From helmets to sunglasses, check out these eight new pieces of mountain bike gear that are sure to do the trick.
Leatt DBX Enduro Lite 2.0
$139 1 of 9
A good hydration pack with plenty of storage is a must for summer. What sets the Enduro Lite 2.0 apart from its competitors is its waterproof material and welded level-one back protector that will be appreciated should you take a spill.
The chest harness is our favorite feature, which dials in a snug fit with ease and keeps the weight from shifting when you're going all out downhill. The straps also include a cell phone storage area with a touch-screen function, so you won't have to remove your phone to check your messages while on the trail.
Specialized Camber Comp Carbon 29
$3,800 2 of 9
The Camber Comp Carbon 29 is one of the best-value trail bikes of 2016. The 29er wheels are fast and, when paired with the carbon fiber frame, you'll find plenty of climbing performance. What we like most, though, is the build, which can sometimes get overlooked in this price range.
The SRAM X1 drivetrain gives you less to think about as far as gearing options and helps keep the overall weight low. The RockShox Revelation RC3 29 fork allows for 120mm of travel for fast descending, and the Roval 29 wheels paired with Ground Control tires offer excellent performance for a stock option.
Bolle Diamondback
$110 3 of 9
For mountain bikers looking to add some fashionable flair, the Diamondback will give you plenty--and at a reasonable price, too. The rubberized nose and temples work well to keep these shades in place, and the large lens size provides excellent coverage.
While you won't get the high-end lens quality of more costly options, they won't be as repulsively expensive to replace should you and your bike take a tumble. Put the Diamondback in the good-enough-to-do-the-trick category, with a little bit of style.
Kask Rex
$199 4 of 9
We're big fans of Kask road helmets, so it makes sense that the company's new mountain helmet has turned out to be a big hit, too. The 20 vents make it an excellent option when the weather is hot, and you won't find the extra features such as the adjustable visor and integrated camera on many models.
While fancy features are nice, the Rex hangs its hat on the extra level of protection the internal frame design provides. Add that to the extended coverage on the rear portion of the helmet and excellent fit, and you've got a helmet you'll be hard-pressed not to love.
Pearl Izumi X-Alp Launch II
$160 5 of 9
A sole that's both stiff enough to be efficient and flexible enough to run in can be tough to find in a mountain bike shoe. The X-Alp II from Pearl Izumi is one of the few that get it right while providing plenty of comfort and durability to boot.
The micro-adjustable BOA dial makes adjusting fit on and off the bike a breeze, and the shoe's featherweight is noticeable when you do have to hop off. The carbon rubber on the outsole is akin to what you'd expect from a trail running shoe, which also makes the Launch II suitable for racing enduro.
Craft Trail Shirt
$69 6 of 9
It can get scorching on the trail during the dog days of summer, which makes your choice of clothing paramount. This jersey from Craft is one of the coolest we've tested. The dual-mesh panels on the sides let heat evaporate easily, and the lightweight fabric used throughout the build absorbs moisture and dries quickly.
Of all the features, the hydration pack-friendly seams on the back of the jersey were our favorite--ultimately improving comfort and preventing irritation of the skin. There's also reinforcement on the shoulders and grippers on the back hem to help keep your pack in place.
Gore Countdown 2.0 Summer Gloves
$49 7 of 9
The blend of nylon and elastane used on the back of the hand on the Countdown 2.0 makes this glove a comfortable, lightweight and breathable option for summer. The silicone print on the palm is sticky and provides excellent grip, while the variable density padding provides just enough cushion to dampen vibration and protect your hands should a spill occur.
Just because the design is pretty minimalistic doesn't mean it lacks in durability. In fact, these gloves will hold up to plenty of abuse on the trail and through the wash. The reinforced material used between the thumb and forefinger at the contact point with the bar was a clever addition, and should increase the overall lifespan.
Lumicycle Explorer Enduro Pack
$455 8 of 9
The summer heat could force you to ride the trails in early morning and evening hours when daylight is limited. If you're looking for one of the best light combinations available, the Explorer Enduro from Lumicycle should be in the conversation.
The extremely powerful three LED lamp produces up to 3,500 lumens and one of the widest beam coverages on the market--making it ideal for off-road use. And because of its lightweight and variety of mounting options, we found it to be just as practical on urban streets as we did on the trail. On full power, the battery will last an impressive 2.5 hours.
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