Colorado’s trails are rocky, fast, and high — which means the right gear matters more here than almost anywhere. Whether you’re spinning the Frisco Peninsula or riding lift-served laps at Keystone Bike Park, here’s the kit we’d start with. See our full Colorado mountain biking guide for where to ride.
At a glance: our mountain-bike gear picks
Protection first
- SAFETY FIRST: Our best performance mountain bike helmet complies with U.S. CPSC, ASTM F1447 and E.U.CE Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, offer the versatility you need to ride everything from fire-road adventures to swooping single track trails, Maximum protection for your safety
- EXCELLENT PROTECTION: Full Coverage Tough polycarbonate outer shell fused helmet’s impact-absorbing EPS foam liner for durability without excess weight, Riding with ultimate free and comfortable
- READY TO GO: sleek design and classical color, styling with 18 wind tunnel vents with internal channeling keep you feeling good mile after mile
- ACCESSORIES: With washable and removable padding and chin pad, Big Visor for Sun and other elements protection
- THREE SIZE AVAILABLE: Adjustable dial to customize fit; with an easily-adjustable fit system you can easy to get the right fit, with two size available M for 54-58cm(21.26-22.83inch),L for 58-61cm(22.83-24.02inch),XL for 61-63cm(24.02-24.8inch) it fits most Children,Youth,adults men and women's head sizes
Helmet — never skip it. Colorado’s trails are rocky and quick, and a certified helmet is the one non-negotiable. This Amazon’s Choice pick ventilates well for grinding up at altitude.
- Low-profile neoprene cuff with hook and loop closure system for a premium, customizable fit
- Absorbent micro-suede thumb
- Conductive threads at index finger and thumb for touch screen compatibility
- Sizing: Refer to the size guide to ensure the best fit.
Full-finger gloves. They protect against rocks, brush, and the inevitable spill, and improve grip on long descents. Fox’s Ranger is a trail-riding standard.
- 【TAC HD Polarized Lens - 99.9% UV400 Protection】Colorful HD polarized lenses block 99.9% of harmful UVA & UVB rays and effectively filter out astigmatism and stray light, restore true color and improve visual clarity and contrast, reduce reflected and scattered light, protect your eyes from sunlight damage.
- 【Size Adjustment for Comfortable Fit】The nose pads are designed with three adjustable levels, you can freely adjust the height of the nose pads, the temples are designed with skin-friendly silicone, making it more comfortable to fit different facial shapes.
- 【24g Ultralight & Anti Fog Design】The frame is made of TR90 material, which is lighter and tougher than traditional materials, can be fixed for a long time without deformation, weighing only 24g. There are air holes on both sides of the lens, which is conducive to air circulation during riding and prevents the lens from fogging up and blocking the field of view.
- 【Impact-resistant TAC Lens & Super Wide Field of View】The cylindrical lens design is matched with the surround structure, which allows you to have a wider field of view for safer riding, and also effectively reduce air resistance. With impact-resistant TAC lenses, keeping you safe during exercise.
- 【Great Accessory for Outdoor Sports】Each Lamicall running powersports sunglasses set includes a hardshell case with a clip, microfiber cleaning cloth, pouch, instruction manual, and polarized lens test paper. You can easily clip the case to the outside of your backpack. Suitable for outdoor activities such as cycling, running, baseball, fishing, hiking, golf, driving, more.
Sport sunglasses. The high-altitude sun is brutal and you’re dodging branches — polarized shades protect your eyes every ride. A cheap essential.
Hydration & trail repair
- 100% Nylon
- Imported
- Lightweight 12 L Hydration Backpack: Super lightweight 8.5 oz hydration pack backpack with 2 L water bladder. Waterproof and tear-resistant fabric, PU coated nylon hydration pack bears 25 lbs
- Leakproof & Anti-popping Water Bladder: Water backpack for hiking with 2 L bladder, BPA-free, food-grade PEVA material, and hose clamp. Leakproof bite value, water flows fast and never drips on when locked
- Comfortable & Breathable & Adjustable: Multi-adjustable shoulder straps on hydration Pack, adjustable to 19"-34" on should straps, 2.4"-7.9"on chest strap(up & down). Hydration packs are suitable for adults. Ergonomically fits for your shoulders, chest, and waist. Soft air mesh back speeds up the air flow and makes your back cool
Hydration pack. You dehydrate fast in the thin, dry air — a pack keeps water on your back and hands on the bars, with room for tools and a layer.
- 100% Nylon
- Imported
- FIT PERFECTLY: pack size of 16.5 x 8 x 6.0 inch with adjustable shoulder chest waist straps, will fit chest size teenagers/kids with 27 inch up to adults (men and women) with 50 inch . The chest and waist straps make sure the pack does not bounce when you move.
- LIGHTWEIGHT & SPLASH RESISTANCE & DURABLE: Upgraded lightweight and Splash Resistance nylon with 2 Liter balder (in total 1.1 lb) to reduce your load and protect your belongs stay dry in light rain, and its double built-in waist straps improve its wear and tear resistance to ensure the pack’s life last longer.
- REPLACEABLE 2L BLADDER: Includes a 2 Liter/ 70z BPA bladder which keeps you hydrated. Its air flow system also keeps the water fairly cool. Includes screw cap for a adding small ice cubes for cooker drink for one day hiking, cycling, running or riding.
Budget hydration option. A wallet-friendly 2L pack that covers shorter rides and first-timers.
- MULTIPURPOSE TOOL- This bike cycle multi-functional tool is compact but versatile it has 12 various tools including a versatile chain breaker tool, 3 different types of spoke wrenches, a Phillips screwdriver and much more.
- DURABILITY AND QUANTITY- This bike multi-tool is made out of high strong premium carbon steel that is perfect for mountain bikes. It is waterproof and does not rust or jam.
- COMPACT SIZE AND POCKET FRIENDLY- This bike tool has a compact size and an ideal pocket fitting. The tools are folded into each other so they occupy less space. This Compact Bike Tool measurements are 7.6cm, 4.5cm, 2.6cm (L,W,H).
- YOUR TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE PARTNER- This bicycle multitool is a must-have if you are riding in the mountains or anywhere it will be a life saver in emergencies.
Multitool. A compact tool with a chain breaker can save your day when something rattles loose miles from the trailhead. Toss it in your pack and forget it.
For aggressive terrain
- LIGHTWEIGHT MTB KNEE PROTECTION_ Created for riders seeking reliable knee coverage with minimal bulk, these MTB knee pads are suited to trail riding, enduro and longer days on the bike
- VPD AIR COMFORT PAD_ Lightweight VPD Air padding helps absorb impact while maintaining flexibility, ventilation and a comfortable feel through every pedal stroke
- LOW-PROFILE DESIGN_ The slim, flexible construction reduces unnecessary volume and supports freedom of movement for efficient climbing, descending and technical riding
- SECURE AND COMFORTABLE FIT_ Reinforced stretch fabric, anti-slip neoprene and an elastic strap help keep the knee pads in the right position during rough MTB riding
- SOLD AS A PAIR_ Supplied as a pair, the pads provide complete left and right knee protection for mountain biking, trail riding and enduro
Knee pads. For flow trails, lift-served laps at Keystone Bike Park, or anything rocky, pads turn a trail-ending crash into a shrug. POC’s are the trusted pick.
Colorado mountain-bike gear FAQ
What gear do you need for mountain biking in Colorado?
At a minimum: a certified helmet, full-finger gloves, sunglasses, and a hydration pack, plus a compact multitool for trail repairs. Colorado's altitude and intense sun mean extra water and eye protection matter more here. Knee pads are worth adding for aggressive or lift-served riding.
Do you need knee pads for mountain biking?
They're recommended for flow trails, lift-served bike parks like Keystone, and technical rocky terrain, where a fall is more likely and more consequential. For mellow cross-country riding they're optional, but many riders wear them for peace of mind.
How much water do you need for a Colorado mountain bike ride?
More than you think. The dry air and high altitude dehydrate you quickly, so a 2 to 3 liter hydration pack is a good baseline for most rides, and you should drink steadily rather than waiting until you feel thirsty.
Written by
Melissa
Melissa splits her year between Texas and Summit County, Colorado, where she has spent countless summers and winters hiking, skiing, fishing, and exploring the high country. She started Breckenmendations to help visitors make the most of Colorado's mountains with the gear, tips, and local know-how she wishes she'd had on her first trip up I-70.
Breckenmendations is written by locals who actually hike, ski, and explore Colorado — see how we pick what we recommend.