Thanks to Timmy Waites, head honcho at Rocky Top Bicycles for helping me put together this installment of bike essentials. The photo above shows his recommendations for a casual, couple-hour mountain bike ride. Starting at the back of the photo and moving left to right we have: water bottle, seat bag, fuel (Braaap bar and Shot Bloks), tire levers, CO2 cylinder with adapter, 4 to 5 extra chain links, master link, spare tube, bike multi-tool with chain breaker or bike multi-tool and chain breaker.
For longer more epic rides Timmy suggests adding a hydration pack, headlight or flashlight, more food (more than you think you’ll eat), a small first aid kit, space blanket, whistle and a map of the area. Add another spare tube and CO2 cylinder and you should be good to go. Tip: a couple wraps of duct tape around a CO2 cylinder makes a handy tire patch. Hiking staples like a compass and matches or a lighter don’t weigh much so why not put them in that hydration pack. Always check the weather before you go out on a longer mountain bike ride. Finally it’s always a good idea to take that cell phone, and tell someone where your going and when you expect to be back.