Mountain Biking: Getting Started

The Marlin is Trek’s introductory MTB range, offering some excellent value for money and is more than capable of holding its own against higher-end alternatives. The Marlin 7 is equipped with a sensible spec, combining both performance and durability to make it as reliable a ride as possible. Decked out with an air-sprung RockShox Judy fork you’ll have no trouble holding traction over roots and rocks, and the 1x10-speed Shimano gearing provides all the range you’ll need for steep inclines.

Whyte are well-known for their expertise in the MTB field, and the 429 is no different. This hardtail is intended to be a bike you can rely on, delivering high performance at a sensible price point. Whyte’s trail geometry is widely regarded as one of the best in the business – match that up with the RockShox Recon Silver TK fork and Shimano’s 1x10-speed Deore groupset, and you’ll struggle to beat this setup for the same price. 

The Rockhopper has been a staple of the Specialized MTB range since 1985, and for good reason! Equipping new riders with solid components that don’t cost the earth is crucial, and that’s exactly what Specialized have done with the Rockhopper Elite. The SR Suntour XCM fork soaks up rocks and roots like a champ, and 1x9-speed gearing from MicroShift is reliable, low maintenance, and even features a clutch-equipped rear mech for improved shifting on rough terrain.

Sleek and stylish, this helmet from Bontrager not only looks great, but has all the features and protection you need for tackling the trails. Well-ventilated, a visor to keep the elements away from your eyes and the cherry on top; MIPS technology! MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection System) is a free floating layer underneath the EPS foam, allowing the helmet to rotate with glancing impacts rather than transferring the force to your head. MIPS technology is the go-to choice for any rider, but usually comes with a slightly higher price tag – the Bontrager Solstice bucks that trend!

Your hands are one of the key contact points when riding your bike, so employing the use of gloves will keep you both comfy and confident thanks to the additional grip. Endura are experts in the field when it comes to off-road equipment, and their Singletrack gloves are a great choice for a rider of any ability. Silicone grippers allow you to maintain grip on bumpy terrain, and thin padding provides just enough cushion to maximise comfort without compromising dexterity on your handlebars (and they come in some funky colours too!).

While these might initially appear as a normal pair of trainers, the Crankbrothers Stamp Lace shoes have got a few tricks up their sleeves (or laces?). Comfortable yet supportive, the stiffened sole of these MTB shoes provide the perfect platform for stomping up hills and offering control and stability on descents. The tread pattern has been carefully designed to maximise grip with bigger lugs and appropriate spacing. While these may be one of the more premium products on this list, their excellent construction means they will serve you for many years to come, and when it comes to comfort we’d say it’s never worth compromising! 

When you’re out on the trails, mechanicals are bound to happen from time to time; it could be a loose seat clamp, a rogue cleat or your bars may be misaligned after a tumble. But fear not, there’s no need to carry a tool box on your back, a simple multi-tool will do the trick. Compact and lightweight, the Bontrager BITS multi-tool is the perfect pocket-sized piece of kit that’ll get you out of a sticky situation and back on the trails!

With all the will in the world, you won’t get far on your shiny new MTB without inflated tyres! Depending on the terrain, you’ll want to play around with your tyre pressure, and a pump with a gauge is the best way to do this. The advantage of a floor pump is speed and ease, ideal for use at home but also convenient to throw in your car or van if you’re driving to the trail centre. It’ll save you frantically using your hand pump after arriving and realising you forgot to top them up!

Compact, lightweight and convenient – hand pumps are extremely useful for on-the-go. Should you be unlucky enough to get a puncture on the trail head, the humble hand pump will be your saving grace! Get some air back in your tyres and roll back down to the car park. It might take a bit more time than usual, but it’ll save you a long walk back!