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Full face helmet and body armour on Holmbury Hill – a sensible choice for downhilling enthusiasts (Route 6)

First aid kit

Anecdotal evidence suggests that a majority of mountain bikers do not carry a first aid kit with them. Granted that a first aid kit is not much use if you break a collarbone – a not uncommon injury among mountain bikers, but there are plenty of occasions where a dressing, antiseptic wipes and painkillers can be very useful. Downland chalk is full of hard and sharp flints that can cause nasty gashes. All the more reason to wear a helmet.

Eyewear

Many riders wear sunglasses to reduce glare on bright days, but also as protection from mud, debris and flying insects – especially on fast descents. There are many bike-specific sunglasses on the market, some of which have interchangeable lenses with different colours for different light conditions. Downhillers and free riders sometimes wear ski goggles.

Clothing

There is no shortage of biking-specific clothing on the market and specialised off-road gear comprises a significant part of this. With the funds and inclination, many hundreds of pounds can be spent on equipping yourself for off-road riding and for dedicated enthusiasts it may constitute money well spent. However, there are some essentials worth considering even for infrequent mountain bikers. Wickable base layers, underwear, mid-layers and top layers can make what is often a sweaty activity much more comfortable. Stopping for a breather in a sweat-drenched cotton top is asking for trouble even in a light breeze. Shorts or wickable undershorts with a padded seat ensure a more comfortable relationship with your saddle, especially on longer rides.