have still ended up with a concussion, but his face would be in-tact. I wish I had known the benefits of riding with a full coverage helmet. From now on we will have them.

I found helmets that were super light and comfortable. The Kali Invader 2.0. It’s not downhill certified for racing which allows it to be more lightweight and comfortable. With this helmet you get front face protection as well as your brain.

I like my face and don’t wat it cut

Bike Rack

I’ve done tons and tons of research on Bike Racks. I always get a hitch on my cars so I can easily add a hitch mounted Bike Rack. I was about to get a 1Up rack when I discovered the QuikrStuff Quik Rack Mach2. This thing is the GOAT. It takes seconds to put the bike on and take it off and there are no annoying straps or plastic securing your bike.

There are so many reasons to love this rack.

• No tools needed to install

• Adjusts to kid bike up to my Bike which is an XL bike with 29inch tires.

• Handles eBikes without any problem. Each of my Bikes is 50lbs. Weight is limited by the specs of your car. My Tesla Model Y has a limit of vertical loads of 160 lbs (including the bike rack). This means I am limited to two bikes.

• You can combine and add extensions to your bike rack, which means it’s easy for me to have one or two bikes at any time.

• One bike rack allows me to fold it up and leave it on my car without interfering with the tailgate

• Locking system is clever

• 100% aluminum parts

• Folds up to be compact in garage.

I feel very confident using this bike and driving on the highway with two bikes

Accessories

High Above Cascade is a local Bellingham company that makes the best fanny packs. You can order them with integrated Fidlock bottles and buckles.

This is what I ride with including their first aid kit. NEVER go biking without a first aid kit that has some anti-bleeding products.

OneUp products are great.

These EDC products are must have to carry with you. It’s a combination pump and tire repair kit.

Fidlock Bottles - are so great! No cage to deal with!

I reviewed the Milo Communicator a while back, and these are excellent for communicating with your riding group!

Cleaning

The Topeak Tune-Up Stand X is a great stand to hold your bike while you clean it and service the drive train.

I use Muc Off Products for all my cleaning. This 8-1 cleaning kit is a good starter kit.

If you are confused about what to get, you can watch this video

Finally, I suggest getting the Trail Forks app. I use this with my Peak Design case and bike mount. It has not fallen off yet.

Also, if you are enjoying the trails, you are riding, consider donating to your local MTB association such as WMBC. Most of these trails are maintained by volunteers.

Stay safe and enjoy.