Mountain biking is a great way to get outside, but it often isn’t as simple as hopping in the saddle and setting off. It’s important to make sure that you have all the kit, accessories, and tools you need to keep safe and make the most of your time on the trails.
That’s why we’re here to break down 10 must-have mountain bike accessories to optimise your ride.
1. Tools and maintenance
Whether it’s repairs or general upkeep, you’re going to want the right tools to keep your mountain bike in top condition, especially if you’re hitting the trails on a regular basis.
We recommend having the following in your tool kit:
Repair stand
We recommend the Halfords Repair Stand – with a sturdy frame and four adjustable legs, you’ll have your bike ready to ride in no time. It’s also a great tool for cleaning your bike after a muddy ride, letting you turn the wheels and reach all the awkward spots. If you’re a little tight on space, then the Halfords Mini Bike Maintenance Stand is a more compact option.
Multi-tool
A great tool to have in your arsenal when you’re out and about, the Halfords 20 Function Multi Tool can be a lifesaver when you’re in the middle of nowhere and run into a problem.
Toolkit
The Halfords 18 Function Toolkit is a great start for any cyclist looking to start their own maintenance and repairs. This toolkit contains plenty of tools to keep your bike in good working order.
2. Cleaning
Once your bike is fully serviced and ready to ride, you’ll be wanting to get it squeaky clean before you take it out. Not only will it look the part but keeping everything clean and tidy will help to keep your bike in working order too.
- Halfords Cleaning Kit contains everything you need to remove even the toughest dirt from your bike, and leave it stunningly clean and running smoothly.
- Halfords Extreme Bike Cleaner is perfect for penetrating and removing grime, dust, mud and oil.
- Halfords Degreaser has a quick-drying formula quickly and easily removes grease from your chains, gears and moving parts.
- To finish, some Halfords Spray Lube will keep everything moving smoothly and easily – it’s ideal for chains, cables, sprockets and gear mechanisms.
You’ll also get a cleaning sponge to agitate especially grimy areas, a cloth to remove excess water, and 2 Halfords cleaning brushes to get into all the awkward nooks and crannies.
3. Lubricant
Now that your bike is clean, the next step is to apply lubricant to your chain. This helps everything run smoothly and prevents friction or seizing. You’ll need to choose between dry lube and wet lube, and the right option depends on the conditions you usually ride in. We recommend the following:
Dry Lube – Muc-Off Dry Lube Bike Lube
- Best for dry, dusty conditions
- Lightweight and ideal for bikes that don’t face heavy mud or rain
- A suitable option is a dry‑style bike lubricant designed for clean, dry rides
Wet Lube – Muc-Off Wet Lube Bike Lubricant
- Designed for wet, muddy or harsh conditions
- Longer‑lasting and more durable in bad weather
- Helps maintain smooth gear shifts and is often available in biodegradable formulas
Why You Might Need Both
For the best riding experience all year round, it’s useful to keep both wet and dry lube on hand. Since each type performs best in different conditions, you can switch between them depending on the weather and terrain.
4. Accessories
To complete your biking look, you’ll be wanting some cycling accessories to keep you riding in style and comfort.
Shoes
The Boardman MTB Cycle Shoes have a durable rubber outsole to give you ultimate traction on the pedals, without compromising on comfort or flexibility when you’re walking. They also have a reinforced toe box to keep your feet protected against any rough terrain you might bump into as you’re riding.
Gloves
The Boardman MTB Gloves are the perfect companion for your hands, offering dexterity and airflow through stretch mesh fabric, without sacrificing protection.
Foam-padded cushioning gives you ultimate comfort on the handlebars, while keeping your hands safe from any rugged terrain. The index finger and thumb are also touch screen compatible, so you’ll have no trouble checking your phone or navigating with your cycle computer.
5. Saddle
If you’re embarking on some long-haul rides, upgrading your saddle might save you from any aches and pains – swapping out your standard saddle for one that’s designed for off-road use could offer you greater support and an experience engineered specifically for MTB riding.
The Selle Royal Essenza Relaxed Saddle is designed with comfort in mind, making it a great choice for long-distance rides where support is key. Its wide, ergonomic shape supports an upright riding position, while the Royalgel™ padding helps reduce pressure points for lasting comfort. Durable and weather-resistant, it’s built to handle all-day adventures without compromising on performance.
Another great off-road choice is the Selle Royal Rio Videogel Athletic Saddle – built for performance and comfort on longer rides. Its streamlined, ergonomic design supports a more forward-leaning athletic riding position, while the Videogel™ padding helps absorb shocks and reduce pressure in key areas. Lightweight yet durable, it’s ideal for cyclists who want efficiency without sacrificing comfort over long distances.
6. Pedals
You’ve upgraded the saddle, why not switch out your pedals too? Further customise your riding experience with some specialised pedals to help you get the most out of your mountain bike.
There are two main types of MTB pedals:
- Flat Pedal
- Clip-in
Flat Pedal
The DMR V11 Pedals are made of a tough Nylon construction, meaning you can rely on them to endure ride after ride. With the same concave footprint that DMR Pedals are renowned for, the V11 pedals have a large contact platform and aggressive moulded pins to guarantee you an excellent grip in any conditions, and on any terrain.
They’re also available in blue and orange as well as black, so you can tailor your bike to suit your personal off-road style.
Clip-in Style Pedal
The Shimano PD-M520 SPD MTB Pedals are also a good clip-in option if you prefer to be more connected with your bike. The PD-M520 has a compact body and open binding for reliable clipping in and out in all conditions. The open binding mechanism allows for mud and debris to push out when you’re riding in wet conditions.
7. Mudguards
If you’re riding in the Winter (or a British summer!) then you’ll probably want some mudguards. Not only will they help to keep you clean as you ride, but they’ll also work to deflect grit away from any moving components.
Front & Rear Mudguard
The Halfords Front & Rear Mudguard Set is a great option to give you as much protection as possible – with both a front and rear mudguard included, they’ll work to keep you and your bike cleaner from all angles. The rear guard has a quick release strap and adjustable arm to get you quickly and easily set up, while the front guard comes with three spacers to fit different size steerer tubes, ensuring the perfect fit on your bike.
Front Mudguard
If you’re leaning towards a front mudguard, then the Mucky Nutz MugGuard is a perfect choice. While the forward lip catches dirt and minimises spray, the sharp trailing edge works to cut clogging mud away from the tyre, keeping you muck-free and your tyres functional. Six fastenings secure the guard firmly in place, so you won’t have to worry about any wobbling, even on the rockiest of trails.
Even better, the MugGuard is made from recycled polypropylene and can be recycled again at the end of its life, so you can feel good knowing that while you’re protecting yourself and your bike, you’re protecting the planet too.
8. Pumps
Even the most experienced cyclist will pick up a puncture at some point, and there’s nothing worse than realising you haven’t got the equipment to fix it.
Hand Pump
A hand pump is a great tool to have at your disposal to deal with any hiccups, and they’re compact enough to fit into a bag for easy transport when you’re on the go.
- Easy to carry – small enough to fit in a bag or attach to your bike
- Auto‑adjust valve options on many pumps, so they work with both Schrader and Presta valves
- Dual‑action pumping on some models, inflating on both the push and pull stroke to save time and effort
This type of pump helps you get rolling again without draining your energy.
The Halfords Dual Action Bike Pump is a great choice, featuring an auto-adjust valve to automatically fit either a Schrader or Presta valve, so you don’t have to worry about manual adjustment.
The pump is also really efficient thanks to the dual stroke action – this means that air is pumped on both the out and in stroke, halving the amount of time and effort needed to fill your tyres. That way, you’re conserving energy that can be better spent during your ride.
Floor Pump
A floor pump is ideal for regular maintenance at home. It offers:
- Faster inflation thanks to a larger chamber
- More accurate pressure gauges for setting the correct tyre pressure
- Stable, easy pumping for consistent results
It’s a good idea to keep one in your garage or hallway for quick top‑ups before a ride. We recommend using the Halfords Advanced Tubeless Track Pump, it features a secondary chamber that stores up to 240psi and makes light work of inflating and seating tubeless tyres.
Shock Pump
If you ride a mountain bike with air‑sprung suspension, a shock pump is essential. It’s designed to:
- Adjust air pressure in suspension forks and rear shocks
- Help you fine‑tune your setup for comfort, control and performance
- Maintain consistent suspension pressure across different rides
This pump is separate from your tyre pump and is specifically built for suspension systems.
Our favourite being the Halfords Suspension Shock Pump to cater specifically to MTBs. Instead of for your tyres, this pump adjusts the air pressure in air-sprung suspension systems, helping you maintain the air pressure in the suspension forks on your mountain bike.
9. Helmets
Helmet style and design play a major role in your safety and comfort on the trails, so choosing a helmet built specifically for mountain biking is essential. We recommend the following helmets.
Halfords Transfer Helmet
A trail‑ready option designed for protection and comfort:
- Lightweight, durable in‑mould construction
- Deep rear coverage for added protection
- Sweat‑wicking padding to keep you fresh on long rides
- Integrated visor to shield you from sun and rain
This helmet offers reliable protection without adding unnecessary weight.
Halfords Advanced MTB Helmet
A premium choice with enhanced features:
- Seamless double in‑mould construction for a high‑quality finish
- Lower rear coverage for extra protection on tough trails
- Fidlock magnetic buckle for quick, easy fastening
- Ventilation system with internal air channels to keep you cool
- Adjustable visor for weather and trail debris protection
Ideal for riders who want top‑tier performance and comfort.
Lazer Coyote Helmet
A stylish option that doesn’t compromise on safety:
- Dropped profile for increased rear and side coverage
- Integrated visor to protect against low branches and obstacles
- 21 vents to maximise airflow and prevent overheating on long summer rides
- Matte black finish for a clean, modern look
Perfect for riders who want a balance of style, ventilation and trail‑ready protection.
10. Nutrition and hydration
Hydration
Last but certainly not least, you’ll need to make sure you’re hydrated and full of energy.
For easy hydration while you’re on the move, as well as some extra storage, a hydration pack is the perfect solution. The Camelbak Hydrobak Light is an expertly designed, lightweight pack with a 1.5L reservoir to keep your fluids topped up all day.
For hand-held hydration, the Camelbak Podium Dirt Chill Black Water Bottle is a great choice. The double-wall construction keeps your drink cold for twice as long, so it’s perfect for extended rides under the summer sun. If you’re hitting some particularly muddy terrain, the integrated mud cap will make sure that none of the dirt makes its way into the nozzle, while the self-sealing jet valve eliminates any potential spills or leaks.
Nutrition
Now that hydration’s sorted, you’ll be wanting a burst of energy to get you through your gruelling ride. The SIS GO Energy Bake Bar Lemon is a tasty and convenient way to keep your carbohydrates up, perfect to eat either before or during your ride. If you don’t fancy anything solid, the SIS GO Isotonic Energy Gel is an quick way to give yourself an energy boost in a handy gel pouch.
In summery, you’ll want to cover the following areas for a successful mountain biking adventure:
- Maintenance: tools, cleaning, lubricant
- Performance: pedals, saddle
- Safety: helmet, lights (optional add)
- Comfort: gloves, shoes
- Ride support: pump, hydration, nutrition
Now that you’ve got all the MTB essentials, head out to your favourite trail or track and put them to good use! You want mountain biking essentials, you want Halfords.
