Ah, out on the bike in the woods away from the hustle and bustle of city life. What could be better than a few hours of escape? How about a few accessories to make that ride a little more pleasurable?

If you’re on a wet trail, you’re thinking about how you’d like to have a dry butt rather than being covered in mud. Is a little mud in your eye really that fun when who can’t see the trail turn in front of you? Hey, we’re mountain bikers and mud is a part of game. This is true but given a choice, I think we’d all rather be a bit drier than covered in crud for 4 hours.

Oh no! The dreaded flat! Here you go spending the next 20 minutes changing your tire, muscles get tight and the whole flow of your ride is gone. Wouldn’t you rather get back on the rig ASAP?

Airchamp Pro Cartridge Pump

Small, lightweight and powerful! That just about sums up what you need to know about the Air Champ Pro from SKS. Cartridge pumps are cool. If you’ve got that competitive streak and race, a cartridge pump is a necessity to get back with the pack in a hurry. They’re not necessity for epic rides but they do get you back riding fast. Take a look at the SKS line of mini-pumps if the long ride is your style.

With the Airchamp Pro, simply reverse the cartridge, unlock the safety-lock and push the pump firmly on the valve. Pull the air-control trigger and you are ready to go. SKS has done a fine job with a safety-lock feature that eliminates accidental air release. Airchamp Pro fits Presta and Schrader valves with a reversible valve & dust cap.

A frame-mounted clip is offered with the Airchamp for easy mounting. Because the pump is small and light, it’ll easily fit in a jersey pocket or hydration pack.

Weight with cartridge: 100 gr.

Max pressure: MTB-tire (26" x 1,95") up to 43 psi per 16g-cartridge

Mounting: With bottle cage clips or better yet, your jersey pocket

AirChamp Pro is one of the many awesome products from SKS USA. Replacement cartridges are available in packs of 5 or 2. Check with your local dealer for availability.

Suggested retail price: $19.99

Shockboard Quick Release Fender

Product Managers at SKS did a nice job with special geometry that takes into account both the travel of the fork and foot room around the pedals. The Shockboard moves parallel to the steering that results in the wider section permanently positioned above the front wheel. This means less trail flack in your face while bombing at high speed.

Made from a shatter-resistant plastic, Shockboard is durable, stiff and also extremely light weight (160g). Compared to a few other front fenders we’ve played with, the SKS offering is more durable doesn’t flutter and cost less! You’re getting more for less, imagine that!

The innovative quick-release adapter allows for easy removal when trail conditions dry up. Available in both black and carbon finishes.

Suggested Retail price: $19.99

X-tra Dry Quick Release Fender

Guess what? Most mountain biking isn’t done in conditions typically found in the Southwest US (Moab, SoCal, Arizona, etc.). The X-tra Dry rear fender was developed, built and tested by people riding in all weather conditions. The newly designed shield features a large, non-wobbling panel.

Two key features really stand out. First is the new Powerstrap fitting that makes attachment to the seatpost simple. No tools are needed and an easy flip of the lever securely fastens the X-tra Dry. The second feature is the adjustability of the X-tra Dry’s angle to your rear tire. Not only will spray onto your back be eliminated, riders behind you won’t curse your name because your back tires spews mud into their faces.

At only 141 grams, you get a light durable dirt shield full of function. Definitely worth a look if messy conditions are a fact of life for your rides.

Suggested Retail price: $14.99

Shop for fenders

For more information on products from SKS, visit their website at SKS-Germany.com