Mountain biking can be an expensive sport to start. However, once you’re up and running, there are just a few small things you need to make riding and maintenance easier. These are the essentials we get the most use out of year-after-year, and the best part is, everything here is priced under forty bucks!
Lezyne Composite Side Loading Flow Cage
$14.99
The Lezyne Composite Side Loading Flow Cage is perfect for smaller frames or dual-bottle setups where a traditional cage won’t work. Its lightweight composite construction and side-entry design make grabbing your bottle easy, even in tight spots.
Buy from Jenson USA
Park Tool Emergency Tire Boot
$6.95
Tire plugs and sealant work great… unless you pinch or tear your tire’s sidewall. The Park Tool Emergency Tire Boot is a simple, affordable fix for sidewall cuts that could otherwise end your ride. At just $7, it’s the kind of thing you hope you never need but will be glad you have in your pack.
Buy from REI
Hook and pick set
$7.99
We get a ton of use out of our hook and pick set: cleaning grit out of bolt holes, fishing housing and hoses through frames, and removing seals and O-rings.
Buy from Amazon
Topeak Versa Bike Mount
$13.90
Let’s face it: no matter how many mounts a frame has, it’s never enough. The Topeak Versa Mount is a versatile mounting system that lets you easily attach a bottle cage or tool roll pretty much anywhere on your frame.
Buy from Amazon
Granite Quiver Tool Roll
$36.99
This versatile tool roll keeps tools and supplies securely organized. Attach it to your saddle rails or pair it with a Granite Portaledge accessory strap to attach to your frame.
Buy from Amazon
KOM Cycling Tubeless Tire Repair Kit
$19.97
We’ve tested more than a dozen tire plug tools over the years, and this one is our favorite. Read more.
Buy from Amazon
Park Tool Chain Wear Indicator
$12.95
This simple tool helps you know when it’s time to replace your chain before you damage the cassette. At just $12.95, it’s a small investment that can save you hundreds in drivetrain costs down the road.
Buy from REI
Miles Wide Wet Seal
$22.18
Miles Wide Wet Seal is a great quick fix for sticky suspension and dropper posts.
Buy from Amazon
ROCKBROS Bike Bell
$14.99 | $13.49 sale
The ROCKBROS bell is handy for letting hikers and other riders know you’re approaching. It’s adjustable to fit most handlebars.
Buy from Amazon
Velotubes Presta Valve Core – 10 Pack
$7.95
Standard tubeless tire valves get clogged over time, and usually the valve core is to blame. These universal cores are a quick and easy fix, and are great to have on hand at home and on the trail.
Buy from Amazon
Silca Ultimate Sealant Injector
$9.95
The Silca Ultimate Sealant Injector is easy to use, and easy to clean. It’s a simple tool that makes tubeless tire maintenance so much easier you’ll wonder how you lived without it.
Buy from Competitive Cyclist
Gerber Dime Keychain Multi-tool
$31.95
You never know when you’ll need a pair of pliers or scissors. The Gerber Dime packs 10 tools into a package small enough to fit in your pack, making it perfect for trailside adjustments or everyday fixes.
Buy from REI
Finish Line Fiber Grip
$8.99 | $7.99 sale
Finish Line Fiber Grip assembly paste prevents carbon components from slipping or creaking, so you can torque bolts to proper spec without overtightening.
Buy from Jenson USA
2-Pack SPINGO TPU Inner Tube MTB
$21.99 | $19.99 sale
TPU inner tubes are much lighter and more compact than traditional tubes, making them easy to pack on the trail. We’ve had good luck with these, and the price is right. Read more.
Buy from Amazon
Buff Merino Neckwear
$32.00
This Buff Merino neckwear is a versatile piece that works as a neck gaiter, headband, or face cover, keeping you comfortable in changing conditions on the trail. Made from naturally odor-resistant merino wool, it’s perfect for year-round riding.
Buy from REI
SKS Airchecker Digital Display Gauge
$39.99
The SKS Airchecker takes the guesswork out of tire pressure with its easy-to-read digital display, helping you dial in the perfect pressure for every ride whether you’re running 15 PSI for trail riding or 100+ for road.
Buy from Jenson USA
Muc Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner
$16.99
Muc-Off Nano Tech Bike Cleaner is a staple at home, and we haven’t found anything that cleans bikes more effectively.
Buy from Muc Off
Jagwire Cable Tips (20pk)
$4.49
A 20-pack of cable tips ensures you’ll always have spares on hand to keep cables from fraying. If you’re like me, you might regularly lose cable ends because they aren’t crimped tightly; this tool will help.
Buy from Jenson USA
Headset spacers
$9.99
Dial in your perfect handlebar height and ensure a rattle-free front end. I’ve used these lightweight spacers on countless bike builds and they work great every time.
Buy from Amazon
100 Pack Reusable Zip Ties Assorted Sizes
$12.99
Keep your bike tidy with this 100-pack of reusable zip ties in assorted sizes. Perfect for securing gear to your frame during bikepacking trips!
Buy from Amazon
Headset Press Tool
$21.99
For installing a headset or bottom bracket at home, this inexpensive headset press tool will get the job done.
Buy from Amazon
Tell us: What are the inexpensive MTB items you can’t live without?
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