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Within the last year, the general population of the outdoors person completely changed.
Milo Zanecchia/ Ascent Xmedia
We got their tips on where to start when it comes to the trail and your mountain bike gear.
Riding with people who are fun and supportive is key!
says pro rider, artist, and advocate,Brooklyn Bell.
Riding with good people helps keep things safe and gives new riders space to learn and progress.
The Gear:
On the gear side, co-owner ofYou Bet!
Bicycle Sales and Servicesand mountain biker of five years, Carrie Levine says, run what ya brung.
A helmet and a bike.
Ive just seen too many bad injuries.
For more helmet guidance, see our fullwomens bike helmet guide.
Duffus-Jambor recommends the Troy Lee Designs A1 MIPS helmet.
Its super comfortable and I found that its the least intrusive adjustment system with a ponytail.
Last years styles will frequently go on sale when a new release comes out.
I like that it is stylish but still has great features.
For more bike guidance, check out our fullwomens bike buyers guide.
These qualities provide a smoother ride especially for beginners.
Specifically, Jackson got the Siskiu D5 as her first full-suspension bike for cross-country riding.
The biggest benefit is that it can provide a smoother riding experience on more challenging routes.
Jackson likes the Beroy womens bike shorts as a good mix between affordability and quality.
Terry is a womens cycling company that Duffus-Jambor recommends looking at for a quality shammy.
Terry also offers a range of sizes from XS to 3X.
The Machines for Freedom Essential short is a favorite for many riders.
The shorts have a very comfortable yet durable fabric that has held up to several butt-first falls.
Both Duffus-Jambor and Holster stress how much difference the right saddle can make to the comfort of your ride.
Saddle choice is actually more important than padded shorts, says Duffus-Jambor.
That being said, the right saddle for you is going to be a highly personal choice.
Because saddles can be so specific to each person, we arent recommending a specific saddle here.
However, Duffus-Jambor recommends starting with Terrys saddle options because they are all specifically designed for women.
This combination will help keep you glued to your pedals.
Every expert we talked to for this story recommended Five Ten mountain biking shoes.
I personally wear Five Ten Free Rider Pros, says Bell.
Budget tip:Bell says a pair of Vans will also do the trick for shoes.
Its one of the cheapest, best pedals that people can grab.
The big kicker for these is the price.
Thats where a pack comes in.
Any smallhiking daypackorrunning vestwill do the trick in most cases, so that gear can work double-duty for you.
As SELF has covered previously, thefanny pack is backin a big way.
The San Francisco-based company takes pride in its durable gear and offers a lifetime warranty for any defects.
Outer Shell Hip Slinger
Outer Shell
