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Hi All, I am a real new, just bought a Merida hard tail bike, my first bike in about 15 years (im 29 now) and having done some research and looked around the shops, you could easily spend a small fortune on gear. Since I am new to this, I dont want to break the bank buying stuff I could do without, therefore could you tell me what you would consider essential items for my first foray into XC mountain biking. I live in Shenfield, so my hunting ground will be Thorndon. Had a ride to Hartswood at the weekend, but didnt really get into it since I didnt have a lid at the time and didnt want to end up with any nasty injuries. This has now been ordered and on it way to me. So far I have purchased:

Met Terra 2012 Lid
Bike Lock
Finish line speed clean degreaser.

Thanks for your thoughts

Gloves
and some padded shorts
maybe some clear/yellow lens glasses for the muddy days

Hello
Gloves
Clear or yellow lens glasses - stops crud hitting eyes.
Waterproof Jacket & shorts - have to do research on what best and budget.
Camelbak none brand are cheaper and just as good.
Spear tube
Pump
multi-tool

I think there a thread. I'll have a look.

edit: here link http://www.essexhertsmtb.co.uk/any-othe ... t1434.html

Helmet

Helmet
Gloves
Pump
Puncture repair kit or spare tubes
Tyre levers
Camelbak type drinks bag

Sealskins waterproof socks if your going out in the summer

Chain lube

Bucket and sp

Chain lube

Bucket and sponge for a clean bike! Don't use fairy liquid those as it contains salt and won't do your bike any good atall

Thanks all for the replies and the link the that thread is very useful. I think I am ready to go shopping for the essentials and I guess everything else is trial and error.

The rest you can ask riders as and when you see them out and about
everyone loves to chat about kit lol

So at the weekend I had a bit of a shop and now have helmet, gloves, spare tube, puncture repair kit, small pump, tyre levers. That set me for my first 'proper' ride on Monday. Great fun, but very muddy. Would you consider mud guards as an essential winter riding accessory and do most people tend to use them throughout the winter?

[canofworms]mud guards are gay.[/canofworms]

well that saves me £25.....

Ha ha ha, the only time I used mudguards was when I was driving to the rides in the middle of winter, because I didn't want to get back into the car covered in mud. Get yourself a neoguard for the front, so you don't ride into the crap that's being flung off your front tyre. That's all you need!

part of the fun of riding in the wet and mud, is getting absolutely filthy .... or is it just me?

I didn't say they didn't work though.....