Mountain Biking Adventures
Recommended Clothing and Equipment

Our mountain biking adventures will put you, your bike and your personal equipment to the test so it is vital that you are properly equipped. This will ensure that your adventure is safe, trouble free and fun.

We have developed the following equipment list from personal experience and hope that you will find it useful. Should you have any further queries please do not hesitate to contact us.

Mountain Bike
The key ingredient! We will be riding some of the toughest trails in Scotland and a sub-standard bike or one which has not been properly maintained will not last the distance. A full suspension bike is generally best although many (including some of us) ride hard tails. We don’t like to put a price on things but as a rule if your bike has an RRP of less than £450 you are probably better off hiring one of our bikes.

Spend some time going over your bike pre-departure or have it serviced. This will make all our lives easier and leaves more time for the pub.

Note: if you are flying up with your bike try and use a soft bike bag, as we do not have facilities to store hard bike boxes. Sometimes your Glasgow hotel may be able to store it for you but please check in advance.

Maintenance Kit
Our backup vehicle carries a full tool kit, cleaning kit as well as a limited number of spare parts should you suffer mechanical problems. You will still need to bring your own basic maintenance kit to cover trail side problems. On our seven day adventures this should include: 2 spare tubes, puncture repair kit, pump, tyre levers, multi-tool, oil, spare brake blocks/pads as well as any parts that your bike goes through on a regular basis. A lock is also a good idea.

Any spares/parts/supplies that you use from the backup vehicle will be charged at RRP.

Helmet
Bike helmets are required on all our adventures. Please ensure that yours is CE approved.

Cycling Clothing
The weather in Scotland can be character building, but with the proper clothing you will love it. This list may seem extensive but even in the middle of summer mountain weather can be extreme.

Cycling shorts – padded shorts are essential, bring as many pairs as you have to save washing.
Shoes – SPD systems are great but can get uncomfortable on long walks, the tread must be good so that the cleat does not stand proud. Boots/outdoor shoes are also fine although you do of course lose pedalling efficiency. For trail based weeks such as the Seven Stanes footwear choice is personal and many people prefer riding flats and skate shoes. Try and bring an extra pair though.
Layers – The layering system is widely regarded as the best solution to keeping comfortable. Wear a good wicking base layer, wear or carry a warm layer (fleece or soft shell) and have a waterproof outer layer for wet days.
Extremities – Cycling gloves/mitts are essential and warm waterproof gloves will also come in handy on our adventures. Warm hats are also great and bring a good supply of socks. Wool socks are fantastic at keeping your toes warm. Some also find overshoes useful late/early season or in the winter.

Water Bottle/Hydration System
Camelbak is the most popular hydration system on the market today and a small rucksack is very useful for carrying snacks and spare clothing. A water bottle is a good alternative.

Casual Clothing
Don’t forget to pack your change of clothes for when you finish the days activities.

Miscellaneous
The following will also help to make your trip a pleasant one. Insect repellent, sun cream, lip salve, tissues, small personal first aid kit, whistle, torch, compass (long distance only)

Kit bag
You will need a kit bag for your clothing/gear to be transferred in each day. Please do not bring hard suitcases as these are awkward to pack in the support vehicle. Soft kit bags/duffle bags are ideal. Please also try and stick to a 15kg weight limit.