MTB Essentials #2 – Matty, Shop Manager at Soho bikes

This is the second part in our new series, where we talk to industry workers and fellow riders about five MTB related things they simply can’t be without.

Some folks might pick the latest and greatest carbon fibre super bikes – but others will be delving in their riding bags to pull out trusty multi-tools a decade old…

In part one, I talked about my top five things – check it out here.

We visited the stylish Soho Bikes bike and coffee shop on the iconic Berwick Street to find out what his MTB Essentials are…

For part two, we called in to see Matty from Soho Bikes. 

Matty is the affable shop manager, and when not chatting with customers is busy satisfying his OCD by making sure the place looks tip-top in the way only a Frenchman in London can.

Here’s Matty’s top five MTB Essentials…

Giro Montaro MIPS helmet

Matty from Soho Bikes won’t be the only person that rates the Giro Montaro as one of his MTB Essentials – it’s a superb helmet and offers fantastic protection.

“For me it’s just such a fantastic fit – it fits my head so well that I barely know I have it on.

And I’m really in to the MIPS technology.  Of course the helmet works excellently anyway, but the additional protection from rotational injury that MIPS offers is great. The helmet does move a little more on your head than a traditional lid, but if it fits you like this one does me – then I truly think it’s the best helmet available”

The Giro Montaro MIPS helmet retails for £129.99, and you can get it from Zyro. Check our review of the Giro Montaro out right here.

Crank Brothers Pedals

Love ’em or hate ’em – Crank Brothers pedals are much talked about on the MTB scene. We love them, and were tempted to put them in our own MTB Essentials…

“These things are the story of my life! I’ve been riding Crank Brothers pedal for like 6 or 7 years now, and haven’t found anything better.

Despite working in a bike shop, I’m reluctant to try anything else. They suit me perfectly!
I have the whole family – Candy’s; Mallets; Egg Beaters.

These Mallet DH’s are pretty beaten up now – they have a bit of play here and there. And they’ve been smashed on things plenty of times. I race BMX and they work great – although strangely not many people use them in BMX”

Crank Brothers offer various Mallet Pedals. The new Mallet E retails for £129.99, you can get them from Extra UK and you can read our review right here

Troy Lee Designs Skyline Jersey.

You can’t mess with simplicity and style. Troy Lee Designs has always had that, and probably always will.

“What can I say? It’s black. And has white graphics. It’s comfortable when I’m hot, wicks sweat and doesn’t hang off me. 

And it’s Troy Lee Designs of course.

What else do you need?”

Troy Lee Designs Skyline jerseys are £44.99 and you can currently get them via Fisher Outdoor. 

Acre Hauser bag

With a hefty price tag, you might think that no one would put the Acre Hauser on their list of MTB Essentials – but if you have a possession you use day-in-day-out and it laughs it off, it becomes easier to ignore the price…

“Although I’ve not used them long, Acre bags have to be the toughest bags I’ve ever seen. The construction is so good – really is built to last. 

Previously I would only use Osprey, as I believed the fit and performance was best – but having just got one of these, I know I’m going to be using it for a long time”

“All the fabric’s used are the best quality – it’s hand made Colorado and has really well thought out detail.

You need to see one in the flesh to realise how tough they are”

The Acre Hauser bag is not cheap – but we also appreciate how damned good the £185 bag is. You can get them from various places including Soho Bikes, or our friends up at The Trailhead Bicycle Company in Shrewsbury. Read our review right here.

Mobile Phone

A mobile phone is probably the most sensible of the MTB Essentials we’ve had so far. This one has already had a long paper round in the hands of Matty but it keeps him in touch with the world. #frenchmatt

“It’s the thing you can’t go riding without these days!

Tinder (laughs); Instagram; navigation and of course the safety aspect. It’s good to see what people are doing and be able to connect with friends – but be anywhere you like with your bike.

As you can see this phone lives in my pocket. It always saves me – the crack on the screen is from opening a beer the other day (laughter). It definitely saved me that time!

But seriously – a phone is a lifeline. Definitely one of my MTB Essentials”

What do you think of Matty’s top 5 MTB Essentials?

What would you pick for your 5 things?

Let us know in the comments below! 

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