Following the lead of other direct to consumer brands like Diamondback and Canyon, YT Industries has announced that its 2018 bikes will include a new toolkit featuring “everything you need to let the good times begin.” Included with every YT bike will be a kit that includes a torque wrench, shock pump, Allen key, anti slip paste and all necessary manuals.

As mentioned, YT is not the first brand to include these types of tools. It seems like this is a very healthy trend in the industry through. Mountain bikes are becoming more complex and need more dedicated tools to maintain even after initial assembly. Periodically checking the torque of pivots and checking your shock pressures are things every mountain biker should be empowered to do. Putting the tools in the hands of consumers from day one seems like a great idea whether the bike was purchased consumer direct or not.

Mountain biking has and always will have a DIY, get your hands dirty vibe. The bike shop will never be in the middle of the woods when the shit hits the fan. That will always be true. I’m glad to see, even in little ways, that companies continue to empower us, the riders, to get out on an adventure.