If you had to give one item that has genuinely improved you biking experience (mtb/road/commute), what would it be? A component on the bike, an item of clothing, some other kit…………

What could you not live without?

The bike?

tbh – as long as I have a bike of some sort the rest is just window dressing.

Maybe a helmet, though, because I've been 'saved' by one in the past.

Waterproof socks in the winter.

a saddle

and padded shorts and gloves

The thing that made the biggest difference to my riding was…. a car. No point having a shiny bike if you can't get to the best trails!

Kit you can't do without…………..

Me?

😉

bib shorts.

A reliable pump ,in my case a Topeak Harpoon.

maps

mtb – suspension forks.

my wrists hurt like hell for days after when i ride rigid forks.

Too many: spds, suspension, disc brakes, windstopper.

Camelbak and WTB saddles.

one of those thin helmet liner hat jobbies.cheap, easily fits in a pocket or bag, and can warm me up no end when the temp drops or you can cool down a lot if it warms up without carring loads because of it.

winter boots.

I can vouch for the pump one – especially after the debarkle I had in the Dales last month!

I have a really thin fronted, mesh back gilet that came with an issue of MBR (I know) about 8 years ago. It's great and gets used loads, just starting to give up the ghost now on the seams.

Bib shorts are ace. I'd never go back to normal shorts.

Fitted suspension forks back onto my bike on Saturday and was amazed at how much difference they made. I like to ride rigid once in a while though, so I'd not say they're indispensable.

You can muddle along with just about any type / condition of gear ( and bike) but surely it has to be maps for any serious 'mountain' biker?

Good guide books for me. The Biketrax ones are OK, but the routefinding can be a bit random. The Ernest press ones are great, but getting a bit out of date.
Not tried the VG ones yet.

Bibshorts for me.

If I had to do without any of the following it'd make my daily riding significantly less enjoyable / pleasant; rohloff, Garmin and a decent front light.

I'd put bike skills at the top of my list.

Anyone can ride a bike. But to really enjoy it, you have to learn how to climb/descend/conserve energy/work hard when it's needed.

Helmet, pump, puncture kit, spare inner tube, lights.

winter boots and good waterproofs for winter
suspension for big mountain rides

+1 for helmet, but again that is because ive been saved on a couple of trips by mine

as for maps if youve got a local with you or you know the area they are pointless

I happily do without helmets, suspension and discs.
What I need are GEARS ('specially STI/ergo road shifters) and SPDs- the two biggest improvements to cycling ever.

Camelbak.

I get dehydrated really easily and cant go on anything longer than a 5 miler without it. Plus it holds all the other stuff you 'cant' do without.

Riding buddies. Much more fun with company.

Not sure if I'd call it “indispensable” but the interweb is bloody useful, planning routes, looking up trails centres or accommodation, buying kit and checking the odd review over beforehand, coordinating rides with mates sharing post ride photos…

As a communication and planning tool it’s about the best and cheapest I’ve found…

As for “essential” bike kit, I’d have to say gearing, I’ve dabbled with SS but I doubt even it’s most ardent fans can real claim a SS bike is as versatile, especially when placed under a bumbling pudding like me…

People to ride with.

I rode the NZ equivalent of a £99 Halfords bikes when I was out there, but Hutt Valley MBC showed me some fun trails and made it into an awesome day out.

why are bib "shorts" so special? i have bib tights and regular tights.dont see much difference so whats so great about bib shorts??

Spds, Camelbak, Helmet.

3L Camelbak
Time pedals
Crank Bros multi 17
MT90s
Vintage Rock Shox windbreaker
Google earth

Got to have my Buff

why are bib "shorts" so special? i have bib tights and regular tights.dont see much difference so whats so great about bib shorts??

Bib shorts / big tights, whichever. Both great. They keep your back warm, and your arse crack firmly out of sight.

Lightweight tent and panniers.

Not used very often but transform the biking experience for a week or 2 every year.