Gear I use and I wish I had

Gear I have:

My Bike:
I think that I have pretty standard equipment that I use.  I started out riding mountain bikes in the late 80's.  Bought a Bianchi Grizzly mountain bike for around 500.  Money I had saved up from a 4-H project.  I had that bike until it got stolen as a freshman in college.  It was time for a new bike anyway.  Bought a Kona Kilauea.  for about 1100.  It was a big expense for a college student but worth it...  1 year later, it was stolen.  Luckily my folks homeowners insurance covered a replacement and I still have that Kona Kilaua now.  The fork blew up and I replaced it with a rigid fork.  I always thought I would stick with my 26" hardtail until I tested a 29er.  I loved it!  Found a lightly used 2009 specialized Stumpjumper 29er hardtail on Craigslist. I love it!

 Helmet:
I use a Giro Hex helmet, it has a great fit.  There is an adjustable dial that is easy to crank down when the trail gets intense.  I like the adjustable visor as well.  Nice to lift it up when it isn't needed.

Glasses:
I love my Oakley flak sunglasses.  I have a pair of lenses that have a salmon tint.  The only time that I wouldn't wear those lenses is if it is dark.

Winter Gear

My best winter gear investment was my Novara Headwind Jacket.  It isn't super durable for mountain biking but has worked great for last fall and 1 full winter and a few times this spring.  I carry it with me a lot.  I have a ful hydration pack with a nice sized compartment.  On the climbs- unless it is raining- I will keep it in my backpack.  On the downhills I put on the jacket and I have never gotten cold with it.  It is rated up to 60mph winds.  I never go faster than 35!  Looks like REI isn't carrying them anymore.  I think it is a great jacket.  Probably my second favorite  winter gear are my Sugoi Resistor Shoe covers.  They don't have a seal for real wet rides but regardless always keep my feet dry.  They also leave plenty of room for your cleat to clip in.  Last, I have a pair of Novara leg warmers.  Work great in all weather.  I put a hole in one of them and it stitched back up pretty nicely.  On the real cold downhills I use a Specialized Balaclava- nice on those times where your head would be numb otherwise.

Hydration Pack:

As I mentioned I have a Ful hydration pack- it holds 2 liters which is plenty for most of the rides I do.  I can also pack additional water bottles in the nice sized pack if needed.  I got it at Costco for $25.

Lights:
I picked up a serfas true 500 lumen light that is great.  I love the bright setting but it doesn't last long.  I'm going to pick up an additional battery for it.  If you keep it on the second or third setting it is still plenty bright for uphills.  I also mentioned in my blog a Redline nebo flashlight that I put on a Zefal mount.  Great secondary/ backup light about 350 Lumens.

Shoes:
I really like my serfas astro shoes.  They are super stiff.  I put some nice insoles that are a gel type that really made them comfortable especially on downhills. 

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