Gear budgets – how much do you need to spend?
Used trail bike + basic protection gear
- ✓ Used trail bike 120-140mm
- ✓ Full-face helmet (basic)
- ✓ Back protector
- ✓ Gloves
New trail/enduro bike + complete gear
- ✓ New trail/enduro bike 130-160mm
- ✓ Full-face helmet (mid-range)
- ✓ Full protectors
- ✓ Accessories and clothing
Premium enduro/DH bike + top gear
- ✓ Premium enduro/DH carbon
- ✓ Top helmet and protectors
- ✓ Spare wheels, parts
- ✓ Full tech equipment
Bike – the most important choice
Trail / All-Mountain
Pros:
- Versatility – great for bikepark and XC trails
- Light and agile
- Easy climbs without lift
- Lower maintenance costs
Cons:
- Less stable on fast, steep descents
- Worse suspension on big jumps
Recommended models:
- Trek Fuel EX (8,000 - 18,000 PLN)
- Specialized Stumpjumper (10,000 - 25,000 PLN)
- Canyon Spectral (7,000 - 15,000 PLN)
- YT Jeffsy (8,000 - 16,000 PLN)
Enduro
Pros:
- Excellent on difficult bikepark trails
- Stable at high speeds
- Handles big jumps
- Can still climb without lift
Cons:
- Heavier – tiring climbs
- More expensive to buy and service
- Overkill for beginners
Recommended models:
- YT Capra (10,000 - 20,000 PLN)
- Specialized Enduro (12,000 - 30,000 PLN)
- Canyon Torque (9,000 - 18,000 PLN)
- Santa Cruz Nomad (15,000 - 35,000 PLN)
Downhill (DH)
Pros:
- Maximum stability and control
- Built for extreme descents
- Absorbs everything – rocks, jumps, drops
Cons:
- Requires lift – too heavy to climb
- Very expensive
- Costly servicing
- Impractical outside bikepark
Recommended models:
- YT Tues (12,000 - 22,000 PLN)
- Specialized Demo (15,000 - 35,000 PLN)
- Santa Cruz V10 (18,000 - 45,000 PLN)
- Trek Session (14,000 - 30,000 PLN)
Protection gear – MANDATORY
Full-Face Helmet
Most important element! Protects entire head, face and jaw. Mandatory in many bikeparks on red and black trails.
Budget: 400-700 PLN
- Fox Rampage Comp
- Bell Sanction
- Giro Disciple
Good protection, basic ventilation
Mid-range: 800-1,400 PLN
- Troy Lee Designs D4
- Fox Rampage Pro Carbon
- Bell Super DH MIPS
Lighter, better ventilation, MIPS
Premium: 1,500-2,500+ PLN
- Fox Rampage Pro Carbon V2
- Troy Lee Designs D4 Carbon
- Leatt DBX 6.0 Carbon
Carbon, lightest, best technology
Spine and back protector
Protects spine from injuries. Available as backpack or vest.
Budget: 250-400 PLN
- Fox Baseframe Pro
- Alpinestars Bionic Action
Mid-range: 500-800 PLN
- Leatt 3DF AirFit
- POC VPD Air+
Premium: 900-1,500 PLN
- Leatt Brace GPX 6.5 Carbon
- Alpinestars A-4 Max
Knee and elbow pads
Especially important for beginners. Will protect from scrapes and injuries in falls.
Knees: 150-600 PLN
- Fox Launch Pro (250 PLN)
- POC Joint VPD 2.0 (400 PLN)
- Leatt 3DF 6.0 (500 PLN)
Elbows: 120-400 PLN
- Fox Launch Pro Elbow (180 PLN)
- POC Joint VPD 2.0 Elbow (280 PLN)
- G-Form Pro-X (200 PLN)
Gloves
Full-finger MTB gloves – better grip, hand protection and vibration damping.
Price: 80-300 PLN
- Fox Ranger (100 PLN) – good basic
- Troy Lee Designs SE (150 PLN) – durable
- POC Essential DH (200 PLN) – premium quality
Goggles / Glasses
Eye protection from mud, rocks, branches and insects.
Price: 100-600 PLN
- Fox Main Goggles (150 PLN)
- 100% Strata 2 (250 PLN)
- Oakley Airbrake (600 PLN)
Accessories and spare parts
Tools and service
- MTB multitool: 80-200 PLN
- Hand pump: 50-150 PLN
- Patch kit: 20-40 PLN
- Chain oil: 30-60 PLN
- Spare tube: 25-40 PLN
Clothing
- MTB jersey: 100-300 PLN
- MTB shorts: 150-500 PLN
- Protection shorts: 200-600 PLN
- MTB flat pedal shoes: 300-800 PLN
- MTB socks: 40-100 PLN
Part upgrades
- Downhill tires: 200-400 PLN/pc
- Hydraulic brakes: 800-2,000 PLN/set
- Dropper post: 600-1,800 PLN
- Flat pedals: 150-600 PLN
- Wider handlebar: 150-500 PLN
Transport and storage
- Bike rack: 500-2,000 PLN
- Bike bag: 200-600 PLN
- Service stand: 300-1,200 PLN
- Bike lights: 100-500 PLN
Where to buy gear?
Physical stores
Pros: Ability to try on, salesperson advice, service
Cons: Higher prices, smaller selection
E.g. Decathlon, local bike shops
Online stores
Pros: Lower prices, huge selection, convenience
Cons: No ability to try on, size risk
E.g. BikeComponents.de, ChainReactionCycles, Wiggle
Second-hand market
Pros: Lowest prices, sometimes top gear cheaper
Cons: No warranty, risk of damage
E.g. OLX, Facebook Marketplace, Pinkbike Buysell
Year-end sales
Pros: New gear, big discounts (20-40%)
Cons: Limited size and color selection
Sale season: September-November
FAQ – Most common questions
Can I ride in a bikepark on a trail bike?
Yes! A trail bike (120-150mm travel) is sufficient for most green and blue trails. Enduro works better on red and black, but trail is enough to start.
Do I need carbon?
No. Aluminum is completely sufficient, more durable and cheaper. Carbon is an option for experienced riders looking for the lightest gear.
How much does MTB bike maintenance cost?
Annually: about 500-1,500 PLN (tires, brake pads, suspension service, oils). Intensive riding = higher costs.
Is it better to buy used premium or new budget bike?
Usually used premium – better components, geometry and suspension. Check technical condition and service history.
Do I need a dropper post?
Yes, it's a game-changer! Adjustable seatpost allows you to lower saddle on descents. If your bike doesn't have one, it's the first upgrade to do.