There is nothing more thrilling than mountain biking clothing. There’s nothing quite like a day exploring trails in the forest and the right equipment can make or break it. In addition to a quality bike, the right clothing is crucial as well. Check out this quick guide to what to wear for mountain biking. The performance and comfort of these shoes may not be optimal for biking. A thick seam will irritate your sensitive skin more than anything else. Here are a few common things to wear when biking to help you be comfortable and perform as well as you can. It’s okay to wear whatever you want when you’re riding a mountain bike.
This shouldn’t be a barrier to making the sport more widely accessible – and some people even prefer to have a “less is more” attitude. Having the right kit, however, will make your ride more enjoyable as it will keep you safe and comfortable. The style of riding and the location where you ride will always affect what you wear on mountain biking. To help you decide on what kit to choose, we’ve outlined the different items of kit that you can wear while getting sandy on the trails.
The Right Shorts and Trousers Are Key
Shorts are the foundation of any mountain biking outfit. This category contains a wide range of items, but you will want to use something that has been specially designed for your purpose. Shorts for mountain biking are usually made from a durable fabric, which is important if you fall. Normally, you’ll also find some padding built into these shorts, which can make them a lot more comfortable. There may be slightly less padding in mountain shorts compared to traditional road shorts, so you can switch up your riding position more easily.
Our recommendation is to invest in a pair of mountain bike shorts that are designed for everything you’re likely to encounter whilst riding. Bicycle shorts can be made with a variety of fabrics and weights, but most are constructed from durable materials that will last a long time and offer protection in case you fall.
Jerseys and tops designed for mountain bikers
It’s important that you get the right jersey or shirt, whatever you call it. Many mountain bikers avoid wearing cotton t-shirts because cotton t-shirts can be difficult to dry after getting wet. A piece of moisture-wicking fabric wicks away sweat from your skin and dries quicker than cotton or other non-performance fabrics. For protection against scrapes from branches and other foliage, mountain biking jerseys often feature longer sleeves. If you choose a synthetic jersey, it will likely have moisture-wicking materials that keep you cool while riding.
Make sure you’ve got gloves
Did you ever rip your hands up when you took a fall? Certainly, I have. It’s important to always wear mountain bike gloves, even though hands heal surprisingly quickly. Gloves aren’t super expensive, and you can find several styles to match your personality. You should avoid the easy mistake of thinking that your road bike gloves will work just fine on a mountain bike. The only thing they have in common is their function of gripping handlebars. As you traverse (and perhaps fall on) challenging terrain, mountain bike gloves are meant to cover your fingers completely, preventing nasty cuts and scrapes.
It’s Important to Have Warmers and Pads
Think about two things when it comes to knee and arm warmers. To begin with, look at how much protection you need. Do you ride mellow trails, a sportbike, or a downhill bike? To keep them from sliding down your thighs during the ride, make sure you get the right size. The process is pretty straightforward. The size chart on the pad will tell you how to measure your upper thighs.
Cycling shoes
If you won’t be riding clipless, you don’t need mountain bike shoes for your first rides. If you’re new to clipless pedals, you are attaching your shoes to your pedals with little cleats until you release them.
Wearing Cold-Weather Clothing When Mountain Biking
Winter gear allows you to ride earlier in the spring and later in the fall. Adding rain/wind protection to your pack is a sensible decision all year round. When a cold front is in the forecast, add insulating layers so that you are prepared.
Jackets for biking
It is important to have the right jacket, one that can withstand even the worst weather conditions. Waterproof phones should be able to carry your phone around in your pockets without getting wet. Mountain bike-specific outerwear is less common. Most of the differences between road outerwear and mountain bike outerwear are in the fabric. A cycling-specific design is best, though, since it can provide better wind protection on the front and will fit your shoulders and cover your arms when you lean forward in the saddle. Also, the hood should be helmet-compatible. The helmet hood should also be compatible with the helmet.
Tights for bike riding
The most padded bike tights can replace your liner shorts on cold days. Similarly to bike jackets, you’ll want waterproof/breathable pants when it gets wet.
What You Have Experienced
In no time at all, you’ll be covered in mud and sweat from mountain biking. You should be careful not to let your favorite cycling clothes stink. They may even remain smelly after washing. Most likely, this is because your cycling jerseys and shorts are made with synthetic materials, while regular detergent is designed for use on cotton. You don’t have to tolerate the smell!
Knee pads and shin pads are among the most common types of padded protection. If you ride in flat pedals with pins, shin pads can prevent cuts from the pedal if your foot slips and hits it. It is common to use knee pads while climbing because if you crash and fall on some rocks, your knees could get pretty bruised up. Choose whatever suits your style, but don’t overlook protection.
There are a number of kits that can make mountain biking more enjoyable; a breathable jersey will keep you cool, kneepads will give you a little more confidence, MTB specific shoes will help you keep your feet from slipping off the pedals and a helmet will keep you safe. This What To Wear guide has provided you with an overview of some of the items you might choose to use.No matter what kit you have, what matters most is that we are out getting shreddy and having fun, and don’t let the lack of a head-to-toe kit keep you from going out!
