I've been away from MTB'ing for almost 20 years but have managed to snag myself a Giant Talon 1. I'm based in South Wales and I'm planning to get down to Afan Forest in the next few weeks to see how I get on - I'm a bit worried that 43 might be too old now! Apart from pump, levers etc I don't really have any of my old bike kit anymore.
What would be considered essential now for up to blue trails? I used to ride with a Camelbak Mule but these seem to have fallen out of favour from what I can gather?
I also want to look into a nice jacket and base layers as well as a new helmet so if anyone has any recs for those, it would be much appreciated.
Too old? Ha.
Different people will recommend riding with different styles of pack (or no pack)... I'd say take what you feel comfortable/what you have. Big rides I'll take a biggish pack with stuff to cover eventualities, local rides with friends I'll often go packless or take a bum bag. Take yer pick.
Dunno about jackets or base layers, not bought any in ages.
Helmet-wise, there's probably loads of deals around. All my helmets are MIPS now, and I recently picked up a Giro Spherical thing from Banana Industries for cheap > https://www.bananaindustries.co.uk/products/giro-merit-spherical-dirt-helmet?variant=55152736272757. I like it, nicely vented and should have good protection.
Not been to Afan for a while but there's some cracking trails there, including the blues (though don't discount the reds when you get a bit of confidence back).
Never too old, my dads in his early 70s and still rips across the moors on various bikes
Yeah camelbacks have fallen out of fashion/requirement for the most part unless on really long rides. I still wear mine if I'm doing more than 40km in summer though and I'm in my mid 30's. Most people now have integrated tool storage one way or another, Peatys holdfast tool strap, Specialized SWAT Storage, OneUp EDC tool etc. and carry a bottle or two and most now run tubeless so carry a plug kit and a co2 cart.
Even then some seem to prefer hip packs if they need a bit more storage, most can carry a few tools, snacks, innertube and two water bottles. I've got no arse and a belly so I can't get away with hip packs.
Helmet wise, go to a bike shop and try a few on, I've found I get on well with Fox and POC helmets, my main helmets being a fox speedframe and dropframe they fit my head nice. Head shape differs so trying them on matters.
In terms of waterproofs, just find whatevers in sale, Endura MT500 or whatever.
Depending how long you've been away from it, consider getting some MTB trousers, Troy Lee Designs sprint or similiar. I can't believe I spent my whole teens and 20's riding baggy shorts and getting nettled, tick bitten, thorned in the shins, soaking wet legs n socks, and cold. I wear them almost year round until it gets to around 22 degrees and only then stick the shorts on.
Backpacks work very well, but as has been mentioned take whatever works for you...some water, some snacks, a pump, spare tube and a wee multi-tool in case of any mechanicals that you can fix. A charged phone and a means of paying if you want to stop somewhere as well.
Lots of ways to carry kit, I prefer not having it on my bike so happily use a bumbag or a backpack - depending on how long I'm going to be out and where I'm going.
Age is literally just a number, so get out and enjoy the biking!
Dont overthink it at all.
Bike, Helmet, Gloves, and just enough clothing to stop you getting wet and cold. Just enjoy yourself to begin with, and you'll soon see once you start getting out there what kind of kit people are using, what looks good, what makes sense.
43 is no age!
Use your old gear from 20yrs ago. Your helmet and shoes should still fit it you have em? Even if the rest of your lycra doesn't 🤔😉
Plus take it easy and enjoy it rather than thinking it's 2006.
Why wasn't I told my camelback mule is out of fashion.....
Use whatever bag you fancy. I have a 25l alpkit one I take with me when I'm out with my boys. Extra jackets, kneepads (worn on the downs) snacks, extra clothes more snacks. It all has to go somewhere.
Just get out and enjoy riding round the woods in circles
Bike, Helmet, Gloves, and just enough clothing to stop you getting wet and cold.
^ this is all you need.
A decent (i.e. well fitting) helmet and full finger gloves are the only really essentials IMO. Best visiting a shop to try on helmet as what fits one head shape won't always fit another. I've got a Giro/Lazer/Specialized-shape head but really don't get on with Bell or POC.
Somewhere like Halfords should stock Lazer models like the Chiru, Jackal or Coyote - all great, well-rated helmets, if they fit you.
The foam in my helmet seems to be disintegrating and I used to ride with sod’s but have gone for flats on the new talon. I’ve got a pair of Nike with flat soles that should do for now but a new helmet is essential I think!
I’ve got a tredz nearby too so will go and check out some gloves. Also got a decathlon nearby too and have seen some jackets that look decent. Are they still any good?
Bike, Helmet, Gloves, and just enough clothing to stop you getting wet and cold
That. Spare base layer, mars bar or two, bottle maybe, pump, tube, multi tool.
I'm the same, I (mostly) dropped out of MTB for ages cos it was easier to do road and gravel.
Finally got rid of my old MTB when I got a new one (just a basic HT) in a half price sale.
I have plenty of slightly knackered roadie kit perfect for MTB, I have some basic baggy shorts and also a pair of "trail trousers" (actually bought for commuting!) which cover up the lycra.
I have a helmet, gloves and a water bottle plus the basic spares.
Job done, it doesn't need overthinking!
I did the same as you're planning - used trail centres for the first few rides to get back into it all (and re-learn bike riding on 29" wheels, 1x etc!). Just made things much easier in terms of logistics, less to carry etc.
Have fun!
Oh to be 43 again, Sport pursuit is a good place to find reasonable priced kit, strapping stuff to your bike works well in the summer but not so much at this time of the year,
Too old at 43 ? Ha ! I turned 70 in November 💪flippin' kids ! 😉
The weekend reminded me how much age is just a number... I compete (loose use of the term) in masters swimming, still only a young 'un at 47. Swam alongside a bloke from the 70-74yrs category who went 2 secs faster than me over 50m freestyle, new European record. Bloody amazing.
I love my 'Mule camelbak'. Still wear Lusso winter longs (over 20 years old). Agree that you can get away with just carrying a few tools and a snack in pockets (naked bars are scrummy). But as mentioned above, try on some helmets and buy the one that suits your bonce.
Enjoy and send us some photos.
Signed bunnyhop (in my 60's)
Yeah - if your old kit is still functional crack on.
But new helmet for sure - a 20yr old one would be no more use that wearing a tea bag on your head.
I would also invest in some 5-10 shoes or similar if you are now riding flat pedals.
Then enjoy how much more reliable & better modern bikes are
My MULE is still going strong, it does do more dog walks now with me than riding however.
Speaking as someone who had their first bike ride/commute in 4 months yesterday (after recovery from foot surgery), padded shorts.
Previously comfy saddle has ruined my nethers in about 6 road miles
You're younger than I was when I learned to properly ride properly off a 2ft drop so let's not be having any of this too old stuff.
Nothing wrong with a Camelback although I only use a bladder for longer, hotter rides otherwise I just shove a bottle in the main body with whatever other clutter I've decided I need and treat it as a well fitted rucksack.
Take it easy and build up fitness / speed gradually.
Padded shorts.
If you're sitting to pedal a lot then a saddle with a hole to protect your undercarriage nerves. I only discovered just how much better they are a few months ago after making myself very uncomfortable during two weeks of solid road riding followed by some good advice from a friend with some very good medical knowledge in this area.
Thanks for all the advice so far. I’ve got a few pairs of padded bibs from when I switched to road biking - they should be fine for now I hope! I’ve already got a 25L osprey pack but might look at getting a smaller one for days out on the bike. Going helmet shopping next week.
I’ve just found some trousers reduced on wiggle - nukeproof trail that look like they could do the job and won’t break the bank. Just got to decide on a jacket now. I currently don’t have anything suitable, my jackets would be too hot for cycling in.
I've got those Nukeproof trousers. Not ridden in them yet but they feel good enough I'm seriously considering picking up a second pair.
I've had this same jacket for two years now, it's not the most breathable so keeps you warm if you're wearing a long sleeve jersey underneath but breathable enough it doesn't turn into a wearable greenhouse. And its pretty waterproof in all but the most extreme and exposed down pours.
Vinted is quite good for buying sports clothing (looked for new with labels). Not helmets though, definitely try those on.
Looks like the talon 1 comes with a dropper post which is probably new to you. learn how to use it, it will be revolutionary. The old "get behind the saddle" is thankfully confined to the history books.
seems you've already gone for trousers - I'd agree with this.
especially when its as wet as it has been. you dont realise how much of wet feet is a result of spray onto your bare legs running down into the tops of your shoes until you try trousers.
bags / no bags is very much personal preference but if you are going to use your 20 year old MULE maybe treat yourself to a new bladder
Glasses or other forms if eye protection.Important at this time of year
^ Is oldfart a retired Mr Barraclough of Porridge?
Great. Thanks. That’s trousers and jacket sorted then! Unfortunately the camelbak is no more but I do have a few osprey packs knocking about. Just need a new bladder for them but that can wait for now. Planning some green trails at afan forest the week after next. My mate has a new gravel bike he wants to try out so should be an interesting morning!
I got back into cycling last year after about 5 years off, really helped having a friend to ride with and then joining a cycling club (for road rides). Got into gravel which is brilliant but also did some MTBing, even wearing a camelbak on occasion! I'd just take it a bit slow to start with off-road but sounds like you're already doing that. Would be interesting to hear what the green trails at Afan are like on a gravel bike.
Most of my new cycling clothing I bought from Sport Pursuit and various other online bike shop sales (mostly Merlin & Sigma Sports but the odd thing from Evans to (sorry)). Only real difference on the MTB side I've noticed is I'm in the minority at trail centres with a non eBike, was the other way around last time I was cycling - doesn't change anything apart from you might get passed more on trails.
Get yourself a mudguard for the front.
And one for the rear to protect your rear