Bike Operation
Bike operation is simply what you need to keep your bike operational. A breakdown 30 miles from any civilized help can be a real issue. If you are reading this you probably have all of the essentials like the multi tool, tubes, patches, air pump and whatever else. One great tool you should include for your next adventure is a good multi-tool (as in a Gerber or Leatherman foldout, not the bike multi tool). The pliers on these can help you bend broken spokes out of the way or provide an improvised tool to fix a host of problems. Not to mention the screwdriver, knife and other attachments give you more options and wider variety of tools to fix whatever. Other things to carry are a spoke wrench, extra spokes, a tire boot if you don’t already (even if you’re not running tubeless), duct tape (reroll a few feet yourself to save space), a rag, lube, a chain breaker, extra links and even a small adjustable wrench. I know it sounds like a lot, but none of these items take up very much space and they can really get you out of some tight jams. Another one of the best tools you can carry with you is knowledge. I know some people don’t like to, but make an effort to learn how to repair your bike. There are numerous classes, books and WebPages that provide detailed instructions. The Park Tool website is one of the best, in my opinion.

First Aid
Hopefully you are already carrying the basic stuff with you. The biggest mistake I see people make is they carry only supplies like Band-Aids and ointment to take care of minor cuts and scrapes. I don’t know about you but minor cuts and scrapes aren’t really a big concern for me when I’m on the trail: On the other hand fractures, gashes and major wounds are. This is especially important when you are out blazin’ epic trails, across steep technical mountainsides, far away from civilization. On urban trails you don’t have to worry about first aid much, but as you venture farther away from civilization you usually encounter more difficult terrain and become farther from help. We take for granted the first aid services in the city and even small towns. Out in the wilderness we might be hours or days away from any aid, and that is if we can contact someone right away. If you are out of cell phone range, you may even have to hike back a ways just to send out a distress call! This is why it is so important to be prepared. Some things to bring are Band-Aids, moleskin (for blisters), duct tape (for closing large wounds in a pinch), 3M Coban (I prefer the veterinary stuff, also doubles as ACE wrap), gauze (roll it tight and put it in the center of the Coban roll), sterile dressings, large butterfly bandages, triangular bandages (many, many uses), Ibuprofen and Aspirin (take Ibuprofen to kill pain while you have a wound and Aspirin for headaches and other things…Aspirin is a blood thinner but also an anti-inflammatory), and an instant cold pack. There are many other First Aid products you can stuff in your pack, but these will allow you to stay minimalist and have the first aid gear you need for almost any situation. Splints are another good idea, but these can be improvised in the field without too much work (SAM splints are great though!). If you want to further prepare yourself, learn what to do: Take Wilderness First Aid! Many organizations offer it including the Red Cross. There are lots of options as far as First Aid classes go, but Wilderness First Aid teaches you what to do in delayed care situations, which you will be in. Standard First Aid classes teach you what you need to do to keep the victim alive until the ambulance arrives, but in the Wilderness, help may not even be coming until you go and get it.

Survival/Emergency Gear

You may find yourself in a situation where you get delayed, your bike is broken or you are injured too much to continue. A small kit of a few essentials can save your life! Some of the survival needs are water, food, shelter, first aid and signals. There are also other things like fire and human contact. The importance of each will depend on the resources on hand and what you can locate nearby. KNOW YOUR ENVIRONMENT! If it is cold and windy shelter and fire are going to be your first priority. Hot and dry means you might need to find another source of water and locate shade. Tailor your gear to your environment. Here are some essentials almost everyone should carry: A good multi-tool (I like Gerber), some rope (not string), a couple light sticks (for signaling), magnesium flint fire starter (lighters and matches suck in the wind), headlamp (Black Diamond has some of the best, with dual NiCad and AA operation, you’ll stop spending money on flashlights after you buy one), GPS (great idea to keep track of your position, Garmin has some with high gain antennas for better reception), extra batteries, water purification tablets, poncho, solar blanket, ID bracelet, duct tape (see a pattern?) map of the area, and a compass. Better yet don’t just pack ‘em, learn how to use them. Practice makes perfect and gives you the confidence you need to turn a life and death situation into a simple exercise in your problem solving skills.

In an Emergency
If you find yourself in an emergency situation, as long as it is not life threatening, STOP! Many people have made their situation much worse by immediately taking off into the forest or rushing into quick decisions. Analyze your situation: Can you get back safely with the resources you have? Do you need to find more water or make shelter? Does anyone know you are gone/will they send someone to come looking for you? Ask yourself these questions before you do anything. If you find yourself delayed and end up out on the trail at night, make a fire, get comfy and head out in the morning. If someone is injured can they make it out themselves or do they need professional evacuation? Can you signal help from your location? Many people from across the ages have thrived on the same land we call wild, with no machines or technology even remotely similar to what we possess today. Calm rational thought will get you back home safely.

Before the trip
Before you go out on your adventure talk! Tell someone, if not many people where you are going (give them a map of your route), when you expect to get there, when you expect to get back, and when to start making phone calls to find you. There is nothing worse than being lost in the wilderness and knowing that nobody even knows where you are or that you are even gone! Learn the lay of the land. Commit the route to memory as well as landmarks at certain points and alternate routes. Get a feel for the area around the trail as well; nearby rivers, lakes, valleys, roads, freeways, urban areas; anything that could help in an emergency situation.

To some the wilderness can be a scary place. Many get comfortable on the local trails and venture out on remote journeys unprepared. When faced with a challenging situation they fail physically and mentally. By being prepared you can simply get out and enjoy nature knowing that should something happen, instead of fear and panic, you will have outfitted yourself with the tools you need to beat the situation, and still have a great experience. The world is full of remote attractions and beauty to those who are willing to seek it. So get off the couch and go explore the world around you. You may be surprised at what you discover…

• September 11, 2008 -- What You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit
• June 17, 2009 -- Stan’s NoTubes ZTR 355 32-hole Rims Review
• December 11, 2008 -- Derailleur Hanger Alignment
• October 8, 2008 -- Top 9 Ways To Make That Old Bike Feel New Again
• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 2, 2008 -- Safety in Mountain Biking
• September 1, 2008 -- MTBR.com Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 25, 2008 -- Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 8, 2008 -- Duct Tape: It Holds the Universe Together…and Inner Tubes Too!
• August 7, 2008 -- Mechanic Tips: Replacing Wheel Bearings

Something really cool from the Interbike 2008 Expo…it might be a little Orwellian for some…we think it is brilliant!

The Xtreme Sports ID bracelet. It is similar to the Road ID in a plastic bracelet with online information (medical, emergency contact, address). The $8 purchase price buys you a year of coverage ($5 to renew and your account can accommodate multiple bands). The bracelet has your unique ID number and phone number on band for First Responders in case of an emergency.

Although we do not advise riding alone, when you absolutely must ride alone do yourself a favor and ride with one of these bracelets.  When someone else finds you unconscious and looking like the guy below they can call for help and all your medical information will be on file.

• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo – Day 1 – Pedro’s Trixie Cassette Tool
• September 28, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Pronghorn Racing Debut of Top Mounted Suspension Mountain Bikes
• September 26, 2008 -- Going the Distance…The Tools and Gear to Bring With You on Your Next Long Distance Journey
• September 23, 2008 -- 2008 Interbike OutDoor Demo: 2009 Ventana El Chucho
• September 23, 2008 -- 2008 Interbike OutDoor Demo: Wimmer
• September 11, 2008 -- What You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit
• September 2, 2008 -- Safety in Mountain Biking
• September 1, 2008 -- MTBR.com Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 25, 2008 -- Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review

The Basics:

1. Gauze bandages. These guys are great for stopping bleeding and will help the body clot the blood.
2. Band aids. There is nothing better for treating minor cuts and scrapes than a band aid.
3. First aid tape. An absolute must for attaching Gauze bandages.
4. Alcohol wipes. Treating any cut with alcohol seriously reduces the chance of infection
5. Ace Bandages. Joint injuries are unpleasant, but one of these bandages can help support an injured joint until you have time to get medical attention.
6. Tweezers. Never think that tweezers will not come in handy.
7. Tourniquet. One of the best emergency treatments of a major cut is to cut off the blood supply. While a clean tourniquet is best, wearing a bandana can serve the same purpose.

Good Ideas:

1. Splint. Hopefully you never get a broken bone, but if you do having a splint will help keep the limb immobile.
2. Smelling Salts. When someone knocks their head these will help get them alert again.
3. Aspirin or Ibuprofen. Both of these pain relievers are not only good for discomfort but can reduce swelling as well.
4. Icy Hot. Straining a muscle can hurt. Having Icy Hot around will help you get back home.
5. Electrolyte Solution: Dehydration(place link here to dehydration article) is a very real danger. Having a solution to mix in water will help replace the electrolytes and keep you on the trail.

Things to Consider:

While having a first aid kit is great, it will do you little good if you don’t know how to use it. For this reason it is a good idea to take a first aid course. Most chapters of the Red Cross provide first aid training and other courses, such as CPR, for little to no cost and are a great way to learn valuable information.

Also remember that first aid is just a temporary treatment of an injury. You should always consult a doctor if you suffer a severe injury. Also if you are seriously injured, get to an emergency room as quickly as possible. Doing this can help an injury recover better, and in extreme cases may save a life.

As always remember to ride safely and wear the appropriate protective gear. The best way to deal with injuries is to not get one in the first place.

• September 26, 2008 -- Going the Distance…The Tools and Gear to Bring With You on Your Next Long Distance Journey
• June 17, 2009 -- Stan’s NoTubes ZTR 355 32-hole Rims Review
• December 11, 2008 -- Derailleur Hanger Alignment
• October 8, 2008 -- Top 9 Ways To Make That Old Bike Feel New Again
• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 2, 2008 -- Safety in Mountain Biking
• September 1, 2008 -- MTBR.com Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 25, 2008 -- Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 8, 2008 -- Duct Tape: It Holds the Universe Together…and Inner Tubes Too!
• August 7, 2008 -- Mechanic Tips: Replacing Wheel Bearings

Urban assault riding is similar to trials riding, only in an urban setting. Most of the people that do urban assault riding do so on a mountain bike that may or may not have been modified for greater maneuverability over and around obstacles. My brother just uses his regular mountain bike with the seat lowered. In the past, he’s also used more “trials” type bicycles, also.

So, what’s the point? Mountain biking is an inherently dangerous sport, whether you’re careening down the side of a mountain or jumping a brick wall in a downtown setting. The point, or more appropriately, the question, is how far do you take the safety issue in mountain biking?

A helmet is a clear necessity for any form of mountain biking, whether on the street or on the trails. I personally never ride without proper footwear, eye protection, and gloves, as well. Sometimes, my brother wears shin guards during urban assault rides, but not always. With his history of arm injuries or considering the risk we all take to impact related arm injuries, do we also need to wear wrist guards like roller-bladers? Or, will this impede our ability to control the bicycle to the point of becoming unsafe? What about a chest protector like a motocross racer wears? I know I’ve come down some hills at very high rates of speed that could easily cause a puncture wound from a branch or stick. Or, how about a neck brace? Arm guards? Downhill racers add a full-face helmet to their safety gear. If it’s good for them, shouldn’t we be using them, also? Heck, let’s just create a bunch of robo-bikers and no one will get hurt. 

Obviously, this is pretty unrealistic. However, safety should be a concern every time you go out for a ride.

• Make a cursory check of your equipment — all your equipment, not just your bike. I’ve had a bad shoe strap cause wrecks that were worse than a tire and rim blow-out.
• Consider the ride. Are you going down a trail strewn with boulders that would take out a car or a pleasure ride through a swamp hammock? For example, I live in Florida where sharp palm fronds snap your face like a lashing from a whip. This is why I always wear eye protection, but in some areas, it may not be a concern.
• Accurately assess your ability. My brother obviously tends to use his hands, wrists, and arms to brace his falls, resulting in multiple fracture injuries. Maybe some additional wrist/hand protection would be in order for this rider. Along this same note, if a trail is beyond your capabilities, no amount of safety equipment will save your butt. Come back to these intense rides when your skills improve.

Mountain biking is a risky sport and the risk is part of what makes it fun! However, just a few minor precautions can make for a much more pleasurable ride, without going overboard on safety. I can’t get enough of the adrenalin rush from pine trees whipping by while I maneuver through a tight switchback, but three months in a cast and off my bike doesn’t sound like part of the dream. What are your tips and tricks for safety? What sets your plan apart from the crowd and keeps you safe, while still enjoying every facet of mountain bike riding?

• September 26, 2008 -- Going the Distance…The Tools and Gear to Bring With You on Your Next Long Distance Journey
• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 11, 2008 -- What You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit
• September 1, 2008 -- MTBR.com Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• August 25, 2008 -- Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review

Strengths

Structurally strong design with good shell integrity and satisfactory shell/foam bonding. Easily adjusted suspension and fastener. Excellent occipital coverage (rear of skull) for protection of brain’s visual lobe. Very adequate cooling for most applications. Most important positive feature is rounded external rear shell design that lacks sharp “swoopy” protrusions that can snag during a fall and cause hyperextension of neck (causing severe cevical spine injuries)–kudos to Giro for this feature! This is a greatg helmet for those with heads that are longer (“watermelon” shape, as opposed to roundheads) in fore and aft dimensions and slightly narrower side-to-side. Helmet stays on head securely in almost all situations. Summary: an excellent and much overlooked and underrated helmet for both MB and street aps.

Weaknesses

Lack of high visibility shell colors to choose from. Visually bright orange, red, or lime green colors should be available! Yeah, I know: dark is “cool”, but being easily seen while using a helmet on the street is healthier (stay alive longer, brah!). Hotheads might want a bit more cooling, but a sweaty head is far better than a busted one, brahs!

Similar Products Used

Most other helmet designs (Bell, et al) over a 15 year period. Few are better for a wide range of bicycle protective applications than the GIRO Xen, in my professional opinion (as a specialist in military aviation life support technology and crainial protection safety). 

Bottom Line

The Giro Xen bicycle helmet was designed originally for mountain biking and cyclo-cross applications, but it is actually also one of the very best designs obtaininable for street and bicycle commuter applications as well. Protective helmet studies have shown that today’s ‘aero-styled’ bicycle helmets, with their stylish “swoopy” protrusions at the rear, are actually potentially unsafe in crash situations wherein those same jutting protrusions may snag during a fall and traumatically hyperextend the wearer’s neck. The result of such a circumstance is easily (and usually) a broken neck (cervical spine fracture or complete separation–i.e. paralysis). Helmets that have a more rounded rear section with a smoother external aft shell surface are far less prone to such catastrophic accident circumstances during falls and other serious dumps. This is generally not a well known fact among bicylists who would rather look ‘cool’ than ‘safe’ (few want to look like a ‘safe dork’, understandably–it’s human nature). Those of us who specialise in protective helmet design for all applications (aviation aircrew, automobile racers, bicyclists of all persuasions) understand the need for more smoothly rounded shells that offer less opportunity to snag during vigorous activities. Although I use my Xen for serious mountain biking on Hawaiian volcanos (cyclo-cross, too), I also have a Xen I use exclusively on the street (for both road-racing and commuting). I feel it is one of the best overall bicycle helmet designs to come along in a long time and I heartily recommend it to anyone ionterested in maximising personal safety on any kind of bicycle activity! Giro really got it right with their ‘XEN’ design!

• August 25, 2008 -- Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• September 26, 2008 -- Going the Distance…The Tools and Gear to Bring With You on Your Next Long Distance Journey
• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 11, 2008 -- What You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit
• September 2, 2008 -- Safety in Mountain Biking

The Giro Xen is an all-mountain bicycle helmet with a low profile style and coverage found in a skate helmet with the lighter weight and ventilation of a XC helmet.

The rounded back of the helmet is key to safety as it is less likely to snag during a fall which could result in an injury as serious as a borken neck.  So not only does it look cool, but it is actually safer than most helmets as well!

The padding inside of the helmet is all one piece allowing it to be removed easily so that it can be washed.  This is a feature that many other helmets do not provide.  Having one piece promotes a longer lifespan of the insert.

The helmet features the RocLoc system which makes for easy adjustment to obtain that “perfect” fit.  The RocLoc system is simple to adjust and does not require engagement/disengagement when taking the helmet on and off.

The Point of View (P.O.V.) visor is anchored by an internal clutch mechanism that allows for 15 degrees of vertical adjustment and prevents the visor from rattling or coming lose over rough terrain.

Perhaps best of all, the helmet is backed by Giro who as a company has one of the best customer service departments in the industry…no questions asked, if something breaks for falters a replacement will be sent immediately.

The downside (if there is one) of this helmet would have to be the price…roughly about $120.00 MSRP.  However, if you are like me and have a longer watermelon shaped head vs. a roundhead you know that it is hard-to-find a great fitting helmet and as such the price shouldn’t really be an issue.

• September 1, 2008 -- MTBR.com Giro Xen Mountain Bike Helmet Review
• September 26, 2008 -- Going the Distance…The Tools and Gear to Bring With You on Your Next Long Distance Journey
• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 11, 2008 -- What You Should Have in Your First Aid Kit
• September 2, 2008 -- Safety in Mountain Biking