A Window on ... Mountain Biking Getting Started

	A Beginner's Shopping List These are the things you will need: Mountain bike Tool kit Suitable clothing Helmet
	Mountain bike This is the most expensive item of equipment you will need. For information about bikes see About Bikes.
	Tool kit These basic tools are essential for emergency repairs. Keep them in your back pack whenever you go out cycling. Pump A pump is essential to inflate tyres after a puncture or just to add extra air when tyres become deflated. Puncture Repair Kit The kit includes patches, rubber solution, sandpaper, chalk - and full instructions! In case of a puncture, it is also useful to have a spare inner tube and a set of tyre levers as some punctures cannot be repaired. The tyre levers help you remove and replace a tyre without damaging the inner tube. Allen keys Most mountain bikes have allen bolts so allen keys are needed to tighten any that are loose. A penknife-style set of allen keys that has a screwdriver included is a good buy because it keeps all the keys together and is lightweight to carry. Chain Breaker This simple device helps you to repair broken chains. Lock If you have to leave your bike for a few minutes you should protect it against theft with a bike lock. A D-lock is a secure bike lock that can be attached to a fixed object. As you become more involved with your bike, there are other tools that you can buy to carry out additional repairs.
	Suitable clothing Cycle shorts and a light top are comfortable to wear in the summer, but in the winter it is a good idea to wear layers of clothing that you can remove if you get too warm. Track suit bottoms may get caught in the chain if they are too loose, so leggings are better. It is always useful to carry good quality, lightweight waterproofs - just to be on the safe side! A good sports shop will stock most of the clothing you need. Look out also for cycle gloves - light ones for summer and warmer ones for winter.
	Helmet You should never ride without a good helmet. Ask your supplier to measure you for the right size and choose one that will give you the best protection.
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Last modified on: Tuesday, July 1, 1997.