Ally Stacher knows a thing or two about riding bikes. The former pro road cyclist was one of the best domestiques in the sport, competing in Europe’s biggest races, but this year, she jumped head first into mountain biking, a discipline she didn’t have much experience with. So far, so good. Stacher landed on the podium at the National Championships in the women’s pro division and was all set to win the Pisgah Stage Race when she blew a chain during the last stage. “I’m a princess roadie who’s used to racing in Europe with team mechanics. I didn’t know how to fix the chain, so I had to wait 25 minutes for help.” Stacher’s working on her mechanic skills, but she also has her hands full with her company that makes Ally’s Bar, a vegan-friendly bar that actually tastes good (think sweet potatoes, dates, cashews…). Needless to say, she never leaves home without a few of her own bars, but here are five more pieces of gear she can’t live without.
NO. 1 Kask ProTone
I’m a big helmet fan. You should protect your head. These are super lightweight helmets out of Italy. I’ve taken a few spills in them and haven’t had any problems. They’re really comfortable too, with good padding and leather straps that just feel nice. $299.95;
NO. 2 Focus Raven
It’s a hard tail, light and fast, and it handles amazingly. You can huck over anything on that thing. It’s one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden. Women’s specific bikes are fine for people who fit them, but I’m taller, I need a men’s medium. This bike fits well. $3,899; focus-bikes.com
NO. 3 Oakley Radar Sunglasses
You should always look good. If you look good, you feel good and you perform well. I also like the transitional lenses in these. It gets so dark inside the woods, you need clear lenses, but then you’re on gravel in the sun and you need darker lenses. They transition super well. $160; oakley.com
NO. 4 RockShox Reverb Stealth Dropper Post
I ride the shit out of Pisgah on that dropper post. If you ride Pisgah, it’s technical and rooty, with drops and steep pitches. You have to work for every descent. Having this dropper post is a game changer for riding in Pisgah. $324; sram.com
NO. 5 I-9 Torch Ultralite Wheels
I never leave home without them. They’re really fast and roll amazing. Pisgah is so challenging, it’s good to have really reliable wheels that you can try stuff with. And they’re color coordinated with my bike. $1,195; industrynine.net
NO. 6 Velocio Kit (NOT PICTURED)
This is a really high end cycling kit. It costs more, but when you put it on, you understand why. The chamois in these shorts is so freaking comfortable. You get what you pay for. And the kit makes me look really fast. $169; velocio.cc
NO. 7 Ibex Ace Shirt
The Ace performs equally well on a steep mountain trail run and a casual pub crawl. The Merino wool wicks moisture superbly and feels as good as it looks. $115; ibex.com
NO. 8 Merrell Mix Master Move 2
Looking for a PR shoe? This minimalist, versatile trail shoe with a 4mm drop weighs in at 8.4 ounces and performs well on roads as on gnarly singletrack. $100; merrell.com
NO. 9 IceMule Classic Cooler
Ditch the clunky beast of a cooler you’ve been lugging and strap on an Icemule. The portable, lightweight, wearable cooler rolls up, floats, and keeps ice cool for 24 hours. After a hot, sweaty day of adventure, the Icemule will ensure a cold beverage awaits. $100; icemulecooler.com
NO. 10 Gramicci Morrison Organic Shirt
A blend of certified organic cotton and herbicide-free durable hemp, the V-neck wicks away moisture quickly and performs well in intense August heat. Unlike synthetics, it doesn’t smell or scratch. It’s a clean, comfortable fit that performs like a champ. $45; gramicci.com
