Mountain bike gear I trust on the trails and off: My ultimate gear guide.
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Y’all, I love mountain biking. I wish I could bounce around the USA, trying different trails and meeting people who love mountain biking, too. Over the years, I’ve learned that having the right gear can make all the difference, whether riding rugged trails or cruising through the forest on winding paths. In this post, I’m sharing the gear I trust on and off the trails. From my go-to bike to the little extras that keep me safe and comfy, here’s what I use to make every ride the best.
My Specialized S-Works Epic Pro EVO RS: My ultimate mountain bike for trails.
First things first, let’s talk about my most important piece of gear: my bike. I ride an S-Works Epic EVO RS from Specialized, and finding it was quite the journey. I spent a good year trying different bikes, spending more money than I’d care to admit, only to sell them off when they didn’t feel right. But once I got my hands on this one, I knew I’d found the perfect match. The S-Works series from Specialized isn't cheap but worth every penny. Thanks to its carbon frame and high-end components, this bike is built to handle almost anything—from rocky trails to smooth singletrack and fast downhill runs.
Now, SRAM's XX1 Eagle AXS with next-gen wireless technology was new for me, and I wasn’t too sure if I’d like it at first. Turns out I love it. It makes shifting gears effortless and takes my riding experience to the next level. What makes this bike a keeper for me is its versatility. It’s light, fast, and handles like a dream, whether I’m on blue or black trails or taking it easy on a green. It’s the one piece of gear I wouldn't ever skimp on.
You can check out the latest version of my bike here: S-Works Epic 8. This link is perfect for exploring the newest features and components of the S-Works Epic series.
My S-Works Epic Pro EVO RS at Paul Douglas Forest Preserve leaning against a tree.
The new version of my bike, S-works Epic 8.
Clip vs. clipless pedals: My guide to choosing the best option.
One of the most talked-about topics among mountain bikers is whether to use clipless or flat pedals. Coming from my road and gravel biking days, I was all about the clipless. But when it comes to mountain biking, I find myself going back and forth. I use clipless, HT Components M2 oil slick pedals because they offer better control and power transfer when I'm racing, especially on those steep climbs where keeping your feet secure is a must.
I use Supacaz Krypto Pedal – CNC Alloy for everyday riding, though, in oil slick. But if I had to pick one, I’d say I’m a clipless rider.
See Supacaz Krypto Pedal in oil slick at Specialized.
These links provide options for getting your hands on these versatile pedals.
Mountain bike helmets I trust: My top picks.
I’ve tried many brands over the years, but I’ve become pretty particular about my gear. Okay, maybe I’m a bit picky about all of it. My helmet, though—that’s non-negotiable. No matter what, I always wear my helmet. When I’m just out for a casual ride, I usually wear my Oakley DRT3 Trail helmet. It was a bit of a random buy for me on a whim at my local bike shop, but I’ve loved it ever since. It fits just right and feels good.
When hitting more aggressive trails or doing downhill runs, I switch to my Smith Mainline MIPS Helmet. And if I’m racing, it’s the Smith Triad. All my helmets are Smith, except for the Oakley—including my ski helmet!
To see each helmet or purchase, click the images below:
Mountain biking knee pads: My favorite pick for protection.
Hands down, I love my knee pads. Both Kelly and I wear them. I tried a few and was hesitant on these, as what would Rapha know about mountain biking knee pads? But they know a lot. These are as comfortable as all their clothing lines, and they stay up, which is always a bonus when riding.
Kelly is wearing Rapha knee pads with mud splatter after mountain biking at Brown County State Park in Indiana.
Mountain bike gloves for every season.
Wearing gloves is important for keeping your fingers warm in the winter and mainly to protect your hands. If you fall and land hand first, you could seriously scratch your hands up. And trust me, riding with injured hands is no fun.
There are many reasons, and with that, many gloves. I’ll break these down by seasons:
Summer: Six Six One Raja Gloves. I discovered these gloves from a pro I follow on YouTube, Remy Matieller. I tried them and loved them. They are super light and breathable. (I am not affiliated with Six Six One.) Right now, they are on sale for $12.50. I wear an XS.
Fall:
Specialized Body Geometry Dual-Gel Long Finger Gloves: These are men’s gloves. I have small hands, and I wear a small in them.
Specialized Neoprene Gloves: I love these gloves. I used to have a similar pair from Rapha, but I lost them. They keep my hands snug. I wear a size small.
Winter: I don’t do much riding outside in the Winter.
MTB apparel I wear on the trails: Shorts and shirts.
My shorts:
Rapha Cargo Bike Shorts:
I love, love these shorts. I prefer wearing these under my bike shorts to liners for padding. And they have side pockets perfect for your iPhone. I purchased a lot of Rapha over the years, especially when I was more of a road cyclist. The reason: Rapha is super comfortable, soft, and premium in quality. Their apparel design is clean and modern. You get what you pay for with Rapha.
Stio Women's OPR Shorts:
I finally found a pair of mountain bike shorts that fit my booty, feel feminine, and are just the right length. I have three colors in these shorts: blue, light grey, and dark grey. Love them.
My shoes:
Shimano is my brand. I got into this brand because my team, Mox, color was blue, and it happens to be my favorite color, so big WIN. The team shoe for cyclocross was the Shimano. The shoes below are the newer versions of my clipless and flat pedal.
See the Shimano XC903 S-PHYRE Cycling Shoe at Competitive Cyclist: These are men’s shoes, and I wear a 38.
Best Mountain Bike Rack: Why I Choose Küat.
Image of Küat NV™ Base 2.0 2-bike hitch rack.
I’ve had a few bike racks over the years, and Küat is hands down the best. They stand by their products, too. A part of my bike rack got knocked off after getting caught in a snow drift, and they replaced the part for free. It’s not the cheapest rack, but in this case, you get what you pay for. The NV™ Base 2.0 2-bike hitch rack can expand to hold 3-4 bikes with attachments.
See Küat NV™ Base 2.0 2-bike hitch rack.
How I Track My Miles: Wahoo for the Win.
Wahoo all the way. I used to be a Garmin gal, but I switched to Wahoo a while ago because I like the simplicity of the user experience on Wahoo’s devices.
Apps I Use for GPS and Staying Found in the Forest.
Trailforks: Trailforks are the best for finding trails, mapping out your ride, and using them as GPS trackers. The GPS tracker will always work, but you must get a membership. It is well worth it if you are somewhere in the first without a signal. Download Trailforks.
Strava: They say if Strava didn’t capture your workout, it did not happen. Because a member of Strava then follow me on Strava.
How I Train in the Off-Season: Indoor Training Gear.
I have used the Wahoo Kickr Smart Trainer for years. I use Zwift for my training programs if I do not have a coach, which I have often had in the past.
See Wahoo Fitness KICKR Smart Trainer
How I Keep it All Together: My Go-To Gear Bag.
I use the Thule Bike Gear Locker Duffel. It is literally like a locker.
See Thule Bike Gear Locker Duffel
That’s My Gear.
So, that’s the gear I trust to keep me riding, whether I’m pushing through rugged trails or flowing through new terrain. Having reliable gear not only boosts confidence but also ensures every ride is as smooth and safe as possible.
Now Go Shred!
