What a prepared off-road biker needs

Quality Helmet - Protect your noggin! Don't ride without one of these! Prices range from as little as $15 on sale to $150 or more for name brand models with all of the bells and whistles. Budget $25 - $50, you won't want to go cheap on this piece of gear.

Hydropack - You can spend less money by purchasing a water bottle and a frame-mount cage to hold it, but they don't compare with the flexibility of a good hydropack. Hydropacks generally hold 60 oz. or more and because they are worn on your back with a hose delivering flud directly to your mouth, you can drink while riding much easier than with a bottle. Another thing to note is that most hydropacks have accessory pockets. These will allow you to stash a snack as well as a mini-pump, tool kit and patch kit inside. Some packs even have a bunjee cord on the outside which is very useful for stowing a rain slicker or extra layer of clothing.

Repair Kit - (Mini-Pump, Mini-Tool and Patch Kit) - Don't leave home home without it! These items will set you back around $25 - $30 total and they are invaluable when you get a flat or need a minor adjustment to keep going. The catch? You need to learn how to use them too! Practice taking a tire off and replacing a tube until you feel confident doing it. Learn how to do minor brake and derailluer adjustments too. Your local bike shop will be happy to show you a few pointers, if you just ask.

Gloves - Protection and padding for riding. Gloves start at $15 and go up to around $40 for the fanciest name brand models.

Padded Shorts - Although not required, a good set of shorts with an internal stretch lining and a butt pad often called a "chamois" will take some of the soreness out of long rides. Shorts of this type start in the $35 sale range and go up to $80 for name brand pairs with lots of features and high tech padded liners.

Sturdy Shoes - For the beginner mountain biker, you'll need some sort of shoes obviously! Since you'll be riding in off-road conditions, a pair of sturdy lug shoes, like light-weight day hikers are a good idea. Stiff soles will also help transfer your peddling to the pedals. Later you may want to move into what is referred to as "clipless" pedals and shoes. These are pedals that you clip into like ski bindings. If you are buying a pair of shoes for biking, you may want to look into finding a pair that are "spd" compatible, so that you can move into "clipless" pedals when and if you desire later. Prices start at as low as $25 on sale and go as high as $150 or more. The ones in the picture were found on sale for $50.

Good Quality Bike: In order to enjoy riding, there is no more important piece of equipment to splurge on. Good high quality bike store bikes are plentiful and very affordable. Lately bike prices have ben coming down as desirable features are increasing. Some models will often have features found on $1,000 bikes just a few years ago that retail for $500 - $700. An entry level hardtail bike with quality mechanicals and a front shock will start around $250. Good full suspension bikes will start around $500.

Cold Post-Ride Beverages: After all our motto is "Great Adventure and a Few Cold Beers!"

My best advice is not to spend your money at a department store if you can help it. Discount bikes come in less sizes, are often made of "lesser" materials and components, and are sold by people who are generally not going to be able to help you as much as a good bike store employee can. A good bike store will put you on a bike that will fit you and your riding style, deliver follow-up service with adjustments as well as insure that you have a reliable place for parts, information and repairs - all for generally only slighty more than a discount store. If you happen to purchase a department store bike, or currently own one - it's not the end of the world, most riders have cut their teeth at one time or another on a discount store bike. Just keep in mind that it will probably be more prone to needing adjustments and repairs. Unless you become skilled in doing tune-ups yourself, you'll be paying for several that are generally free when purchasing a bike shop bike.