Best Mountain Bike Accessories

In a Hurry? Editors choice:
Unigear Hydration Pack
Test Winner: Unigear Hydration Pack
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Whether you’d rather be racing downhill on your favorite trail, or exploring the backcountry on a cross-country trek, mountain biking is a sport that allows you to truly explore the world around you in a much different way than hiking. And like most sports of this nature, having the best mountain bike accessories at your side is a great way to make the great rides even better. It’s important to make sure you have a great mtb helmet and durable mountain bike tires when it comes to any type of terrain. After reading through our list, you will be ready to take on any pathway.

Standout Picks

TeamObsidian Premium Quality Airflow Bike Helmet
When it comes to riding, especially on mountain trails, safety needs to be your first concern, and protecting your head should be at the top of the list. If you’re in the market for a helmet, one of the best we’ve found is this example from Team Obsidian.
Amazon Link
SAMLITE New Mini Bike Pump Portable
There will come a time, in your riding life, where having a tool in your best mtb accessories that can repair a flat easily will become a godsend. Trust us on this one. If you’re worried that this day will find you unprepared, consider getting this tool from Samlite. It’s easy to use, compact, and oh, so handy.
Amazon Link
Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack Backpack
Hydration is the key to everything. This hydration pack from Unigear is made to travel with you comfortably. It can hold 2.5-liters of liquid and features a bite cover on the house to keep the mouthpiece clean on any trail. This pack also has two additional pockets that are great for your phone and wallet.
Amazon Link
$33.99
Pro Bike Tool Bike Multitool 8 in 1 Reliable, Compact and Lightweight Repair Kit
If you want a tool that is a bit more versatile than the bike chain repair tool above, you’ll want to keep this one from Pro Bike Tool on your list. Designed to have most everything you need to make sure your mountain bike is in top shape, it’s one tool that you won’t want to leave home without.
Amazon Link
BLITZU Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
If you enjoy riding at night, or even during the early morning hours on the trail, you’ll want to have a good headlight lamp to help you see where you are going. This entry from BLITZU is a fantastic one that is easy to use and can withstand most of the obstacles encountered on the trail.
Amazon Link
$19.95
Fox Launch Enduro Knee Pads Large RED
When it comes to riding a tough trail, protection of more than just your head and hands can be important. Having knee pads that offer great overall protection and still provide a good deal of comfort and flexibility is essential. One of our favorite brands that help to accomplish these goals is provided by Fox Racing.
Fox Racing Reflex Gel Mountain Bike Gloves
If you think about it, your hands are an essential part of the riding equation. Not only do they help you steer and break over treacherous terrains, but they also help to make sure you and the bike remain as one, shifting gears as you go. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear bike gloves to help keep them protected and maximize your grip. One of the best choices we’ve found so far is the Reflex gloves from Fox Racing, designed for both dirt bike and mountain bike use.
Amazon Link
POC Crave, Lightweight Sunglasses
One of the great things about mountain biking is that you get to enjoy a wide range of outdoor settings, and see some wonderful landscapes. However, in order for you to truly see well while your riding, providing adequate protection for your eyes is a must. One of our favorites to do just that is the POC Crave sunglasses.
Amazon Link
$264.95
Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool with Chain Hook, Road and Mountain Bicycle Chain Repair Tool
If you do any serious riding on your mountain bike, chances are things will break while you’re on the trail. Having a tool to help you solve a few of those problems is a great asset. One of the best we’ve found so far is the Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool.
Amazon Link
$7.99
Alpinestars Paragon Elbow Guard
Believe it or not, your arms and elbows can take a serious beating when it comes to mountain biking, especially if you enjoy downhill or enduro riding. If you want some great protection for that area of your body, you’ll want to consider some great elbow guards, like these from Alpinestars.

Criteria Used for Evaluation

Overall Fit

Since there were quite a few different items that we thought would be the best mountain bike accessories, our criteria were somewhat varied. However, there were a number of general principles that we considered when filtering out the best accessories for mountain bikes in the market today.

The first is the overall fit. For products such as knee braces or sunglasses, we discussed the sizing options and how the reviewers have reacted to the fit. This is a very important area to focus on because the product will not perform to its full potential if it is too loose or too tight.

For bike tools, such as a pump or a universal bike tool, we discussed the compatibility of this tool with different bikes and how you can use it.

Materials

Of course, in order to determine if the item will meet the high standards that you’ll need, we also looked at the materials used to make the products on this list. For braces, we focused on the materials that made up the product and how well they wick away sweat and their breathability.

For sunglasses, we focused on the lenses. For bike tools, we discussed which materials the tool itself was made from. We looked at the overall quality of the material, whether or not it was proven to be an asset, and whether or not the workmanship promoted longevity and durability in the product itself. For the most part, we found these products to fit the bill without too much trouble.

Versatility

The next criterion that we considered was how well the item worked, or it’s functionality. Did the headlight lamp actually have the brightness needed, and did the polarized sunglasses actually do the job of making sure visibility was top-notch? Often finding the best mountain bike accessories means finding out which ones will work for you, and in the environment that you ride in. For example, if you really don’t do too much night riding, a headlight lamp may be unnecessary. However, a quality helmet is almost a universal need, no matter where or when you decide to cycle.

Many of these products can be used by different people and with different mountain bikes. As long as the product can be adjusted to your needs, you'll be swell.

Durability

Ahh, our old friend durability. No one wants to throw their money away and knowing that you're investing in something that will last is important. For each of our products, we investigated their overall design, materials used, and versatility to come up with the durability of the product.

Depending on what type of materials a bike tool is made from, it could last you anywhere from one use to one-hundred uses. The durability of sunglasses and body braces are important as well. We researched how well they avoid abrasions and stains. To make sure you are making a sound investment, we have researched the durability of each product and given you an honest opinion of how long we predict the product to last you.

Top 10 Mountain Bike Accessories

1. Team Obsidian Helmet

Where to buy
Amazon Link
TeamObsidian Premium Quality Airflow Bike Helmet
Amazon Link

When it comes to riding, especially on mountain trails, safety needs to be your first concern, and protecting your head should be at the top of the list. If you’re in the market for a helmet, one of the best we’ve found is this example from Team Obsidian.

Read more

Overall Fit
As expected, this helmet provides a snug overall fit, but still allows for comfortable wear. Depending on the size choice, it will fit heads with a circumference between 54 and 62 centimeters, which is the average range for the adult head.

Materials
Created from lightweight molded EPS plastic material that features superb ventilation, this helmet is tough enough to withstand most impacts, but light enough to be worn without a second thought.

Since the weight of the helmet is minimal and the number of vents allows for maximum airflow, this is one of the most comfortable helmets we’ve seen in a long time.

Of course, when it comes to top mountain bike accessories, safety is the top concern, and helmets are no exception. Thankfully, this helmet performs beautifully in that department. Created using a reinforced ABS skeleton and EPS foam, the ability of this helmet to absorb impact is excellent.

Versatility
This helmet features an easy to use adjustable dial for a more customized fit around your head, allowing for both horizontal and vertical adjustment. We do note that we would have liked to see better adjustment choices on the chin strap.

Durability
After seeing how lightweight the helmet is, some people had doubts about the durability. But after using the helmet and adjusting it to the correct size, there is no doubt this is a durable product. If that wasn’t enough, this helmet also comes with a lifetime warranty.

Summary
Wearing a helmet is essential for mountain bike riding, and having a quality one is just as important. This example from Team Obsidian provides an adjustable, lightweight and comfortable option that keeps your head safe and secure from an impact.

Amazon Link

2. Samlite Mini Bike Pump

Where to buy
Amazon Link
SAMLITE New Mini Bike Pump Portable
Amazon Link

There will come a time, in your riding life, where having a tool in your best mtb accessories that can repair a flat easily will become a godsend. Trust us on this one. If you’re worried that this day will find you unprepared, consider getting this tool from Samlite. It’s easy to use, compact, and oh, so handy.

Read more

Overall Fit
Most people found this pump and tire repair kit to be fairly easy to use with the included adapters and patches. While it’s not suitable for a complete tire rupture, for those times when the errant nail or rock does your tire in, it’s a great alternative to carrying around a classic bicycle pump and run-flat material.
Materials
This tool is made out of lightweight aluminum metal. In most cases this pump performs very well, offering up to 110 PSI of powerful pumping when you need it most. There were some reports of trouble attaching to the Schrader valve of the bike but overall there weren’t too many complaints. This tool is relatively lightweight, weighing under 0.5 pounds, and is small enough to fit in most pockets. It can also be strapped to the bike itself if desired.

Versatility
While this pump and tire repair kit are designed for use on the trail, they can easily be used to fix leaking balls, other small vehicle tires, or other items that need small repairs and inflation.

Durability
Because of its lightweight aluminum construction and compact overall dimensions, this tool can easily withstand the rigors of trail life.

Summary
Having a compact bicycle tire pump and repair kit that can travel with you easily is a good idea and one of the best mtb accessories that you could have with you when cycling. While this particular example won’t solve every problem out there, it’s lightweight and easy to use nature will help you solve quite a few flats during your travels.

Amazon Link

3. Unigear Hydration Pack

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$33.99
Unigear Tactical Hydration Pack Backpack
Amazon Link

Hydration is the key to everything. This hydration pack from Unigear is made to travel with you comfortably. It can hold 2.5-liters of liquid and features a bite cover on the house to keep the mouthpiece clean on any trail. This pack also has two additional pockets that are great for your phone and wallet.

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Overall Fit
This hydration pack is only available in one size but it is adjustable to fit a chest size of 27” up to 50”. The shoulder and chest straps are both adjustable to create a comfortable fit. Tightening the pack correctly is important to keep the pack from bouncing around while riding on difficult trails. The measurements of the pack are 19” x 10” x 1.5”, and it weighs only 1.3-pounds.

Materials
This hydration pack packs a lot of durabilities into a small package. The backpack is made from 900 Denier rip-stop polyester with PVC lining. The included bladder holds 2.5-liters and has a conveniently wide lid that allows you to fill the bladder with ice as well. Some reviewers have mentioned an odd taste when using the bladder for the first time. In order to avoid this, simply soak the bladder in soapy water overnight and rinse well the next day. This should take care of any odd factory flavoring.

A feature that bikers love about this pack is the bite cover. We all know how dirty and dusty the trails can be, and this cover protects the mouthpiece so you can enjoy your water without unwanted textures.

Versatility
There are no rules on how and where you can use this pack. It would be a great companion when hiking, exercising, or touring a new city. Even better, this pack also includes two front pockets. The bottom pocket securely closes and includes mesh pockets to securely hold your phone and wallet.
The shoulders of the pack are decently padded. Additionally, the back area features mesh to keep you from overheating. This is a great hydration pack that could be used for any activity.

Durability
As seen in the materials section, this pack is made from strong rip-stop materials. There have been reports of issues with the bladder and the hose, but those can be easily replaced. As an added bonus, Unigear also offers a 60-day no questions asked guarantee.

Amazon Link
$33.99

4. Pro Bike Tool

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Pro Bike Tool Bike Multitool 8 in 1 Reliable, Compact and Lightweight Repair Kit
Amazon Link

If you want a tool that is a bit more versatile than the bike chain repair tool above, you’ll want to keep this one from Pro Bike Tool on your list. Designed to have most everything you need to make sure your mountain bike is in top shape, it’s one tool that you won’t want to leave home without.

Read more

Overall Fit
This tool measures just under 4 inches in length and has a width of about 0.3 inches, so it can be easily fit into a trail bag or even your back pocket. Plus it weighs under 4 ounces, so the added weight won’t slow you down much at all.

Materials
This tool is made from high-grade, durable SUS420 stainless steel that is cold forged to help prevent weak points in the construction and maintain overall strength and durability. This miniature repair kit features eight different tools including the most common Allen wrenches, star-shaped hex tools and Phillips screwdrivers used by most mountain bike manufacturers.

Versatility
If there is a bolt that needs tightening or a screw that needs an adjustment on your bike, chances are one of the eight included tools that will be able to help get the job done. The tools themselves are lightweight and elongated, making it easy to get them to the place needed.

Durability
Overall this tool is fairly easy to use, and when it comes to tightening or loosening problem bolts or screws it can be a lifesaver. However, it is not a great tool if excessive strength is needed to turn the bolt or screw. The overall design allows for a few weak points to develop, especially around the joint areas of some of the tools.

Summary
If you’re looking for a tool that can easily allow you to tighten or loosen bolts and screws on your bike for on the trail repairs, this is a great one to have. While the overall design doesn’t lend itself to powerful torquing action, for most instances, this is more than what you need.

Amazon Link

5. BLITZU Gator 320 Bike Headlight

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$19.95
BLITZU Gator 320 USB Rechargeable Bike Light Set
Amazon Link

If you enjoy riding at night, or even during the early morning hours on the trail, you’ll want to have a good headlight lamp to help you see where you are going. This entry from BLITZU is a fantastic one that is easy to use and can withstand most of the obstacles encountered on the trail.

Read more

Overall Fit
The bracket for this headlamp fits handlebars up to 40 millimeters in diameter, so it can easily be adjusted to fit most standard models. While we did find the lamp itself to be a great find, the bracket’s level of adjustability does leave something to be desired.

Materials
This headlight features a rechargeable 650mA battery that can be fully charged within 2 hours using a simple USB cord. So you won’t have to worry about waiting for your light to charge to show you the way.

This headlight can be easily installed without tools, and can easily be removed with a simple touch of a button. As for operation, the light itself can be rotated easily 360 degrees, and turning it on and off is a simple matter of pressing a button.

Versatility
This headlight lamp features an ultra-bright LED front lamp that easily brightens the trail and features three separate levels – high, medium and low. It can provide 320 lumens of brightness and has a beam length of up to 150 feet.

In addition to providing a great and adjustable light source, this headlight lamp for your mountain bike also features a free Tail Light, 4 modes: High, Medium, Low, and Flashing, and a 360 Degree Swivel.

Durability
This waterproof product is built to last. It is durable and adjustable and comes with a one year warranty. There is also a great 24-hour customer service line available as well.

Summary
If you’re looking for a headlight lamp for your mountain bike that provides great illumination, convenient use, and versatility, it’s hard to pass up this particular choice.

Amazon Link
$19.95

6. Fox Racing Knee Pad

Where to buy
Fox Launch Enduro Knee Pads Large RED
Amazon Link

When it comes to riding a tough trail, protection of more than just your head and hands can be important. Having knee pads that offer great overall protection and still provide a good deal of comfort and flexibility is essential. One of our favorite brands that help to accomplish these goals is provided by Fox Racing.

Read more

Overall Fit
They come in sizes ranging from small to extra-large, so finding a size suitable for your needs shouldn’t be hard. It should be noted, however, that the pads do run a bit small, so be sure to order a size larger. The knee pads offer a moderate amount of protection from abrasions and overall knee joint fatigue. The silicone grip area inside the top hem helps to keep everything in place, and the knee area does have extra padding for comfort and protection.
Materials
These knee pads are soft and feature an articulated and perforated chassis made from flexible neoprene. If you’re worried about long-term comfort from your knee pad as you ride the trail, set those worries aside. These pads are some of the most comfortable knee pads that we’ve come across, even after being on the trail for a number of hours. While they do run a bit small, the neoprene material adjusts to your leg shape over time for a more comfortable and flexible fit.

Versatility
Because of their design, these knee pads can’t really be adjusted beyond slipping them over your legs and allowing the chassis to adjust to a more secure fit. If you know that the overall fit wouldn’t be a good one for you, you might want to consider other options.

Durability
While these pads won’t necessarily provide the ultimate protection from falls or impact injuries, the strategic use of padding and stability enhancers will help to mitigate the chance of injury a great deal. These certainly are not designed for knees with stability issues, but for normal knees on a normal trail, they offer good overall protection.

Summary
If you’re looking for a pair of knee pads that are lightweight, comfortable and offer moderate overall protection this choice from Fox Head is a great one. While they do run a bit small, overall they provide great long-lasting protection and comfort while on the trail

7. Fox Racing Reflex Gloves

Where to buy
Amazon Link
Fox Racing Reflex Gel Mountain Bike Gloves
Amazon Link

If you think about it, your hands are an essential part of the riding equation. Not only do they help you steer and break over treacherous terrains, but they also help to make sure you and the bike remain as one, shifting gears as you go. Therefore, it is a good idea to wear bike gloves to help keep them protected and maximize your grip. One of the best choices we’ve found so far is the Reflex gloves from Fox Racing, designed for both dirt bike and mountain bike use.

Read more

Overall Fit
These gloves offer a bit of adjustment through the wrist area where it can be adjusted to fit most normal sized hands and wrists. However, if your hands are slightly larger or smaller than the typical adult, you might have some trouble getting a truly comfortable fit. Reviewers agree that these gloves tend to run slightly small.

Materials
These gloves are made from a blend of nylon, polyester, and neoprene. These materials are tightly woven to ensure a great fit. On the palms of the hands, there are gel inserts for comfort. The fingertips feature a silicone grip. There is an extra grip on the index and middle finger for help when breaking.

Versatility
The Reflex gloves are specifically designed for mountain biking. These are full-fingered gloves that feature a cushioned area in the hands that allow for great responsiveness while in use. No matter how you grip the handlebars of your mountain bike, you’ll be able to comfortably feel everything you need to without any problems. As for other sports, reviewers claim these work well and provide enough grip for exercise and weightlifting.

Durability
Another great feature of these gloves is that they are completely machine washable. So when you’re done riding for the day simply throw them into the washer on your next cycle and wash them as you normally would. If you’re looking for protection from scrapes, debris, and an uncomfortable ride, these will be great. However, if you need gloves that can protect you from moisture, rain, or freezing temperatures, you’ll probably want to look elsewhere.

Summary
These bike gloves from Fox Racing provide great overall protection and a good grip when cycling through many different trails and obstacles. The material is easy to care for, and while we would have liked to see them a bit thicker and more sizes overall, they do offer adequate protection for most people.

Amazon Link

8. POC Crave Sunglasses

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$264.95
POC Crave, Lightweight Sunglasses
Amazon Link

One of the great things about mountain biking is that you get to enjoy a wide range of outdoor settings, and see some wonderful landscapes. However, in order for you to truly see well while your riding, providing adequate protection for your eyes is a must. One of our favorites to do just that is the POC Crave sunglasses.

Read more

Overall Fit
These sunglasses will easily fit most adult women and men. They wrap easily around the head, although we would have liked to see a more curved fit on the frame to allow for better fit while riding through rough terrain. Overall these glasses are quite comfortable, and feature a non-slip grip for an overall comfortable hold and feel while riding.

Materials
The lenses of these sunglasses are Ripel treated, which helps to repel dirt and fog. This treatment also helps to turn water into small pearls that will quickly roll off the lenses. The uranium frame features a matte finish and interchangeable lenses. The only complaint we have seen about these is the fact that they can become foggy in extremely cold weather. Other than that, they provide great overall protection from the sun’s glare.

Versatility
The lenses on these glasses are easily switched out so that you can use the lens you need for the environment that you’re riding. Whether you’re dealing with direct sunlight, twilight, or a shady forest, you’ll be good to go.

Durability
In addition to providing great UV protection, these glasses are also compatible with Tectal Race helmets and feature a snap-in hinge construction to keep the glasses and your eyes safer in the event of a fall. While we wouldn’t necessarily rely on these sunglasses for unbeatable eye protection, the durable PC lenses, made by Carl Zeiss, do provide a fairly adequate shield.

Summary
If you’re looking for a pair of sunglasses to use while cycling through the mountain trails, it’s hard to go wrong with this selection from POC. The lenses can be easily changed, and the non-slip frame with the ability to lock it in place is a major plus. The only real drawback that we saw was that the frames could have been designed a bit better for cold weather.

Amazon Link
$264.95

9. Oumers Universal

Where to buy
Amazon Link
$7.99
Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool with Chain Hook, Road and Mountain Bicycle Chain Repair Tool
Amazon Link

If you do any serious riding on your mountain bike, chances are things will break while you’re on the trail. Having a tool to help you solve a few of those problems is a great asset. One of the best we’ve found so far is the Oumers Universal Bike Chain Tool.

Read more

Overall Fit
This particular mountain bike accessory can easily fit in your pocket, or in a small backpack as you ride. There is no reason why this tool can’t be taken with you as an essential part of your riding ensemble. This tool is designed to help you quickly and easily remove and install chain pins, which can be a common activity on the mountain trail in some cases. This tool is specifically designed to fit the majority of changes and bike speeds on the market today.

Materials
This tool is made with high-grade metal construction and features a comfortable rubberized grip for easy use. It is durable and lightweight.

Versatility
While this tool claims to be universal, it is only universal in the sense that it can remove and repair most bicycle chains that are encountered on the market today. While this is certainly an asset, you might need other tools to help keep your ride operating smoothly. While the overall use of this tool is fairly straightforward once you get the hang of it, the lack of detailed instructions for a beginner is a bit problematic. The best course of action is to have a bicycle shop show you how to correctly use the tool prior to the first use.

Durability
The metal that this tool is made out of seems to be strong. However, it should be noted that there were reports of the tool wearing out more quickly than expected, but overall complaints were minor.

Summary
If you’re looking for a tool that allows you to quickly repair or replace a broken chain, this tool from Oumers is a great overall choice. While its use may not be easy for a beginner, it does work well enough with a little practice.

Amazon Link
$7.99

10. Alpinestars Paragon Elbow

Where to buy
Alpinestars Paragon Elbow Guard
Amazon Link

Believe it or not, your arms and elbows can take a serious beating when it comes to mountain biking, especially if you enjoy downhill or enduro riding. If you want some great protection for that area of your body, you’ll want to consider some great elbow guards, like these from Alpinestars.

Read more

Overall Fit
These elbow guards come in a wide range of sizes from extra-extra small to extra-extra large, so finding ones that fit shouldn’t be too much of an issue. The guards are extremely lightweight and feature an easy slip-on design that is pre-shaped for easier handling and a closer, more secure fit. Chances are you’ll be able to slip these particular elbow guards on without too much of a hassle in a few moments.

Materials
This product is made of polyester, polyurethane, and spandex. The spandex helps to provide a great fit that won’t slide out of place. While these guards do offer great protection, they do leave something to be desired in the comfort department overall. Most riders found them to be a bit too restrictive on the movement overall and stated that it took a great deal of time to get used to.

Versatility
Generally speaking, these elbow pads can’t be adjusted beyond their intended sizes. Therefore if you find that you don’t fit into one of their intended ranges adequately, a search for a more adjustable elbow guard may be in order.

Durability
The jury is out on this one. Many people sing the praises of this elbow pad, while others disagree and complain that the material is not strong enough. These guards provide extra padding around the elbow joint itself, and a breathable mesh lining to allow moisture and sweat to move away.

They are also CE certified to level 1, which means that they are designed, and verified to help protect you from serious trail burn injuries or impacts when you fall off your mountain bike.

Summary
If you want to protect your elbows and arms from a serious impact injury, and you don’t mind a bit of breaking in discomfort, these elbow pads from Alpinestars may be the way to go. Designed for protection and ease of use, these elbow pads can easily keep your elbows safe while on the trail.